The station format's niche appeal, changes in music consumption trends, as well as shifting demographics saw the station continually struggle financially. This resulted in the station entering business rescue in October 2019. 

The Professional Consortium successfully bid to take the station out of business rescue and set about stabilising the operations of the station; however, the Covid-19 pandemic impacted adversely on advertising revenue across the entire industry and on the station.

In April 2020, the consortium applied to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa for a change to a more commercially viable music format. On Friday, 30 April ICASA issued a new license to Classic FM South Africa, effectively approving the format change to 'Old Skool and R&B', while retaining a percentage of classical music.

Classic music will be played on the 102.7FM frequency from 19:00 to 05:00 and will be available on a 24-hour-a-day basis online via the website and on DSTV Channel 857.

For more information, visit www.classic1027.co.za or contact [email protected]. You can also follow Classic 1027 on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.