Country music radio placement is paramount; landing the ideal slot on a large country station could make or break an artist.
But a recent study suggests that many country stations adhere to two unwritten rules when selecting female artists for airplay: never playing two consecutive female artists in rapid succession and only ever using female artists as filler tracks between male acts.
WMPS
WMPS stands for West Memphis Public Stations and operates in Bartlett, Tennessee to cover Memphis Metropolitan area with country music programming. Owned and operated by Flinn Broadcasting since 1987. 1210 AM.
Beginning its broadcasts in 1933 as KWEM, Memphis Music People Station changed to its current call letters of WMPS (Memphis Music People Station) in 1945. Over its lifetime (late 1930s to 1940s) it relayed national programming from NBC while hosting local programs featuring country stars like Kay Starr and Eddy Arnold during their early careers.
In 1947, WMPS hit its stride by pioneering live local music by emerging country legends for both morning and afternoon performances. Ira Louvin would soon go on to form The Louvin Brothers; rockabilly was also introduced here and was championed early by this station.
With the rise of country music came increased interest in local broadcasts. Local radio stations began to develop and establish themselves within their communities by offering country music-specific broadcasts that targeted demographics that most desired hearing it.
Country music radio stations have become an integral part of American culture and one of the most beloved forms of music here in the US. There are more country stations than any other genre; thus staying competitive, radio stations that specialize in country have changed formats in order to remain viable over time.
Mainstream country radio stations follow a format similar to contemporary or top 40 radio stations in the UK, offering up a selection of hit songs from country charts on an ongoing basis, often supplemented with pop and rock hits as well.
Hot country radio stations follow a slightly different format, providing listeners with only the most recent hits on country music charts. Often focusing on just a handful of artists and frequently responding to popular requests from listeners. Some even feature live concerts as another way of connecting with an audience.
Rhythmic country radio stations typically play a mix of both classic and contemporary country music, and typically feature various artists and can even host talk shows. They are popular across the United States and many stations enjoy an enormous following.
Country 102.5 is Boston’s favorite country radio station. Offering contests and presenters as well as classic and trending country songs from Texas-based artists. Boasting over 1.242.6800 listeners alone. Additionally, top-rated Houston station KILT serves the local region, providing its listeners with great country music programming alongside talk shows and podcasts.