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JAZZ RADIO station KRML is coming to a new studio overlooking the Hog’s Breath Inn, along with an ambitious new program schedule, a retail store featuring jazz-themed merchandise, plans for a remote broadcasts from major events on the Monterey Peninsula and an extensive series of live performances at Sunset Center and other venues, according to David Kimball, president and CEO of the company that bought the station from Wisdom Broadcasting this week.

“Carmel is unique and KRML is unique as well,” Kimball said. “We’re going to break new ground in the world of broadcasting.”

“It’s a station that belongs downtown,” said Clint Eastwood, whose 1971 directorial debut, “Play Misty for Me,” featured the station. The former mayor sold the Hog’s Breath in 2000, but Eastwood still owns the building where KRML’s new studios will be located. “I love the music they play, and it will be a fun addition to the neighborhood.”

Broadcasts from the new studio will begin in early July, said Kimball, who began his “Let’s Dance” Saturday afternoon show on KRML in 1991. Over the years he has increasingly been involved in station operation. But he praised previous station owner Gil Wisdom for his “foresight and creativity in combining a radio station, retail store, record label and concert series into a thriving business.”

Joining Kimball in managing the station in its new location are Gary Hamada, who has extensive experience producing local concerts and will do the same for KRML, and Rhett Alan Smith, whose Pacific Grove business, “The Media Room,” thrived as a concert venue in the 1990s until it was shut down by the city for lacking handicapped access.

Local businessman Don Bowen will also continue as on-air host of “Around Town,” his 10 a.m. Saturday talk show on political and business events on the Monterey Peninsula.

“We’re very excited about the future of Carmel’s hometown radio station and the new vision we’ve created,” Kimball said.
KRML broadcasts 24 hours a day at 1410 AM and at 92.5 FM via Comcast cable.