KMBY 1240 Original Studios - Virtually Unchanged
In a recent rare visit to Cannery Row I noticed that there are very few
landmarks left. The cannery buildings are all but gone and replaced with
replicas. What those that are still there have changed drastically to
accommodate imprisoned fish, tourists and more commerce. Gone forever are
original bohemian places like Odyssey Records, Capone's Warehouse and The
812 Cinema. One thing that has not really physically changed in over 35
years is the radio station offices, studio and transmitter that broadcasts
at 1240 AM. Once Monterey's only top 40 pop station KMBY, it's now a talk
radio format known as KNRY. Friends and I would often visit the studio,
whether to collect prizes won in the many call in contests, or just see the
DJ working at the turntables. Here's a photo collection of the studio as it
is today.
The Bear Flag Building.
1929
Across Cannery Row at the water's edge is the antenna tower
Tower view from parking garage on Foam street
Looking up from the base
Caution!
The map showing the coverage of AM 1240
Back over at the Bear Flag - sign over the door.
Sign on street.
Entry Way.
Going upstairs. Everything is the same as I remember from the 70s.
Reach the top, go around the corner . .
The Hallway. Door to studios, observation window, door to offices.
Here's where you'd see real live DJs spinning 45s like The Monkees or Martha
And The Vandellas.
If you went into the office lobby, you could pick up the latest survey of
the "Top 12 plus 40"
Time to leave. Going downstairs you'd notice the low ceiling. The redwood
ceiling is from the 70s era.
Thanks for the memories. Step out and back out into the phony charm.