Audacy Flips Philadelphia 96.5 FM to Country Format
The radio station concluded its longtime Top 40 programming to pivot to a country music focus.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Country
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Audacy has rebranded its 96.5 FM station in Philadelphia to a country music format. The switch marks the end of a multi-decade run featuring Top 40, pop, and adult contemporary music.
Why it matters
The change represents a significant shift in the local radio landscape for Philadelphia listeners. It follows a transition from the station's long-standing pop format that dominated its airwaves since 2004.
The station operates on the 96.5 FM frequency and previously reported $36 million in losses for the 2023 fiscal year.
The players
Audacy
Audacy is a prominent multi-platform audio content and entertainment company that operates a large portfolio of radio stations across the United States.
The details
The station officially launched its new identity by playing tracks from Post Malone, Morgan Wallen, and Ella Langley. Prior to the switch, the final song aired under the legacy format was Green Day's "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)."
Timeline
The station began its pop format in 2004.
The station officially switched to a country music format at 12 p.m. on Monday, October 19, 2026.
Commercial-free broadcasting is scheduled to run until Friday, October 23, 2026.
A new daily programming schedule is set to debut on Monday, October 26, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This format change reflects broader consolidation strategies in the radio industry following the 2017 merger between Audacy and CBS Radio. The shift suggests a strategic move to capture a different listener demographic in the Philadelphia market.
Listeners can tune in to 96.5 FM to hear the new country format immediately with no commercial interruptions through October 23. Starting October 26, the station will finalize its programming lineup, including a new morning broadcast.
The takeaway
Radio stations often refresh their formats to better align with changing listener demographics and market competition. Fans of the new format should check local listings after October 26 to see the full list of permanent daily programs.
What happens next
The station will transition to its full daily programming schedule on Monday, October 26, 2026, and is expected to debut a new morning show airing from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in the Country music scene.
Source note: This article includes information reported by PhillyVoice.
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