The "KFI" Antenna in San Francisco
Although KFI has always been located in Los Angeles, it had its own antenna in
San Francisco for many years.
There was a fierce level of competition between Earl C. Anthony and Don Lee.
They were competitors in the auto business, as Anthony was the Packard dealer in both Los Angeles
and San Francisco, while Lee sold Cadillacs in the same cities. They also were competing
broadcasters, Anthony operating KFI and KECA in Los Angeles, while Lee owned KHJ in
Los Angeles and KFRC in San Francisco.
The Earl C. Anthony Packard dealership in San Francisco was directly across the street
from the Don Lee building, which was crowned with the impressive KFRC antenna, a status
symbol in the 1930's. Even though Anthony didn't own a radio station in San Francisco, he was
not to be outdone. He constructed these towers on the roof of his building, and hung the
call letters "KFI" on them. The antenna stood over San Francisco for nearly four decades, even
though it was never used for broadcasting!
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