Country Star Buys Nashville Radio Slot

Garth Brooks is purchasing the 100.1 FM frequency from Tuned In Broadcasting Inc. for three million dollars.

The deal, reported by Inside Radio, involves Brooks' newly formed Sevens Network LLC. The Federal Communications Commission must approve the transaction. Until that approval is granted, Lightning 100 will remain on its current dial position.

Upon completion, Brooks plans to use the frequency for a new country music station called FM-100. The station aims to provide more airtime for female artists in the genre. Brooks stated in a press release that the move brings the entire family of Country Music together in one spot, including legends and future greats.

The existing Lightning 100 brand will not disappear. It will move to Cromwell Media's 106.3 FM and 102.5 FM-HD3 frequencies. Cromwell Media will retain the original programming and adult album alternative music format. Listeners will need to tune to the new frequencies to continue receiving the familiar content.

Lester Turner bought Lightning 100 in 1993 and has served as president of Tuned In Broadcasting since then. Turner said the deal moves the frequency to Sevens Network but keeps Lightning 100 on the air. He expressed disappointment at leaving 100.1 FM but noted the partnership with Cromwell Media Nashville.

Cromwell Media Nashville is locally owned and affiliated with The Cromwell Group Inc. of Fort Mill, South Carolina. The group operates 30 radio stations across Tennessee, Kentucky, and Illinois. In Nashville, their stations include 102.9 The Buzz, 102.5 The Game, 94.9 The Fan, and Sports Talk 830 AM.