The founding story of KFTO-LP is a journey from a simple conversation to a technical reality.

It was September 2023, during preparations for the annual Don’s Bingo event at the Rocky Han community center, when two former broadcasters realized Marina was missing a vital piece of its identity. Steve Emerson and Dusan Tatomirovic observed that while the city was growing, its local narrative was being lost in the broad signals of Monterey and Salinas. What began as a conversation over bingo tables quickly evolved into a mission: a "hyper-local" outlet designed to serve as a digital town square.

Steve and Dusan brought the concept to The Marina Foundation, aligning the station’s goals with the non-profit's core pillars:

* Education: Providing a platform for local learning and student involvement.
* Culture: Highlighting the diverse arts and history of the Marina area.
* Public Safety: Ensuring a dedicated frequency for local emergency information.

While the vision was clear, navigating the technical rigor of the FCC’s Low-Power FM (LPFM) licensing required specialized expertise. This is where the contribution of Liam Hostrop became essential. 

A licensed amateur radio operator known by his call sign WA6RAH, Hostrop brought a formidable technical pedigree to the application process. With a BS in Mathematics and a career defined by high-level systems engineering—including roles as Senior Development Engineer/Manager for Xerox Network Systems Gateway Products, followed by System Architect for Enterprise Computing Infrastructure at Calico Technologies—Hostrop managed the complex technical filings required to secure the 106.1 MHz frequency.

By securing the license, the team ensured that KFTO-LP, branded as Fort Ord Radio, would be a dedicated resource for Marina’s 25,000 residents. Today, the station stands as a testament to that initial spark in the Rocky Han center: a grassroots, volunteer-run organization where local news is the priority and every resident has a voice.