Philadelphia has a second Country station. Audacy switched WTDY at 96.5 FM from Hot AC to Country on Monday, rebranding it US 96.5 and putting it straight into competition with Beasley's 92.5 XTU (WXTU).
The change ends the Hot AC run of The New 96.5, the branding the station had carried since May 2023. WXTU, by contrast, has held the Country format since 1984, so the new entrant is taking on one of the market's longest-running formats.
The full weekday schedule begins October 26. It is built largely from Audacy's syndicated Country programming: Katie and Company, Coop, Rob and Holly, and Mo and StyckMan. Audacy said a new morning show will be named soon.
"Country music has a special way of connecting people, and we are excited to bring a brand-new destination to this important market," said Tim Roberts, Audacy's VP of Country format. He added that US 96.5 "expands our footprint" in the city.
The flip is a programming move on an existing license. No change in ownership, facilities or other FCC filings tied to the switch has been announced.