You’re driving through Albuquerque, the sun is hitting the Sandias just right, and you flip the dial. You hit 960 AM. If you've spent any time in New Mexico, you know that sound. It’s gritty. It’s opinionated. It is 960 The Patriot. This isn't just another signal bouncing off a tower; it’s basically the town square for a very specific, very vocal slice of the Southwest.
Radio is dead, right? Wrong.
While everyone talks about podcasts and TikTok, stations like KKOB-AM (the sister station) and its conservative sibling, 960 The Patriot, are still pulling massive weight in the 505 and beyond. It’s owned by Cumulus Media, and honestly, they’ve carved out a niche that feels less like a corporate broadcast and more like a backyard barbecue where everyone is arguing about the Governor.
What’s Actually Happening at 960 The Patriot?
Most people get this station confused with the powerhouse 770 KKOB. That’s an easy mistake. They share a building, they share a vibe, but 960 is where the heavy-hitting syndicated conservative talk lives. It’s the home for people who want the national pulse without the fluff. You’ve got the big names—Mark Levin, Ben Shapiro, Dan Bongino. It’s the "Patriot" branding that Cumulus uses across several markets, but in Albuquerque, it feels distinct because of the local political climate.
New Mexico is a blue state with a massive, fiery red streak running through the rural counties and the West Side. 960 The Patriot is the megaphone for that streak.
It’s not just noise.
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Think about the 2024 election cycle. While national news outlets were guessing, the callers on 960 were talking about the actual price of diesel at the Flying J and how the latest legislation in Santa Fe was going to mess with their ranching or tech jobs. That’s the E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) of talk radio. It’s the lived experience of the listener. You can’t fake that with an algorithm.
The Lineup: Who’s Actually Talking?
If you tune in during the day, you’re getting the Cumulus/Westwood One heavy hitters.
- The Dan Bongino Show: This is the anchor. It’s high energy. It’s loud. It’s exactly what people want during their lunch break.
- Ben Shapiro: Whether you love him or can't stand him, the guy moves the needle. His fast-paced analysis is a staple here.
- Mark Levin: The "Great One" brings the legalistic, constitutional deep dives in the evenings.
But wait. There’s a catch.
The station doesn't just run on autopilot. Even though these shows are national, the local breaks are filled with New Mexico-centric advertising and news snippets that keep it grounded. You’ll hear about a local plumbing company in Rio Rancho right after a segment on international trade policy. It’s a weird, jarring, but totally effective mix.
Why 960 AM Matters When Everyone Else is Streaming
Honestly, AM radio shouldn't work in 2026. The static is real. The interference from electric vehicles is a nightmare. Yet, 960 The Patriot persists. Why? Because it’s free. It doesn't require a subscription. It doesn't need a 5G signal when you’re out in the middle of the desert where T-Mobile doesn't know you exist.
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Emergency information is a big one. When the fires hit or the blizzards shut down I-40, people go to the dial. It’s reliable.
There’s also the "companion" factor. Driving from Albuquerque to Las Cruces is a long, lonely haul. Having a voice in the cab—even one you’re shouting back at—makes the miles go faster. It’s parasocial, sure, but it’s a connection.
The Misconception About "The Patriot" Branding
People think these stations are just echo chambers. Kinda, but not entirely. You’d be surprised at how many "hate-listeners" or curious moderates tune in just to hear what the other side is saying. In a state as politically diverse as New Mexico, staying in your bubble is hard. 960 The Patriot forces a conversation, even if that conversation is just you yelling at your dashboard.
The Technical Side (Briefly)
The station broadcasts at 1,000 watts. That’s not a massive blowtorch signal like the 50,000-watt 770 AM, but it covers the Albuquerque metro area clearly. It’s licensed to Albuquerque and uses a directional antenna at night to avoid stepping on other stations' toes. If you’re in Santa Fe, you might get some fuzz, but usually, it holds up.
The Future of Talk in the 505
Digital is coming for everyone. You can stream 960 The Patriot on the station’s website or via apps like iHeart or TuneIn. This is where the station is finding a second life with younger conservatives who don't even know how to use an analog dial.
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The content is shifting, too. It’s becoming more "on-demand." If you missed Levin’s rant about the Supreme Court, you catch the podcast version later. But the "Live" aspect? That’s the heart of it. Knowing that thousands of other people are hearing the same thing at the exact same time—that creates a community. A frustrated, vocal, patriotic community, but a community nonetheless.
Actionable Insights for the Savvy Listener
If you’re looking to get the most out of 960 The Patriot, don't just listen passively.
- Check the local schedule: National shows sometimes shift for local sports or special events. Keep an eye on the KKOB/Patriot website for the most accurate daily grid.
- Use the app for clarity: If the AM interference is driving you crazy (especially near power lines), use the digital stream. The audio quality is night and day.
- Engage with the local news team: The reporters who handle the updates for 960 are often the same ones on the ground for 770 KKOB. They are some of the most experienced journalists in the state.
- Understand the bias: Go in knowing this is a conservative-leaning platform. It’s meant to provide a specific viewpoint. Contrast it with KUNM or other local outlets to get a full 360-degree view of New Mexico’s political landscape.
Radio isn't a relic. It’s a mirror. And for many in the Land of Enchantment, 960 The Patriot is the only mirror that shows them what they want to see. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just a curious passerby, it’s a vital piece of the state's media puzzle. Turn it up, or turn it off—just don't ignore it. It’s too loud for that anyway.
To stay current, verify the daily lineup on the official Cumulus Albuquerque site, as host contracts and time slots can shift with the national broadcast seasons. If you're an advertiser, look into the "Patriot" demographic; it’s one of the most loyal and engaged audiences in the Albuquerque market, with a higher-than-average dwell time compared to music stations. For the average listener, simply keeping 960 on your presets ensures you have a direct line to the national conservative conversation without needing a WiFi password or a monthly bill.