98.5, Bay Area classic rock station, switches its signal to country

The Bay Area radio scene has changed. After three decades on the airwaves, KFOX has ended its traditional run as the South Bay home for classic rock. The station made the switch to a country music format, now branded as Bay Country, effective Wednesday at noon.

This shift comes as Connoisseur Media, the owner of both 98.5 FM and the former 94.5 FM, prepares for a series of business moves. Connoisseur announced plans to sell 94.5 FM to K-LOVE Inc. for $2 million earlier this month. The new country format on 98.5 FM replaces the previous programming that aired on the 94.5 frequency.

KFOX is not disappearing entirely. While the analog radio signal has pivoted, the station continues to broadcast through HD Radio. Listeners with appropriate equipment can find the classic rock format on 98.5 KUFX-HD2 in the South Bay or 99.7 KMVQ-HD3 in San Francisco. Additional listening options remain available through the KFOX website and various streaming platforms.

Staff and long-time listeners expressed mixed reactions to the transition. Alex Harmon, a promotions employee at Connoisseur, noted that the change marks the end of a 35-year legacy. Online forums have seen similar feedback from residents who view the departure of the classic rock format from its traditional dial position as a significant loss for the region's radio history.