Country music to get first national UK radio station
Playlist will feature the likes of Keith Urban, Kacey Musgraves, Thomas Rhett, Maren Morris and Carrie Underwood.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The UK's first ever national country music radio station is launching next month.
In the latest proof of the UK's growing appreciation for country music, Country Hits Radio will start its first broadcast on 5 April and is aimed at listeners aged 25-44.
Station bosses at Bauer told the BBC that the Country Hits Radio playlist will feature the likes of Keith Urban, Kacey Musgraves, Thomas Rhett, Maren Morris and Carrie Underwood.
The Saturdays' singer Una Healy has signed up to host a weekend show, while Baylen Leonard and Ty Bentli will be among its weekday presenters.
“When you look at the success of artists such as The Shires and Ward Thomas as well as huge events like Country 2 Country, it's clear there's a real audience for country music in the UK,” said Healy.
“It's a genre I've fallen in love with and it's thrilling that it now has a home in Country Hits Radio. I can't wait to get started!”
Bauer added country was the “biggest genre of music to have previously been without its own radio station”.
The news follows the Country 2 Country music festival that took place at several locations in the UK - including London's O2 Arena - over the weekend.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments