Dot Com Plus flipped 92.5 W223BX Saraland/92.1 WZEW-HD3 Fairhope to Classic Country. The new “92.5 The Bandit” launched with Alabama’s “Dixieland Delight” and Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire.”
What We Know The company ended its R&B Oldies format after stunting for just one week. First, they rotated Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” with Gwar’s cover version. Subsequently, they shifted to Donna Summer’s “Hot Stuff” paired with Widespread Panic’s cover of “Hot In Herre.” This creative strategy built anticipation before revealing the new format direction.
What’s at Stake The Classic Country format directly challenges two established country competitors in the footprint. iHeartMedia operates 95KSJ (94.9 WKSJ Mobile) while Cumulus Media programs 102.7 WXBM (Milton, FL). Both outlets target current country audiences actively. This aggressive move suggests Dot Com Plus believes Classic Country can capture distinct listener demand.
What Remains Unclear Dot Com Plus’s larger strategic vision with these lower-power signals needs explanation. Why abandon the R&B Oldies format after such a brief run? What specific market research drove this Classic Country decision? Furthermore, the company’s long-term format commitment remains uncertain.
What It Means This flip reflects ongoing format experimentation across smaller radio markets nationwide. Ratings pressures and competitive dynamics drive rapid format changes constantly. Classic Country offers Dot Com Plus a differentiated lane away from current-based competitors. However, capturing audience attention requires sustained execution in this crowded marketplace.
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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.