{"id":780548,"date":"2026-07-23T21:00:08","date_gmt":"2026-07-23T21:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/780548\/"},"modified":"2026-07-23T21:00:08","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T21:00:08","slug":"kfox-classic-rock-station-radio-leaves-98-5-fm-replaced-by-bay-country","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/780548\/","title":{"rendered":"KFOX classic rock station radio leaves 98.5 FM, replaced by Bay Country"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Bay Area radio world is undergoing massive changes this week, as one of the most beloved local rock stations \u2014 98.5 KFOX<\/a> \u2014 disappears from the regular radio dial and heads over to the more-niche-oriented HD digital format.<\/p>\n

In its place comes Bay Country, which had been previously heard at 94.5-FM. The station is likely set to benefit from the huge rise in popularity that country music has been experiencing in recent years. Bay Country can also be heard at 92.1 FM.<\/p>\n

In other words, radio listeners visiting 98.5 FM will be hearing a lot more of Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson and Chris Stapleton instead of the old playlist of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac and other classic rockers.<\/p>\n

But fans who still need their Skynyrd can tune into KFOX at 98.5 KUFX-HD2 (99.7 KMVQ-HD3 San Francisco). It also can heard at the station\u2019s website, kfox.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The move reportedly went into effect at 12 noon on July 22. KFOX signed off playing rock band Steppenwolf\u2019s iconic \u201cBorn to Be Wild,\u201d the same song with which the station debuted 35 years ago, said IsideRadio.com.<\/p>\n

Both stations are owned by Connoisseur Media, a Connecticut-based organization that operates 200-plus radio stations in more than 40\u00a0 markets.<\/p>\n

The reshuffling of stations and formats in the Bay Area stems from a $2 million sale of the license of 94.5 FM KBAY Gilroy\/San Jose to Christian music powerhouse K-LOVE, according Barrett Media<\/a> and multiple news sources. K-LOVE got its start in Northern California but moved its headquarters to the Nashville area (where so much of Christian music is produced) a few years back.<\/p>\n

There has also been a number of personnel\/leadership changes that will impact the local Connoisseur stations. Starting at the top, Brian Figula has been appointed Regional Operations Manager for the Bay Area and will be in charge of the company\u2019s stations in San Jose, San Francisco and the East Bay.<\/p>\n

\u201cExpanding Bay Country to 98.5 is an investment in both our listeners and our advertising partners,\u201d Connoisseur Media Regional Operations Manager Brian \u201cFig\u201d Figula said Wednesday in a press release, according to insideradio.com. \u201cThis gives KBAY the stronger signal and broader reach the brand deserves.\u201d<\/p>\n

The HD version of KFOX will, at least initially, not have any DJs. Instead, it will be all music.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll explore options for talent later this year,\u201d Figula said to Inside Radio. The current KFOX air talent will reportedly move to new roles in the company. \u201cWe\u2019ll announce over the next month or so the plan.\u201d Figula says to Inside Radio.<\/p>\n

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