You’re stuck in 4:00 PM traffic on the 101. The sun is beating down on the hood of your car, and the radio is the only thing keeping you sane. If you’re a Dodgers fan, you probably know the drill. You flip the dial, looking for the game. For a huge portion of Southern California, that search ends at 1020 AM radio Los Angeles Dodgers coverage. This isn't just about a frequency; it's about the Spanish-language heartbeat of Chavez Ravine. KTNQ 1020 AM has become the definitive home for those who want their baseball with a side of sabor.
It’s iconic.
Honestly, the relationship between the Dodgers and their Spanish-speaking fanbase is basically the blueprint for every other team in MLB. While AM radio is dying in some parts of the country, in Los Angeles, it’s alive and kicking. You can feel it when you walk through Echo Park and hear the broadcast drifting out of garage speakers.
The Power of the 1020 AM Frequency
Why 1020? In the world of broadcasting, signal is king. KTNQ operates with 50,000 watts. That is a massive amount of power. Because of how AM radio waves travel—especially at night—that 1020 AM signal can sometimes reach all the way up to Central California or down into Mexico. For the Dodgers, who have a massive international following, this isn't just a local broadcast. It’s a lifeline.
The partnership with Univision (which owns KTNQ) ensures that the games are accessible. You don't need an expensive cable subscription or a high-speed data plan to know if Shohei Ohtani just went yard. You just need a cheap transistor radio or a car stereo.
There’s a specific kind of magic in the static.
The Dodgers recognized early on—way back in the late 50s—that they weren't just a team for English speakers. When the team moved from Brooklyn to LA, Walter O'Malley realized he was landing in a city where Spanish was everywhere. He didn't just want to ignore that. He wanted to embrace it. That eventually led to the era of Jaime Jarrín, the man who basically taught Los Angeles how to speak baseball in Spanish.
Life After Jaime Jarrín on KTNQ
When Jaime Jarrín retired in 2022 after 64 seasons, people panicked. How do you replace a legend? You don't. You just find the next generation to carry the torch. Today, when you tune into 1020 AM radio Los Angeles Dodgers, you’re hearing Pepe Yñiguez and José Mota.
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Mota is a fascinating addition. He’s the son of Dodgers legend Manny Mota, so the DNA of the franchise is literally in the booth. He brings this weirdly specific, deep technical knowledge of the game but delivers it like he’s talking to you over a plate of tacos. It’s authentic.
- Pepe Yñiguez brings the classic "Goooooool" style energy to home runs.
- José Mota provides the analytical breakdown that modern fans crave.
- The chemistry is there. It’s fast. It’s loud. It’s emotional.
Unlike some English broadcasts that can feel a bit clinical or stat-heavy, the 1020 AM feed is pure passion. They don't just call the play; they live the play. When the Dodgers are down by three in the ninth, you can hear the genuine tension in Pepe’s voice. It’s not just a job for these guys.
Why the Spanish Broadcast Hits Different
If you haven’t listened to a game on 1020 AM, you’re missing out on a different perspective of the game. The terminology is beautiful. A "home run" becomes a jonrón. A "strikeout" is a ponche. There is a rhythm to the Spanish language that matches the pacing of baseball perfectly.
Baseball is a game of lulls and explosions. The 1020 AM crew handles the lulls with incredible storytelling. They talk about the players' families, their journeys from the Dominican Republic or Venezuela, and the cultural impact of the team. Then, when the explosion happens—a walk-off hit or a diving catch—the audio levels hit the red.
It’s high-stakes theater.
One thing that gets overlooked is the "Fernandomania" legacy. Back in 1981, Fernando Valenzuela didn't just change the team; he changed the city. Every time he pitched, people were glued to the Spanish radio broadcast. That era solidified 1020 AM as a cultural landmark. It became the place where the Latino community gathered. Even today, with the Dodgers boasting a roster of global superstars, that connection remains.
Technical Details: How to Listen
Look, sometimes finding the game is harder than it should be. Streaming rights are a mess. Blackouts are a nightmare. But the radio is reliable.
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If you are within the Greater Los Angeles area, just dial in 1020 on your AM tuner. If you’re outside the range or inside a building with a lot of interference, you have options. Most people use the TUDN app or the official MLB app, which carries the KTNQ feed.
Wait.
There is one catch. Sometimes the digital stream is a few seconds behind the live action. If you’re watching the game on TV with the sound muted and the radio on, you might hear the "¡CRACK!" of the bat on the radio before you see it on the screen—or vice versa. It takes a little bit of syncing effort, but for many fans, it’s the only way to watch.
The Shohei Ohtani Effect on 1020 AM
You might think a Japanese superstar wouldn't impact a Spanish radio station, but you’d be wrong. Ohtani has brought a whole new level of eyes (and ears) to the Dodgers. The 1020 AM broadcasters have had to adapt, learning to describe his unique two-way playing style to an audience that has seen plenty of greats but never anyone like him.
The excitement in the booth when Ohtani steps to the plate is universal.
It transcends language.
The station has seen a surge in listeners because Ohtani’s Dodgers are a global phenomenon. Whether you’re listening in East LA or tuning in via a stream from Tokyo, the energy of the 1020 AM broadcast is infectious. They call him "El fenómeno," and honestly, it fits better than any English nickname.
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Misconceptions About AM Radio in 2026
A lot of tech "experts" predicted that AM radio would be dead by now. They said electric cars would phase out AM tuners because of electromagnetic interference. They said podcasts would kill live broadcasts.
They were wrong.
The Dodgers on 1020 AM prove that live, local sports are the "killer app" for radio. You can’t get the same feeling from a pre-recorded podcast. You want to know what’s happening right now. When the Dodgers are in a pennant race, 1020 AM is the primary source of truth for millions.
- Radio is free.
- Radio works when the internet goes down.
- Radio creates a sense of community.
There’s also the "unfiltered" nature of it. Radio broadcasters have more time to fill than TV announcers. They get into the weeds. They tell jokes. They complain about the heat. You get to know them as people, not just voices in a box.
What to Do If You Can't Get a Clear Signal
Sometimes the 1020 AM signal gets wonky, especially if you're near power lines or in a valley. If you're struggling to hear the game, try these steps:
- Check your antenna orientation: On old-school radios, the AM antenna is internal. Rotating the actual radio 90 degrees can sometimes clear up the static.
- Use the iHeartRadio or TUDN app: These are the official digital partners. They offer the crystal-clear digital version of the 1020 AM feed.
- Switch to the Dodgers Radio Network: If you're traveling away from LA, look for affiliate stations. The Dodgers have one of the most extensive radio networks in the country.
- MLB.TV Audio: If you have an MLB.TV subscription, the Spanish radio feed is included without any blackout restrictions. This is a lifesaver for displaced fans.
The Dodgers aren't just a team; they are a tradition. And 1020 AM is the soundtrack to that tradition. Whether you’re a lifelong Spanish speaker or just a fan who loves the energy of the call, tuning into 1020 AM is an essential part of the Los Angeles baseball experience. It’s loud, it’s proud, and it’s Blue Heaven on the airwaves.
Next time the Dodgers are playing, turn off the TV volume. Flip to 1020 AM. Listen to the way Pepe and José describe the game. You’ll find yourself leaning in, catching the rhythm, and realizing that you don’t just watch baseball—you feel it.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
To get the most out of your 1020 AM experience, keep a small battery-powered radio in your "go-bag" for stadium visits. Listening to the live Spanish call while sitting in the stands at Dodger Stadium is a pro-level move. It fills in the gaps that the stadium PA system misses and keeps you dialed into the strategy of the game. Also, make sure to follow the KTNQ social media accounts; they often post behind-the-scenes clips from the booth that show just how much work goes into a three-hour broadcast. Finally, if you're learning Spanish, there is no better "immersion" therapy than a nine-inning Dodgers game. The vocabulary is repetitive enough to catch on, but the delivery is fast enough to challenge your ears.