Jeff Chang of Chang Broadcasting of Hawaii, LLC announced Tuesday that his company has launched a new radio station serving Kaua’i. The station, known as “Coast-FM,” broadcasts on 87.7 FM, and features a mix of soft contemporary and island hits.
Jeff Chang of Chang Broadcasting of Hawaii, LLC announced Tuesday that his company has launched a new radio station serving Kaua’i.
The station, known as “Coast-FM,” broadcasts on 87.7 FM, and features a mix of soft contemporary and island hits.
“We’ve been developing this station for over three years, and we’re proud to say it’s finally on the air,” said Chang, president and chief executive officer of Chang Broadcasting of Hawaii, LLC.
“As a resident of the state of Hawai’i, it feels good that we’re providing back to the local community. And with this distinct blend of local music with current soft hits, it will really give both the residents and visitors of Kaua’i an enjoyable choice on the dial.”
According to Chang, Coast-FM appeals to the “coveted 18-49 year-old demographic, with a mix of current adult contemporary selections along with island favorites.”
The station features local artists such as Keahiwai, Mana’o Company, Native Blend, as well as Jewel and Sting.
“Since the mid 1990s, I had been living in both California and Hawai’i (O’ahu) as my grandparents (both have passed away), and extended family lives in Hawai’i also,” Chang said. “I wanted my first broadcast property to be in Hawai’i.”
The station, with studios and offices in the Lihue Plantation Building behind the Lihu’e post office, is licensed to broadcast as a television station. The audio for the channel, however, can be received on standard FM radios at 87.7 FM.
Along with its audio programming, the station broadcasts video programming consisting of Kaua’i information such as history factoids, travelers’ information, and local public service.
“When I got the construction permit for the station, it became apparent that it wouldn’t be financially feasible to operate it as a television station,” he said. “Most of the programming and advertising dollars are locked up with the Honolulu TV stations.”
Chang Broadcasting of Hawaii, LLC is a subsidiary of Chang Media Group.
The firm is a diversified media company encompassing publishing, television-station representation, and outdoor media.
Chang hopes to expand with broadcast acquisitions both in Hawai’i and on the Mainland, he said.
He owns a trade publication in Los Angeles, Southern California Advertising News, that serves the advertising and media industries.
“I would like to build my company further, adding other media properties (including broadcast stations) on the other islands,” Chang concluded.
Business Editor Barry Graham may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or mailto:bgraham@pulitzer.net.