Apple expands radio offering with two new digital stations

Apple has renamed Beats 1 as Apple Music 1 and added two new stations as part of its newly launched initiative Apple Music Radio.

Apple Music Hits and Apple Music Country will now be available through Apple Music, with both set to feature exclusive original shows from the world’s top music hosts and artists.

Five years on from its launch, Beats 1 is taking the next step in its evolution after establishing itself as one of the premier offerings of in-depth interviews, unique programming and an inherent camaraderie with the artist community, led by the likes of Zane Lowe.

“Apple Music is home — it’s home to artists, it’s home to fans, and it’s home to incredible music,” said Zane Lowe, Apple Music’s global creative director and host.

“I’m an obsessive music nerd. I love searching for the most exciting new artists and playing them right alongside the most essential, established artists of our time, because great music does not know the difference and Apple Music fans just want to hear great music. That’s what Apple Music radio is all about.”

Apple Music 1 will continue to focus on new music and discovery.

“For the past five years, if ever there was a meaningful moment in music culture, Beats 1 was there bringing human curation to the forefront and drawing in listeners with exclusive shows from some of the most innovative, respected, and beloved people in music,” Oliver Schusser, vice president of Apple Music, Beats, and International Content, added.

“Now, Apple Music radio provides an unparalleled global platform for artists across all genres to talk about, create, and share music with their fans, and this is just the beginning. We will continue to invest in live radio and create opportunities for listeners around the world to connect with the music they love.”

With adult contemporary and Hot AC becoming dominant radio formats in recent years, Apple has moved to launch Apple Music Hits which will focus on music from the ’80s, ’90s and 2000s.

Hosts will include Jayde Donovan, Estelle, Lowkey, Jenn Marino, Sabi, Nicole Sky and Natalie Sky, and more.

There’ll also be new and exclusive shows from artist including Backstreet Boys, Ciara, Mark Hoppus, Huey Lewis, Alanis Morissette, Snoop Dogg and more.

Meanwhile Apple Music Country will bring a modern edge to country music for fans, offering a mix of the best music of today while introducing fans to the stars of tomorrow, as well as the legends who shaped the genre.

Daily on-air hosts will include Kelleigh Bannen, Ty Bentli, Bree, Alecia Davis, Ward Guenther, Nada, and Tiera, while exclusive shows will come from Jimmie Allen, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, BRELAND, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Morgan Evans, Florida Georgia Line and heaps more.

Apple Music Radio’s new suite of stations are available whenever Apple Music is, as well as on Siri-enable devices.