New Zealand has its first dedicated country music radio station called Southern Cross Country playing the classics and latest hits from local and international talent.
Co-founder and sales director Matt Smith said:
“The feedback has been phenomenal! We really know we’ve hit the mark with the massive numbers of country lovers who’ve downloaded the app and are listening daily, interacting with our shows and a huge outpouring of followers and fans on our socials. We are thrilled.”
The lineup includes Mike Puru on Breakfast, who will be familiar to listeners from The Edge, The Hits and Flava. Dan Bernstone, from ZM, More FM, RNZ and Gold, and Hamish Denton who teaches radio at his school in Tauranga, has worked on Coast FM and is the voice of TVNZ.
Co-founder and Content Director Dan Bernstone said:
“New Zealand has had a big gaping country hole on the airwaves for a very long time now, and I’m thrilled to be filling that with the best music out of Nashville and a platform to showcase the immense talent we have here on our shores.”
Breakfast host and co-founder Mike Puru adds:
“I’m a country fan from way back, and I’m so excited to be sharing my enthusiasm with Aotearoa. There are so many Kiwi country fans, with no one looking after them – so that’s what we are going to do. We’ve already scored some great interviews with Brad Cox and Alana Springsteen and Kiwi breakthrough artist at the CMAs, Kaylee Bell who said “this is exciting, I’ve had dreams of having a New Zealand country radio station. It’s amazing what you are doing for country music in New Zealand. Thank you!”
Key Features of Southern Cross Country:
· Round-the-Clock Country Hits: Southern Cross Country is ‘on air’ 24/7, delivering a continuous stream of country music, so listeners can tune in anytime, day or night.
· Local Talent Spotlight: The station is committed to supporting New Zealand’s country music artists, offering a platform for local talent to shine.
· Exclusive Interviews: Southern Cross Country will host exclusive interviews with country music stars, providing an inside look at their lives and careers.
· Interactive Engagement: Listeners can connect with the station through social media and the Southern Cross Country app.
You can find further details and ways to listen here.