PS RADIO WATCH - Palm Springs radio is beginning 2026 with a significant shift on the FM dial—one that reflects both evolving audience tastes and strategic local ownership decisions.
Locally owned KGAY, long recognized as one of the nation’s most prominent LGBTQ+ radio brands, has officially moved from 106.5 FM to 103.1 FM, gaining a stronger signal and expanded reach across the Coachella Valley. The move also introduces an HD digital signal, positioning KGAY for continued growth and technical improvement after seven years of success in the market.
With KGAY’s relocation, its former frequency at 106.5 FM has undergone a format flip. MeTV FM—which had occupied the signal with a Classic Hits format—has been dropped, making way for Sunny 106.5 (KMEE), a new Adult Contemporary outlet aimed at a different slice of the listening audience.
A Strategic Reset for 106.5 FM
Brad Fuhr
Station owner and operator Brad Fuhr described the change as both practical and forward-looking.
“We know the station was loved by many,” Fuhr said, “but we saw an opportunity to bring music to Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley that hasn’t been heard on radio dials in some time. Hard as it is to believe, the music that played on the radio in the 90s and 2000s is now a quarter century old.”
Sunny 106.5’s playlist focuses on familiar, mainstream Adult Contemporary titles drawn from the 1990s and 2000s—music now squarely in the nostalgia lane for a large segment of listeners. The shift mirrors a broader industry trend as radio stations recalibrate formats to reflect generational change while remaining competitive in a streaming-dominated environment.
John Taylor, Jim Hampton
CityWatch Publisher Jim Hampton attended the open house celebrating the launch of Sunny 106.5 and had the opportunity to greet John Taylor, longtime morning personality at KGAY.
Familiar Voices, Continued Community Focus
While the music mix has changed, the station’s commitment to local presence remains. Fuhr confirmed that Patrick Evans, an award-winning on-air personality, will continue with the new station.
“Patrick Evans will continue to be part of the family, bringing his show to Sunny 106.5 weekdays,” Fuhr said. “He’ll also continue with his NewsChannel 3 First Alert Weather forecasts. We’re still committed to promoting local charities and causes and look forward to being even more involved in the community.”
That emphasis on local voices and civic engagement is notable at a time when many radio markets are increasingly dominated by syndicated programming and distant ownership.
What the Flip Signals
Together, KGAY’s move to a stronger frequency and the launch of Sunny 106.5 illustrate how locally owned radio can remain flexible, responsive, and community-driven. KGAY expands its footprint and digital capacity, while 106.5 FM is repositioned to serve a broader Adult Contemporary audience with deep roots in familiar pop culture.
For listeners, the reshuffle underscores a simple reality of modern radio: formats change, but stations that invest in signal strength, local talent, and community connection still play a vital role in regional life.
As 2026 unfolds, the Palm Springs dial may sound different—but it remains very much alive.
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