“Position 93” Sampler, KHJ Los Angeles | Early 1978

930 Los Angeles KHJ
Charlie Tuna at 93/KHJ

“Position 93, your California JAM Station…”

Please scroll down and read an important message

Curator’s Notes:

Contributor Mike Donovan sent this in about 7 years ago, but it’s as relevant now as it was then. Legendary Top 40 station 93 KHJ still had it’s array of 1970s high-powered jocks, but “The New Sound of KHJ” was trying to compete with L.A. area FM stations and their more music, less talk approaches (specifically, the two major Album Rockers that gained much of the AM audience by 1978), and unfortunately, those now legendary personalities were muted, for the most part; relegated to liner cards and a format that restricted as to when they could speak at all. Just like today, right (speaks volumes as to where the business was headed even back in 1978)?

It may be quick, at under 5 minutes, but you certainly get a feel for the pace of KHJ. At least that was left intact!


Shotgun Tom Kelly from his website, shotgunkelly.com
This starts out with Charlie Tuna, moves on to Bobby Ocean and then some great Machine Gun Kelly. There are no jingles, as this new format approach, known for a short time as “Position 93” supposedly eliminated the need for them. Where the format went next after this part of the year 1978 was right down the Top 40 tubes, as KHJ for about a year went to a more music, less talk almost AOR sounding format before making one last try at personality-based Top 40. But this still sounds GOOD! This is still high-energy, even with the conspicuous lack of format elements that made most Top 40 stations cook!

Most of our loyal ‘listeners’ know that my family and I have been suffering financial difficulties. We still are, and I think we’re about a week – 10 days away from relief as my package money will eventually arrive. When it does, I will delete all these notices, but leave the donation box at the top of the page. Thank you all who have already helped.
I’d like to ask all of you for a bit of help to get us through the next 10 days. There’s still nothing coming in for income at present. Please use the donation button below this. Thank you