KROQ (106.7 FM), the "World Famous" alternative rock station that's been a staple of Los Angeles airwaves since the 1970s, has staged a remarkable comeback in 2025 after years of struggling against shifting listener demographics, streaming competition, and internal shakeups.
Once a ratings powerhouse that helped launch acts like Nirvana and Red Hot Chili Peppers into the mainstream, KROQ had dipped to middling performance in recent years—often ranking outside the top 15 stations in the market with shares around 2-3% in the key adults 25-54 demographic.
But this year, particularly in the latter half, the station has seen a steady climb, culminating in a strong October showing that positions it as a top contender in LA's crowded radio landscape, according to a story at Variety.
Key Ratings Highlights for 2025Nielsen Audio's Portable People Meter (PPM) data, which measures listener shares among persons 6+ from 6 a.m. to midnight, paints a clear picture of KROQ's upward trajectory. Here's a snapshot of its monthly performance in the overall market (Persons 6+ AQH share), based on released figures through October:
Overall Trend: From a low of 1.8% in February to 3.3% in October, that's an 83% increase year-over-year in the persons 6+ metric. In the more commercially vital 25-54 demo (target for advertisers), the jump from ~2.6% in late 2024 to 5.8% in October represents a 123% surge, vaulting KROQ from No. 12 to No. 2.
Context in the Market: LA's No. 2 market (behind New York) is fiercely competitive, with iHeartMedia's KOST (103.5 FM) leading at 12.4% in February and KRTH (101.1 FM) close behind. Alternative rock as a format had been fragmented, with KROQ's rival Alt 98.7 (KYSR) often edging it out. But KROQ's October 3.3% topped Alt's 3.6% in some breakdowns, signaling a format-wide revival.
These gains aren't isolated—KROQ's weekly cume (cumulative audience) has hovered around 1-1.1 million listeners, a solid base in a market of 11+ million potential ears.
What's Driving the Increase?
The turnaround isn't accidental. Audacy (KROQ's parent company) has leaned into nostalgia, fresh talent, and a refined playlist under program director Kevin Weatherly, who's credited with steadying the ship since 2020.
Key factors include:
Talent Returns and New Lineups: The big splash was Kevin Ryder's April 1, 2025, return to afternoons after a five-year hiatus (fired in 2020 amid pandemic cuts). The ex-"Kevin & Bean" co-host brings back the irreverent humor that defined KROQ's peak. Mornings feature the growing "Klein.Ally.Show," a duo that's built chemistry and local buzz since debuting in 2024. Nights shifted to Megan Holliday, keeping the energy high.
Playlist and Format Tweaks: A return to "rockier" alternative roots—more guitars, less TikTok-pop—has resonated. Recent adds like Deftones' new tracks and Foo Fighters' "Today's Song" (which topped the KROQ playlist in July) blend fresh releases with '90s/'00s staples. Weatherly scrapped a short-lived "Loveline" revival, deeming it outdated for 2025 audiences.
Broader Alternative Boom: Radio analyst Sean Ross notes alternative music's healthiest stretch in six months, with KROQ and Alt 98.7 both up. Events like Almost Acoustic Christmas (KROQ's holiday staple) and high-profile interviews (e.g., In-N-Out's Lynsi Snyder in August) boost visibility.
Challenges Overcome: KROQ's signal has long been criticized as weak in parts of LA (e.g., Burbank reception issues persist), but digital streams and the Audacy app have helped. The station's cult following—fueled by its role in LA's music history—has mobilized, with social media chatter amplifying the momentum.
What's Next for KROQ?
With November ratings due soon, insiders expect continued strength if the talent synergies hold. A multi-part docuseries on KROQ's history (produced by Jimmy Kimmel and Adam Carolla) could drop in 2026, potentially reigniting national interest.
However, sustainability hinges on navigating streaming erosion and demographic shifts—LA's growing Hispanic population favors Spanish formats like KLAX.
In short, 2025 has been KROQ's redemption arc: from radio relic to ratings riser, proving the "Roq" still rocks in the City of Angels. If you're tuning in, catch Ryder's rants or Klein and Ally's banter—it's like the '90s, but with better Wi-Fi.