Radio is supposed to be dead, right? If you listen to the tech pundits in Silicon Valley, everyone has migrated to podcasts or Spotify playlists. But then you tune into 870 the answer live on a Tuesday morning while stuck in 405 traffic, and you realize that's just not true. KRLA-AM, branded as The Answer, isn’t just a frequency on a dial; it’s a specific kind of digital and analog ecosystem that caters to a very loyal, very vocal Southern California demographic.
It's loud. It’s opinionated. Honestly, it’s exactly what Los Angeles talk radio has always been at its core—a place for debate that feels personal.
When you’re looking for 870 the answer live, you’re usually looking for more than just a signal. You’re looking for a specific roster of conservative heavyweights. We're talking about the Salem Media Group powerhouse lineup: Hugh Hewitt, Mike Gallagher, Dennis Prager, Sebastian Gorka, and Larry Elder. These aren't just names; they are institutions in the conservative media space. People don't just "listen" to Prager; they study his "PragerU" philosophies. They don't just "hear" Hewitt; they rely on his granular breakdown of Beltway politics to understand what’s actually happening in D.C. while they're sitting in Glendale or Irvine.
What You’re Actually Hearing on 870 The Answer Live
The station operates under the call sign KRLA, a set of letters with a massive history in Los Angeles. Before it was "The Answer," it was a Top 40 station. It was a place for "Oldies." But the shift to conservative talk wasn't an accident. Salem Media Group saw a gap in the market. They realized that while FM was for music, AM was for the "talkers."
If you catch 870 the answer live during the morning drive, you’re getting Hugh Hewitt. He’s the law professor type. He’s the guy who will grill a senator on the specifics of a judicial nomination while you’re trying to find a parking spot. It’s high-IQ talk. Then the day shifts. You get Mike Gallagher, who brings a bit more of that "everyman" energy.
By the time midday hits, Dennis Prager takes over. Prager is arguably the crown jewel of the station. His "Ultimate Issues" hour is legendary. He doesn't just talk politics; he talks about why you're unhappy, how to raise your kids, and the philosophical underpinnings of Western civilization. It’s a strange, compelling mix of a theology class and a political rally.
The Digital Shift: Streaming and Beyond
Wait. Why search for "live" if it's on the radio?
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Because nobody carries a transistor radio anymore. Most people accessing the station now are doing it through the 870 The Answer app, or they're streaming it via TuneIn or the station’s own website. The "live" aspect is crucial because talk radio is inherently reactive. When a major news story breaks—a Supreme Court ruling, a local California budget crisis, or a shakeup in the GOP—listeners want the immediate take. They want to call in. They want to hear their neighbors from Riverside or Thousand Oaks venting about the same things they are.
Why the Los Angeles Market is Unique for KRLA
Southern California is often painted as a monolithic blue block. That’s a lazy take. There are millions of conservative-leaning residents in Orange County, Simi Valley, and the Inland Empire who feel completely ignored by the mainstream Los Angeles Times or the local TV news broadcasts. For them, 870 the answer live is a lifeline. It’s "The Answer" to a media environment they feel is hostile to their values.
KRLA competes directly with KFI AM 640 and KABC. It’s a crowded field. While KFI has the massive signal and heritage of hosts like Bill Handel, KRLA (870 The Answer) has carved out a niche by being more overtly ideological and focused on the national Salem lineup. They aren't trying to be everything to everyone. They know exactly who their listener is.
It’s the person frustrated with Sacramento. It’s the small business owner in Torrance.
The Personalities That Drive the Signal
Let’s talk about Larry Elder for a second. Even when he’s not on the air in the same capacity he once was (especially after his gubernatorial run), his DNA is all over this station. The "Sage from South Central" vibe defined a lot of what 870 stands for: challenging the status quo in California with a very specific, libertarian-leaning conservative lens.
Then you have Sebastian Gorka. "America First" isn't just a slogan for his show; it’s the entire brand. His energy is... intense. If Hewitt is the professor, Gorka is the drill sergeant. This variety in tone is why people keep the stream running all day. You go from intellectual heavy-lifting to red-meat political commentary without ever changing the channel.
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The Mechanics of Listening
If you're trying to find the stream right now, you have a few options:
- The Official Website: Just search for 870 The Answer and look for the "Listen Live" button at the top right.
- The App: Salem has a dedicated app that's surprisingly stable.
- Smart Speakers: "Alexa, play KRLA." It works.
The audio quality on the AM dial can be sketchy, especially if you’re driving under high-voltage lines or through the canyons. That’s why the digital "live" search has skyrocketed. People want the content, but they want it in high-definition, 128kbps stereo, not the crackly 870 kHz signal that fades out when you go behind a hill in Malibu.
Real-World Impact and Controversy
Talk radio isn't without its friction. 870 the answer live frequently finds itself at the center of the "misinformation" debate. Critics argue that the station’s hosts push narratives that are divisive. The hosts, however, argue they are providing a necessary counter-perspective to the "legacy media."
During the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, KRLA was a hub for those questioning lockdowns and mask mandates in Los Angeles County. This created a massive surge in listenership. When people felt like they couldn't speak their minds at work or on Facebook, they called into Dennis Prager. They found a community. This sense of "belonging" is something a Spotify algorithm can't replicate. It’s the human element.
The "Answer" to Local Issues
While much of the syndicated talent is national, the station doesn't ignore LA. They cover the homelessness crisis, the gas tax, and the school board battles in places like Glendale or Chino Valley. They bring on local candidates who might get ten seconds of airtime on the local news but get twenty minutes on 870.
This is where the station actually provides a civic service, regardless of your politics. It’s a platform for long-form discussion that just doesn’t exist on TV anymore. You can’t explain a complex water rights bill in a 30-second soundbite. On KRLA, they’ll spend an hour on it.
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How to Get the Most Out of Your Listening Experience
If you’re new to the station, don't just dive into the middle of a political rant. Start with the podcasts of the "best of" segments. It helps you get a feel for the hosts' personalities.
- Check the schedule: Each host has a very different "vibe." If you want logic and morality, go for Prager. If you want hard-hitting foreign policy, go for Gorka.
- Use the "Open Mic" features: Many of the digital streaming apps allow you to send in voice clips. It's a modern way to participate in the "call-in" culture without waiting on hold for forty minutes.
- Don't ignore the weekend lineup: Often, the weekend hosts are local experts—doctors, lawyers, or financial planners—who provide more practical, less political advice.
The Business Side of the Dial
Salem Media Group is a massive player. They aren't just radio; they own Townhall, Hot Air, and Twitchy. When you listen to 870 the answer live, you're tapping into a massive conservative media machine. This integration allows them to break news faster than many local outlets. You’ll hear a host mention a story that just dropped on Townhall three minutes ago. It's an efficient, closed-loop ecosystem.
Actionable Steps for the Dedicated Listener
If you’re trying to stay informed using KRLA, here’s how to do it without getting overwhelmed:
Set a Schedule for Your Commute
The morning show with Hugh Hewitt is best for a "hard news" start to the day. He usually has the biggest guests—think governors and cabinet members. Use the "listen back" feature on the app if you miss the 6:00 AM start.
Cross-Reference Your Sources
Even as a fan of 870 the answer live, it’s smart to see how the other side is framing things. Listen to KRLA for the conservative perspective, then maybe glance at a neutral wire service like Reuters. It makes you a more informed debater when you do decide to call in.
Engage with the Local Sponsors
KRLA survives on local business ads. From "Relief Factor" to local law firms like Sweet James, the advertisers are as much a part of the station's culture as the hosts. Many listeners find value in these niche services that specifically target their demographic.
Download the Podcasts for Dead Zones
If you’re heading out to Joshua Tree or up to Mammoth, the AM signal will die. Most of the major shows on 870 are uploaded as podcasts within an hour of the live broadcast ending. Download them while you have Wi-Fi so you don't burn your data in the mountains.
Talk radio is about connection. In a city as sprawling and sometimes lonely as Los Angeles, hearing a familiar voice like Dennis Prager or Hugh Hewitt while you're grinding through traffic can feel like a conversation with an old friend. Whether you agree with every word or find yourself shouting back at the dashboard, 870 the answer live remains a vital, pulsing part of the California media landscape. It’s not just "the answer"—for many, it’s the only station that speaks their language.