A Service of Saddleback College and
California State University, Northridge

Who We Are

The SoCal Sound is a member-supported, public radio station broadcasting live from the campuses of California State University, Northridge, and Saddleback College. The SoCal Sound relies heavily on financial support from individual donors and underwriting sponsors. That means we rely on you, the public, to keep the unique format and community service for CSUN, Saddleback College, and Southern California on the air.

Officially rebranding from "The Independent 88.5FM Radio" to "The SoCal Sound" in August 2022, The SoCal Sound is member-supported public radio.

We have many ways to thank you, plus you're eligible for all benefits of Membership including first dibs on free ticket offers and pre-sale tickets plus invites The SoCal Sound LIVE Sessions and other special station events.

The SoCal Sound’s “Triple-A” (Adult Album Alternative) format is exclusive in the Southern California marketplace. Music programming includes live in-studio sessions and interviews with well-established and emerging artists. The SoCal Sound programming features the best independent records and progressive major releases.  Monday-Friday The SoCal Sound plays music by a wide range of iconic rock and contemporary artists. We are an industry leader in recognizing and supporting emerging artists while honoring heritage musicians. 

Weekends feature specialty programming hosted by radio veterans and celebrity personalities & include genres such as; Folk/Roots, Rock, Funk, Neo-Soul and more. 

Triple-A formats, including The SoCal Sound, traditionally reach audiences that are affluent, sophisticated, diverse, & highly educated. This makes the Independent 88.5 listeners extremely coveted consumers for sponsors.


Click here for a Program Guide and list of The SoCal Sound's on-air personalities.

The SoCal Sound MISSION STATEMENT:

The SoCal Sound is all about music discovery. We are dedicated to curating a blend of established, emerging, and diverse artists including music that is new, deep, and local. As a public, member-supported audio service with broadcast and digital distribution, we embrace the independence our non-profit status affords us by super-serving Southern California and listeners around the world. Our priority is the community of listeners, members, artists, sponsors, students, and the universities we serve. We are The SoCal Sound.