WUSW Buffalo Switches Format to Country Music
The Buffalo radio station is dropping conservative talk in favor of classic country hits from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Country
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Owner Buddy Shula has officially transitioned WUSW from its former talk format to a new country music lineup. The change comes after the station, previously known as The Patriot, failed to secure necessary support from local listeners and advertisers.
Why it matters
The decision to pivot to country music follows an unsuccessful tenure as a conservative talk outlet. By rebranding, the station aims to capture a new audience in the Buffalo market with established hits from artists like Garth Brooks and George Strait.
WUSW operates on 1230 AM, 95.1 FM, and 93.3 FM. The station was purchased from Cumulus Media for $150,000 by owner Buddy Shula, who subsequently updated the call letters from WHLD to WUSW.
The players
Buddy Shula
He is the owner of WUSW and the lead figure behind the recent station format change in Buffalo.
Liz Mantel
She is a radio personality who is set to join the WUSW morning lineup this December.
Ken Johnson
He serves as a special adviser to the station during its rebranding and transition to country music.
Cumulus Media
It is a major broadcasting company that previously owned the radio station before selling it to Buddy Shula.
The details
The newly branded station, US Country-Buffalo's Country Favorites, will focus on music from the 1980s through the early 2000s. Special adviser Ken Johnson is assisting with the transition, while new talent Liz Mantel is scheduled to join the morning team.
Timeline
July 4, 2025: The station began broadcasting as The Patriot.
October 19, 2026: Buddy Shula announced the format switch.
December 2026: Liz Mantel joins the morning radio lineup.
Industry Dynamics
The format shift at WUSW follows the long-standing industry trend of stations pivoting to country music to secure more stable listener bases. This move positions the station against competitors in the local market by leaning into the lasting appeal of classic country hits.
Listeners in Buffalo can now tune in to country music on 1230 AM, 95.1 FM, and 93.3 FM. The station's morning show will feature new programming starting in December, providing residents with an alternative radio option.
The takeaway
Station owners often monitor listener engagement closely to determine if a format change is necessary for long-term viability. When audience support wanes, local stations may pivot to established genres like classic country to recapture local market interest.
What happens next
Liz Mantel is scheduled to join the WUSW morning radio lineup in December 2026.
Further reading
For more on the local music scene, explore the Country section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Buffalo News.
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