Garth Brooks is expanding his radio ambitions by purchasing 100.1 FM, the frequency currently occupied by Lightning 100, Nashville’s long-running and deeply beloved independent alternative station.
Brooks’ Sevens Network LLC has reached an agreement to acquire the frequency used by WRLT-FM, pending FCC approval. Once the deal is finalized, Brooks plans to launch a country-focused station in its place, while Lightning 100 will move its programming to 106.3 FM and 102.5HD3.
For Nashville listeners, that means one of the city’s most familiar spots on the dial is changing hands. Lightning 100 has long followed what’s called an adult album alternative format, essentially a broad mix of indie, alternative, singer-songwriter, and local music alongside more established artists. Its programming includes the weekly concert broadcast “Nashville Sunday Night,” industry-focused “Music Business Radio,” and “The 615,” which spotlights Nashville’s local artists. The station wrote that those programs will continue after the move.
“Big news, Nashville!” Lightning 100 said in a post announcing the transition. “Lightning 100 is turning the page, but the music we love isn’t going anywhere!”
The purchase gives Brooks another route into radio shortly after his Sevens Network ended its three-year partnership with TuneIn. The collaboration launched several online stations, including country outlet The BIG 615, in 2023; Brooks and Sevens formally exited the partnership in September.
“This is an opportunity to bring the entire family of Country Music together in one spot … the legends, the greats, and the future greats,” Brooks said of the new venture. “Nashville is being called ‘The Newest City in America,’ and we want to bring a new kind of communication, combining terrestrial and digital radio, built to grow with this city.”
Lightning 100’s move comes as the station continues to maintain a large presence beyond terrestrial radio. It has long supported Nashville’s local music community through artist features, live sessions, and events, and recently announced plans to bring back its Live on the Green music festival in 2027.
It remains unclear whether Lightning 100 will retain its longtime name once it leaves its current frequency.
Brooks is also currently on his 2026 “Blame It All on My Roots Tour”; revisit our ticket guide for the full rundown.
