Modesto Radio: KOSO Flips To Big Dog Country

After more than 20 years as a pop-adult contemporary station, Modesto’s KOSO 92.9 FM B93 FM has abruptly changed to a country format.

According to The Modesto Bee, the shift came at noon July 1, with those tuning in to its 92.9 FM signal finding “The Big Dog” on the dial instead. Parent company iHeartMedia moved it to a “new country” format, which includes largely current Top 40 country hits without much classic country.

“Across the U.S., there’s an exploding passion for ‘new country; – fresh sounds from rising new stars along with today’s biggest artists, telling their stories through their music. Our research clearly indicated there was a huge void in the Modesto market for that music, and for an exciting approach to it on the radio,” said Jeff Negrete, iHeartMedia Area President. “No company has deeper resources or a better knowledge of winning country radio than iHeartMedia; for both the listeners and the business community.”

KOSO 92.9 FM (6 Kw) Red=Local Coverage

KOSO-B93 FM had been one of the area’s leading adult contemporary stations over the years. In the late 1990s and early 2000s the broadcaster was behind large, high-profile events like Summerfest and Acoustic Christmas which attracted thousands.

The format flip now puts The Big Dog directly in competition with KAT Country 103 FM, the region’s popular country station. Owned by iHeartMedia rival company Cumulus Media, KAT has long been the area’s highest-rated station, according to Nielsen Audio.

Negrete would not say if naming the station “The Big Dog” was a reference to its new competitor KAT.

“The 92.9 The Big Dog name conveys the strength and power of the iHeartCountry brand. It’s the perfect name for the home of our nationally acclaimed morning personality Bobby Bones. We look forward to being Modesto’s exclusive hot new country station,” he said.

The new B93 website, which switched over at the same time, posted a goodbye message to fans over the weekend. It read: “Thank you! We appreciate you being a loyal B93 listener, but it’s time to say farewell!”