Big Country 104.9 and 97.9 Albany are charting a different course this weekend. The stations launch a special “Yacht Big Country” format blending country favorites with smooth, sun-soaked sounds.
What We Know: Big Country 104.9 and 97.9 will swap their regular weekend programming for a Yacht Big Country experience. The format weaves in artists like Poco, Kenny Rogers, the Eagles, and Jimmy Buffett. Additionally, the weekend wraps with a special spotlight on Keith Urban’s new Flow State album — a collection of Yacht Rock covers also featuring a new single with Michael McDonald.
What They Said: The stations framed the move as part of a broader industry push. “This is part of our dare to be different initiative that we hope all of radio will re-embrace,” said the Kevin Callahan Executive Director of Operations and Programming. The quote signals an intentional challenge to conventional weekend programming — and an invitation for other stations to follow.
What Remains Unclear: This is a one-time weekend stunt — not a permanent format shift. The Keith Urban Flow State special airs later in the weekend, though an exact timeslot hasn’t been confirmed.
What It Means: Big Country deserves credit for trying something different and shaking things up. That kind of creative courage was once a radio staple — but too many programmers have walked away from it. Urban’s Flow State gives the stunt a timely, culturally relevant hook. Hopefully, other stations are paying attention and willing to follow suit.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
David Hill serves as a Music Radio Editor, Columnist and Features writer for Barrett Media. A radio lifer with more than 30 years behind the mic, in the control room, and in the program director’s chair, David’s career spans influential stops at brands such as WIYY 98 Rock, WBAL-AM, and 99X. He has worked across multiple formats and ownership groups, including iHeartMedia and Cumulus Media, developing talent, breaking music, and navigating every major industry shift from diary to PPM and terrestrial dominance to streaming disruption. When he’s not writing or analyzing the industry, Dave runs The Tune Farm, a marketing firm built to help artists and brands grow audience the same way great radio always has—by creating connection, not just impressions. He can be reached at David@BarrettMedia.com.
