World Radio Stations

KQED frequency & live stream

KQED is a public radio / news / talk radio station from the United States, owned by KQED Inc., on air since 1954. How to listen:

  • San Francisco 88.5 FM
  • Online streaming
FormatPublic radio / News / Talk
Founded1954
OwnerKQED Inc.
HeadquartersSan Francisco, United States
Websitewww.kqed.org
LanguageEnglish
CountryUnited States

KQED frequency & how to listen

KQED is available on San Francisco 88.5 FM, Online streaming. You can also stream it live with the player below.

Listen to KQED live

Live radio from the United States, filtered to KQED. Press play to start the stream — or clear the search to browse every United States station.

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KQED is the principal public media organization of the San Francisco Bay Area, operating one of the most listened-to public radio stations in the United States. Its radio service on 88.5 FM combines national NPR programming with locally produced news, talk and cultural coverage.

History

KQED Inc. was founded in 1954 as one of the earliest public broadcasters in the country, beginning with television before adding radio. KQED-FM went on the air in 1969 and grew alongside the organization’s television and digital services into a comprehensive regional public media outlet. Over the decades the station built a large local newsroom and became a charter presence in Bay Area public life, supported primarily by member contributions.

Format and programming

The station follows a news and talk format anchored by NPR staples such as Morning Edition and All Things Considered, complemented by KQED’s own productions. Locally produced programs include Forum, a long-running daily call-in and interview show covering politics, culture and Bay Area issues. KQED’s journalism spans state government, science, education and the arts, and much of it is distributed as podcasts and digital reporting in addition to broadcast.

Reach

KQED broadcasts to the San Francisco Bay Area on 88.5 FM and reaches a wider audience through online streaming, podcasts and its website. It consistently ranks among the largest public radio audiences in the United States, reflecting both the size of its market and its strong local following.

Significance

As the dominant public broadcaster in Northern California, KQED plays a central role in regional journalism and civic discourse. It is frequently cited as a model member-supported station, combining national public radio programming with an ambitious local news operation that has expanded as commercial local media in the region has contracted.

Sources

KQED: frequently asked questions

What frequency is KQED on?

KQED is available on San Francisco 88.5 FM, Online streaming.

Which country is KQED from?

KQED is a radio station from the United States, headquartered in San Francisco, United States. It broadcasts in English.

Who owns KQED?

KQED is owned by KQED Inc..

How can I listen to KQED online?

You can stream KQED live in your browser with the player on this page or on the official website, www.kqed.org — free, with no app or sign-up needed.

Explore more radio from the United States, or go straight to KQED’s official site.