Welcome Home: A New Chapter for KXFM

What a whirlwind few weeks it’s been for KXFM.

Just days after celebrating another unforgettable Laguna Achievement Festival (the LAF Awards), we welcomed the community into Orange Door Studios.

The second annual LAF Awards reminded us why Laguna Beach is such a special place. The energy in the room was electric, and the overwhelming support reaffirmed what we’ve always believed: that community is at the center of everything we do.

That same spirit carried directly into our ribbon-cutting at Orange Door Studios. After months of planning, building, and a bittersweet goodbye to Pearl St., KXFM has officially moved into its new digs. We packed the house with supporters, neighbors, friends, and community leaders, including Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley, who joined Executive Director Billy Fried in cutting the ribbon and marking a major milestone for KXFM.

Orange Door Studios is the result of a labor of love, led by GM and de facto project manager Jonathan Tufano. And through a process of continuous improvement, will become a vision realized.

That same commitment to community extends well beyond our walls and into the next generation of broadcasters. Through KXFM’s Radio Internship Program, we’ve been mentoring and training Laguna Beach high schoolers in hands-on production, storytelling, and live radio. As the school year winds down, our graduating Rippers signed off for the final time — heading out into the world with real broadcast experience under their belts. The program continues to grow under the leadership of LBHS alum Brenden Hexberg and Director of Operations Lex Simonton. Thanks to a generous grant from Laguna’s Rotary Club, we’ll return in the fall for another season of LBHS Power Hour, giving a new group of students the chance to find their voices on air.

Located in the heart of Laguna Beach at 1121 Glenneyre St., Orange Door Studios features an outdoor listener lounge and a front-row seat to live radio every day. Whether you’re a longtime member, a first-time listener, or simply curious about what happens behind the mic, we invite you to stop by, say hello, grab a coffee and experience KXFM IRL!

This is your station.

KXFM is powered by community. Every broadcast, event, and program is made possible by people who believe in hyperlocal, independent media.

As a nonprofit, we’re asking everyone in the community to help keep our signal strong by supporting ongoing operations and upgrades to our podcast network. Your support helps us tell more Laguna stories, host more events, and create more conversations and celebrations that bring us together.

Become a member today at kxfmradio.org/donate for as little as $10 a month.

Thank you for being part of KXFM’s next chapter.

Welcome home.

Tune in. Turn on. We’re just getting started.