Connoisseur Media has made it official. The company confirmed today that KBAY Bay Country is moving to 98.5 FM, the former home of KUFX, effective immediately.
What We Know: KBAY’s Bay Country format now simulcasts on 98.5 FM, significantly expanding its reach across the South Bay. The station will continue on its longtime frequency until the previously announced sale to K-LOVE closes. Meanwhile, KUFX transitions to K FOX Classic Rock, available on HD2 and through Super Hi-Fi online. All current on-air personalities remain in place.
What They Said: Keith Dakin, SVP of Programming for Connoisseur Media, didn’t mince words about the opportunity. “The San Francisco Bay Area has long been underserved by a major country station, and we’re ready to fill that void,” he said. “With Danny Miller, Tony Michaels, and Emily Harlan leading the lineup, KBAY is in a great spot to become the Bay Area’s premier destination for country music.” Regional Operations Manager Brian “Fig” Figula added that the move also strengthens the station’s position with advertising partners.
What Remains Unclear: Connoisseur Media teased additional programming leadership changes across its West Coast markets, though specifics haven’t been released. The timeline for completing the K-LOVE sale also remains unannounced. It’s unclear how quickly KBAY will fully transition off its original frequency.
What It Means: For years, country music has lacked a powerful home in one of America’s largest radio markets. This move gives KBAY both the signal strength and platform to change that. If the format takes hold, it could reshape the Bay Area’s competitive landscape considerably. The timing, with country music surging nationally in 2026, makes the bet a reasonable one.
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.