Late-night radio has a way of drawing you in when the world goes quiet — and Coast to Coast AM has been doing exactly that since 1988. Whether you’re tuning in for UFO sightings, conspiracy deep-dives, or the voices that surface from the fringe, the show has built a loyal following around the weird and unexplained. Now streaming well beyond traditional radio, it reaches 2.75 million weekly listeners across more than 570 stations. If you’ve ever wondered what keeps this overnight phenomenon going — and how to actually hear it live — here’s what you need to know.

Current Host: George Noory · Launch Year: 1988 · Main Topics: Paranormal and UFOs · Platforms: Website, podcasts, AM/FM · Founder: Art Bell

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • George Noory has been permanent weeknight host since January 1, 2003 (KFYO)
  • Art Bell born June 17, 1945, died April 13, 2018 (Wikipedia)
  • Air time is 1am–5am ET nightly on official stations (Coast to Coast AM)
2What’s unclear
  • The precise reasons Art Bell cited for his retirement remain somewhat vague
  • Detailed regional streaming availability outside North America has limited confirmation
  • Premium archive subscription costs have not been publicly verified
3Timeline signal
  • Art Bell started West Coast AM in 1978 as political talk on KDWN Las Vegas
  • Coast to Coast AM launched 1988 under Bell’s hosting
  • Noory took over January 1, 2003; Art Bell died April 13, 2018
4What’s next
  • George Noory continues hosting weeknights with rotating weekend hosts
  • Art Bell Vault offers vintage shows for Coast Insiders subscribers
  • Best of Coast to Coast AM podcast updates available on Apple Podcasts
Field Detail
Type Late-night talk radio
Topics Paranormal, UFOs, conspiracy theories
Host George Noory (weeknights)
Founder Art Bell (1988–2003)
Platforms Website, podcasts, AM/FM stations
Station count Over 570 across US, Canada, Australia, Guam
Weekly audience 2.75 million unique listeners
Air time 1am–5am ET nightly

Is Coast to Coast AM still a thing?

Absolutely — and it’s been going strong for nearly four decades. Coast to Coast AM remains one of the most-listened-to overnight programs in radio history, airing on over 570 stations across the US, Canada, Australia, and Guam. The show focuses on paranormal topics, UFOs, ghosts, conspiracy theories, and fringe phenomena that fall outside mainstream coverage.

Current status and schedule

George Noory has served as the permanent weeknight host since January 1, 2003, when original host Art Bell retired due to back problems. The show airs live nightly from 1am to 5am Eastern Time, which translates to 10pm to 2am Pacific. Noory also hosts the first Sunday of each month in addition to his weekday shifts.

  • Weeknights: George Noory (12am–5am ET)
  • Weekends: Rotating hosts including George Knapp, Ian Punnett, Connie Willis, Jimmy Church, and Richard Syrett

Recent shows and episodes

The official Coast to Coast AM website maintains an up-to-date schedule of upcoming shows. For example, an upcoming episode titled “El Niño Cycle” was listed with George Noory hosting on April 22, 2026, demonstrating that the show continues producing fresh content regularly.

The upshot

Coast to Coast AM isn’t just surviving — it’s actively airing new episodes with Noory at the helm, reaching millions weekly through a network that has only expanded since the streaming era began.

Where can I listen to Coast to Coast AM for free?

Free listening options exist across multiple platforms, from station websites to podcast aggregators. The show has embraced streaming in ways the Art Bell era never could, making it accessible without a traditional radio.

Official website streaming

The primary Coast to Coast AM stations page lists all affiliate stations with their broadcast times and streaming information. This is the most reliable starting point for finding a local or online station carrying the show.

  • coasttocoastam.com/stations/ — complete station directory
  • Upcoming shows listed at coasttocoastam.com/shows/upcoming/

TuneIn and podcast platforms

Multiple stations broadcasting Coast to Coast AM are available through TuneIn, allowing free streaming via the app or website. The Best of Coast to Coast AM podcast, hosted by George Noory, is available on Apple Podcasts with curated episodes. Art Bell-era recordings from the 1990s are accessible on Spotify.

  • KFYO offers live stream on 95.1 FM, 790 AM, or their app
  • NewsTalk 1290 streams live with call-in number 800-618-8255
  • KGFW 1340 AM/96.1 FM streams Monday through Sunday

Radio stations

  • KFYO call-in: 1-800-825-5033 (midnight–4am daily)
  • KLTC iHeart (1460 AM/106.9 FM) carries the show
  • Australia and Guam syndication extends international reach
Why this matters

The shift from strictly AM/FM to streaming availability marks a fundamental change from Art Bell’s era. Listeners who once needed a powerful receiver or a local affiliate can now tune in from anywhere with an internet connection.

Can I listen to Coast to Coast AM on my phone?

Yes — mobile listening has become one of the easiest ways to catch Coast to Coast AM, whether you’re commuting late at night or simply prefer podcasts over live radio.

Mobile apps

  • Station apps like KFYO offer live streaming within their dedicated applications
  • TuneIn app provides access to affiliated stations carrying Coast to Coast AM
  • The Coast to Coast AM Insider app offers live audio and exclusive content for subscribers

Browser access

Any smartphone browser can access coasttocoastam.com to view the stations list, upcoming show information, and in some cases direct audio streams. The official site is optimized for mobile browsing.

Podcast apps

  • Apple Podcasts: “The Best of Coast to Coast AM” curated collection
  • Spotify: Archive of Art Bell-era Coast to Coast recordings
  • Google Podcasts and other aggregators carry the Best of feed

Why did Art Bell leave Coast to Coast AM?

Art Bell retired from Coast to Coast AM in 2003, handing the hosting duties to George Noory due to chronic back problems. Bell had struggled with health issues for years, and the grueling overnight schedule took its toll. He officially passed the torch to Noory on January 1, 2003, after having founded and hosted the show since 1988.

Reasons for departure

Bell’s exit was driven primarily by health concerns — specifically, severe back issues that made the demands of a late-night live show increasingly difficult. Sources indicate he wanted to leave on his own terms rather than risk being forced off by declining health.

“Art and I were not that close.” — George Noory, current host

Transition to George Noory

George Noory had previously guest-hosted Coast to Coast AM before becoming the permanent host in 2003, broadcasting from KTRS in St. Louis. His transition was gradual — he began as a substitute before taking over weeknight hosting duties permanently.

The paradox

Art Bell spent 15 years building Coast to Coast AM into a cultural phenomenon, only to have it grow larger under his successor. The show now reaches more stations and listeners than ever during Bell’s lifetime — a bittersweet irony given his forced departure due to illness.

What is George Noory doing now?

George Noory continues as the primary host of Coast to Coast AM, maintaining the weeknight schedule he’s held since 2003. Beyond the radio show, Noory has expanded into television and publishing.

Current role

Noory hosts Coast to Coast AM weeknights (12am–5am ET) and additionally hosts the first Sunday of each month. He also appears as a regular contributor on various paranormal and conspiracy podcasts and media programs.

  • Primary host: Coast to Coast AM weeknights since January 1, 2003
  • First Sunday monthly hosting for weekend editions
  • Regular media appearances discussing paranormal topics

Other activities

Noory has authored multiple books published by Tor Publishing Group, exploring topics that align with the show’s paranormal focus. He also hosts “Beyond Belief,” a television series taped in Boulder, Colorado, that explores topics paralleling his radio work.

Bottom line: Coast to Coast AM has transformed from a niche overnight AM experiment into a streaming-era phenomenon under George Noory’s continued leadership. Listeners seeking free live access have more options than ever — station apps, TuneIn, and the official website provide multiple entry points without requiring traditional radio reception. For those interested in the archives, George Noory continues producing fresh content while Art Bell’s vintage shows are preserved in the Art Bell Vault and scattered across Spotify and podcast platforms. Weekend hosts rotate through Knapp, Punnett, Willis, and others, maintaining variety when Noory isn’t at the helm.

Related reading: what is a narcissist traits · kill tooth pain nerve instantly

Coast to Coast AM enthusiasts tracing its path from Art Bell to George Noory will appreciate this comprehensive hosts history schedule guide alongside live listening tips.

Frequently asked questions

Who founded Coast to Coast AM?

Art Bell founded Coast to Coast AM in 1988, hosting the show until his retirement in 2003 due to back problems. Bell previously launched West Coast AM in 1978 on KDWN Las Vegas as a political talk show before pivoting to the paranormal-focused format that made Coast to Coast famous.

What topics are covered on Coast to Coast AM?

The show focuses on paranormal subjects including UFOs, ghosts, conspiracy theories, life after death, and fringe phenomena that typically fall outside mainstream media coverage.

How often does Coast to Coast AM air?

Coast to Coast AM airs live nightly from 1am to 5am Eastern Time (10pm to 2am Pacific) across its affiliate station network. George Noory hosts Monday through Friday, with rotating weekend hosts taking over Saturdays and Sundays.

Is there a best of Coast to Coast AM collection?

Yes. The Best of Coast to Coast AM podcast, curated by George Noory, is available on Apple Podcasts and other podcast platforms. Additionally, the Art Bell Vault on the official website offers vintage commercial-free shows for Coast Insiders subscribers.

Where can I find Coast to Coast AM radio stations?

The official Coast to Coast AM website maintains a complete station directory at coasttocoastam.com/stations/. Major affiliates include KFYO (790 AM/95.1 FM), NewsTalk 1290, KGFW (1340 AM/96.1 FM), and KLTC iHeart. Many stations are also accessible through the TuneIn app.

Who was Art Bell?

Art Bell (June 17, 1945 – April 13, 2018) was the original host and creator of Coast to Coast AM. He founded the show in 1988 and hosted it from inception until 2003, building it into a cultural phenomenon around paranormal and fringe topics. George Noory announced Bell’s death publicly on April 16, 2018.

What are Coast to Coast AM episodes about?

Episodes typically feature guest experts, eyewitnesses, and researchers discussing paranormal topics. Shows frequently cover UFO sightings, government cover-ups, cryptids, ghost encounters, and conspiracy theories. Weekend editions often feature investigative journalists and authors specializing in these fields.