Garth Brooks is planning a Nashville FM station that combines country music with local information, while the independent Lightning 100 format would continue at a different spot on the dial.
His Sevens Network has agreed to acquire WRLT, now heard on 100.1 FM, from Tuned In Broadcasting for $3 million, according to Radio Ink. Brooks’ own announcement says the transaction awaits FCC approval. The proposed FM-100 is not yet a completed format change.
Lightning 100 would relocate to Cromwell Media’s 106.3 FM translator and WPRT-HD3 at 102.5 FM after approval and closing. Until then, it remains on 100.1, Inside Audio Marketing reports.
Brooks says FM-100 will connect country music’s earlier generations with current and emerging performers, including more exposure for women. His plans also include local event information and help for visitors. He says an agreement with Nashville Severe Weather will allow regular programming to be interrupted for dangerous-weather coverage.
The announcement does not establish a launch date or staffing lineup. For programmers and independent artists, the next useful details will be who selects the music, how submissions work and how Lightning’s listeners will be guided through the frequency change.
The project follows Brooks’ separation from TuneIn’s SEVENS partnership. Tuned In Broadcasting, the station seller, is a separate company from the TuneIn streaming service.