The sound of saws, hammering and drills could be heard faintly this morning as host Scott Cox and Michael Hopper conducted business on “First Look with Scott Cox” on NEWSTALK 1180/96.1 KERN.

Just beyond the wall of the KERN studio, situated in an office complex off Easton Drive in west Bakersfield, workers began demolishing old offices to make way for new studios for six radio stations of American General Media. After more than a year of planning, AGM will double its studio size with the new studios, a performance space and offices for its program directors.

“We are excited to begin the work to build all new studios and a performance center for our station group here in Bakersfield,” said Rogers Brandon, AGM’s president and CEO. “When completed, the studios will be doubled in size and fully equipped to provide a complete video experience of all our station brands and personalities.”

Housed in the news studios will be radio stations  Hot 94.1, Hits 93.1, ESPN Bakersfield KGEO 1230AM, 101.3 KGFM and 96.9  La Caliente. The new studios will also have improved video capabilities and a performance space that will allow the many musical acts that visit the studios to perform comfortably. The studio space will also be used for other community events associated with the radio programming.

“The performance center will allow our audience to experience and enjoy live performances from the many artist and musical groups that visit our stations,” Brandon said.

The construction of the new studios should be completed in the fall.