Classic rock station 103.1 'MAX' FM flipping to country music, rebranding as 'The Wolf'
Luke Combs is among the expansive roster of country music artists who will be played regularly on Long Island's newest country music radio station. Credit: Getty Images for SiriusXM / Mike Coppola
Long Island is about to have two country music radio stations: Farmingdale-based WBZO/103.1 FM (aka “MAX”) will switch from classic rock to country Wednesday morning at 10:31, the station's Westport, Connecticut-based operator, Connoisseur Media, announced Tuesday. In addition, the station will change both call letters and name to WWWF/103.1 FM (“The Wolf”).
The Island's other country station is WJVC/96.1 FM, owned by Ronkonkoma-based JVC Broadcasting.
In a late afternoon news release sent to advertisers, Connoisseur noted that “after doing our research, we saw an opportunity to meet a growing demand for country music. Nationally, it’s the hottest format, with an incredible number of artists recording new country music and cross-over titles for fans of all genres.” The release added, “the station will play mainstream country music featuring artists like Morgan Wallen, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney, and Luke Combs, plus emerging stars like Jelly Roll and Hardy.”
Connoisseur CEO Jeffrey Warshaw confirmed the release via email. Asked whether the station will have DJs — MAX has been without them since 2022 — he said, “There are some things that will be revealed over time! You’ll need to listen!”
John Caracciolo, JVC's chief executive, said via email, “Remember — we are Long Island’s Country [station and] we bring the superstars to Suffolk County at our Amphitheater [Catholic Health Amphitheater at Bald Hill in Farmingville]. We’ve done this for 14 years and we will keep doing it. [But] I welcome another fan and promoter of this great music format on our island, it will be good for both of us.”
