(BPRW) KBLA TALK 1580 TO HOST WEEKLY SHOW OF RECORD CHRONICLING THE RECOVERY, RESILIENCE, AND REBIRTH OF BLACK ALTADENA

Weekly radio program “Conversation Live: Altadena Rising” hosted by James Farr

(Black PR Wire) LOS ANGELES: On Saturday, March 8, at 10 AM PT, KBLA Talk 1580 will launch “Conversation Live: Altadena Rising,” hosted by award-winning journalist and filmmaker James Farr. This one-hour weekly live program will be the definitive source for tracking Altadena’s recovery, amplifying survivor voices, and holding power to account. The program will be rebroadcast on Sundays at Noon PT. 

“We will use this Black-owned media platform to ensure that California, the nation, and the world hear the stories of those impacted in Altadena,” said Tavis Smiley, founder of SmileyAudioMedia, Inc. and Chief Visionary Officer for KBLA Talk 1580. “People have short attention spans, and many will forget the fire and its aftermath in the coming weeks and months. We intend to keep the focus on the families in Altadena and amplify their voices.”

James Farr: A Personal Connection to the Fire’s Devastation

For James Farr, Altadena’s Eaton Fire is personal. He lives on the border of Altadena, and while he and his family were fortunate enough to escape the fires, scores of friends and community members lost everything. For many, the fire erased more than physical property—it tore through a deep-rooted community of Black homeowners who had spent generations building wealth and independence.

“Eaton was more than a fire. It was the destruction of a Black stronghold where 80% of residents were homeowners. These families weren’t just living here; they were building generational wealth. That’s why this show matters—because rebuilding Altadena isn’t just about homes, it’s about justice,” added James Farr.

James Farr: A Trusted Voice for Truth and Justice

James Farr is no stranger to KBLA Talk 1580. He is a regular contributor to KBLA’s morning show, “First Things First” with Dominique DiPrima, bringing critical insight to issues impacting Black communities.

In the days following the fire, Farr co-produced KBLA’s three-hour live remote broadcast from the impact zone, ensuring survivors’ voices were heard. Now, as the host of “Conversation Live: Altadena Rising,” he continues that mission—tracking the rebuilding efforts, investigating the causes of the fire, and ensuring that Altadena’s recovery remains a national priority.

[EDITOR’S NOTE: For Media Inquiries or to book James Farr for interviews, contact Matt Klink at (310) 283-6267 or by email at matt@klinkcampaigns.com.]

ABOUT KBLA TALK 1580

KBLA Talk 1580 AM is a heritage station and the original home of the iconic hip hop station KDAY. At 50,000 watts, day and night, KBLA serves a coverage area of nearly 12 million listeners. KBLA Talk 1580 boasts an all-star lineup of hosts who speak candidly and passionately to the challenges people of color face daily trying to navigate life and realize their hopes and dreams. KBLA Talk 1580 serves an audience long ignored by talk radio in Los Angeles and now other American cities – people of color and progressives. For more information, visit KBLA1580.com.

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Follow the conversation online: #AltadenaRising #BlackAltadena #RebuildStronger #EatonCanyonFire #JusticeForAltadena.

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