Audacy Debuts Country “US 96.5” In Philadelphia.

Audacy debuts country “US 96.5” WTDY Philadelphia, sacrificing hot AC “New 96.5” to take on heritage country, Beasley Media Group’s WXTU (92.5).

The station launched at noon today with the first quarter hour of music that included Post Malone/Morgan Wallen “I Had Some Help,” Ella Langley “Choosin Texas,” Florida Georgia Line “Round Here,” Parmalee, “Cowgirl” and Carrie Underwood “Blown Away.”

“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, Country Format Vice President, Audacy. “Adding US 96.5 in Philadelphia expands our footprint and brings even more world-class entertainment to our listeners – it’s a terrific addition to Audacy’s strong station lineup in the city.”

The station is running commercial free until Oct. 24 with an announced lineup of Audacy national talent including “Katie and Company” (10am-3pm), “Coop,” who hosts mornings at co-owned classic hits WOGL (98.1) and afternoons and weekends on Audacy country stations, will handle afternoons, “Rob and Holly” follow from 7pm-12am, and “Mo and Styckman” in overnights.

A morning show will be announced shortly.

The station is also pushing former listeners of “New 96.5” to AC “B101” WBEB.

“US 96.5” is attempting to pull audience from WXTU, which launched in 1984 and, until today, has been the markets sole country station. WXTU is home to “The Andie Summers Show,” which was recently named the 2026 CMA Major Market Broadcast Personality of the Year. The station was ranked seventh in the Nielsen September PPMs with a 4.7 share (6+). WTDY in its hot AC format had a 2.0 share in the same period.