On August 17, Adams Radio Group moved the Classic Rock format of “Big 98.5” WGBG Seaford DE to the larger 107.7 signal that had been home to Country “K107.7” WKHI Fruitland MD. After weeks of simulcasting and then a few days running a redirect loop, Adams has launched a new format on what is now 98.5 WUSX Seaford.
“US 98.5” is gold leaning Country outlet positioning itself as “Everything Country”. The first three songs on the newly launched station were Alan Jackson “Gone Country”, George Strait “Check Yes or No”, and Luke Bryan “Rain Is A Good Thing”. WUSX will run commercial-free for the foreseeable future with at least 50,000 songs running before advertising begins.
Adams Radio Group has decided on a new format for 98.5 in Salisbury-Ocean City, and the decision is country. Recently, Adams moved WGBG Classic Rock from 98.5 to a new 25,000- watt signal that had previously been broadcasting country. The new “US 98.5 Everything Country” will be consulted by Keith Hill.
Keith Hill, well known for his experience and success in country will provide guidance for the stations programming. Keith commented on the new station “My very first job in radio was in Seaford, DE…on this very station! This is a homecoming for sure! Salisbury – Ocean City has needed a country station like US 98.5 for a very long time. I am excited to be leading the effort to bring listeners a wider variety of country from Garth Brooks to today. Music that really is country too!” US98.5 will be commercial free for some time. Keith says “we intend to play at least 50,000 songs before adding full commercial content!”
Ron Stone, CEO of Adams added “I could not be happier than to have Keith Hill programming this new station. No one else could be a better fit. After a lot of research, we determined our best opportunity for success was country on 98.5, a signal that serves the market very well! Salisbury – Ocean City needs a country format that does not ignore the best country of all time. The market is in for a real treat with US 98.5”. Stone added, “there are more surprises coming on this station. Stay tuned!”
Original Report 9/18: Adams Radio Group has broken the temporary simulcast of Classic Rock “Big 107.7” WGBG Fruitland MD and 98.5 WKHI-FM Seaford DE following the format’s move to 107.7 last month.
98.5, which has taken on new WUSX call letters, is now running a redirect loop with members of the Bob & Tom Show directing listeners to 107.7 and a legal ID promoting the upcoming change “WUSX Seaford is US 98, Something New Is Coming Friday at 5”. We reported on the registration of US985.com by Adams in our August 24 Domain Insight.
So basically a frequency switch.
That, and the WKHI calls seem to have been retired.
Would love someone to pick up the KHI calls and bring a real CHR format back to Delmarva. 50 plus frequencies and the best the area has 95.9 Kiss FM.
Per this site, looks like 94.9 just became WKHI.
I noticed 94.9 Jack FM is now WKHI while listening to the Redskins game. Glad someone in the area preserved the call letters.