From Nashville with love: The Aussie community radio station doing great things abroad

As you read this, the husband-and-wife team of Ron and Jaque Trundle are winging their way home to Australia from Nashville, having achieved a remarkable radio feat.

Ron is the Chairman of Gosford-based community station Today’s Country 94one on the New South Wales Central Coast. Jaque is the Station Manager. But to local listeners, they’re better known as Ronnie T & Jaq, hosts of the Friday Drive show which showcases their passion for all things country music.

Now, the station has the distinction of being one of only two Australian country radio media outlets to conduct interviews at the Nashville CMA Fest.

What began in 1972 as fan event with just 5,000 attendees has grown into the longest-running festival of its kind in the world, with tens of thousands converging daily on the country music capital during four days of festivities in the heart of Nashville.

CMA Fest artists donate their time, with proceeds supporting music education through the CMA Foundation.

Attending the festival for the first time, Jaque says the experience was nothing short of magical.

“We watched the busy streets of Nashville come alive and fill with country music enthusiasts from around the world,” she tells Radio Today.

The event included songwriter sessions and listening rooms.

“The event was a harmonious blend of timeless classics and fresh talent. The atmosphere was charged with passion and energy.”

The media centre set-up created a welcoming space where connections were forged, and stories unfolded.

Ron and Jaque’s interviews with Australian artists in Nashville highlighted their perspectives on breaking into the US market, their chats with Tyla Rodrigues and Casey Barnes among the major highlights of the trip.

Ron and Jaque also scored interviews with American country stars including Alexandra Kay, Drew Baldridge and Tayler Holder.

They even introduced some of these US artists to Australian country music for the very first time.

Ron and Jaque’s Nashville adventure is the latest feather in the cap for Today’s Country 94one.

This year – for the sixth time – it won the Australian Country Music People’s Choice Award for Most Popular Radio Station.

Listen to Today’s Country 94one here or tune in on most Streaming Platforms including – CBAA Community Radio+ and iHeart radio.