San Francisco's Live 105 Honored for Profound Impact on Bay Area Radio

The beloved alternative rock station was recognized by the Bay Area Radio Museum and Hall of Fame three years after returning to its roots.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 9:15pm by Ben Kaplan

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San Francisco's iconic alternative rock station Live 105 (KITS-FM) was honored as the 2026 Legendary Station of the Year by the Bay Area Radio Museum and Hall of Fame. The station, which has been a launching pad for local bands like Green Day and Third Eye Blind, was recognized for its decades-long legacy and profound impact on Bay Area listeners.

Why it matters

Live 105 has been a staple of the Bay Area music scene for over 35 years, helping to introduce countless alternative and punk acts to local audiences. The station's recognition by the Bay Area Radio Museum and Hall of Fame underscores its enduring cultural significance and influence on the region's musical landscape.

The details

After a tumultuous period that saw the station rebranded as Alt. 105.3 and then 105.3 Dave FM, Live 105 returned to its former alt-rock format in 2023. The station was honored for its role in launching the careers of local bands like Green Day and Third Eye Blind, as well as for hosting popular events like the BFD festival and the Not So Silent Night concert series.

  • Live 105 launched in 1986.
  • The station was rebranded as Alt. 105.3 in 2018.
  • In 2021, it switched to 105.3 Dave FM with a focus on adult hits.
  • Live 105 returned to its former alt-rock format in 2023.
  • The station was honored as the 2026 Legendary Station of the Year on January 30, 2026.

The players

Live 105 (KITS-FM)

A beloved alternative rock radio station in San Francisco that has been a launching pad for local bands and a cultural institution in the Bay Area for over 35 years.

Bay Area Radio Museum and Hall of Fame

An organization that recognizes and honors the legacy of radio stations and personalities in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Green Day

An East Bay punk trio that was launched to national fame with the help of Live 105.

Third Eye Blind

A San Francisco-based alternative rock band that was also supported by Live 105 in its early days.

Kieran Geffert

The senior vice president and market manager of Audacy San Francisco, the company that owns Live 105.

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What they’re saying

“Since it launched in 1986, Live 105 has profoundly impacted its listeners, helped launch countless musical acts, and been a nationally-recognized leader in the alternative-rock format.”

— Stan Bunger, Chair of the Bay Area Radio Museum and Hall of Fame operating committee (sfchronicle.com)

“We are deeply honored and so proud to see Live 105's rich legacy recognized. It's a milestone that truly reflects decades of culture, creativity, and community.”

— Kieran Geffert, Senior vice president and market manager of Audacy San Francisco (sfchronicle.com)

The takeaway

Live 105's recognition by the Bay Area Radio Museum and Hall of Fame is a testament to the station's enduring impact on the region's music scene and its ability to connect with generations of alternative rock fans. The station's return to its alt-rock roots in 2023 has helped solidify its legacy as a cultural institution in San Francisco.