03 December 2025
Newsdesk
The esteemed new music platform BBC Introducing is crossing the Atlantic, launching BBC Introducing in America this Friday, December 5th. This innovative new programme will pilot in Tennessee, joining forces with college radio stations to champion emerging artists on an international level, with plans to expand across more US states in the future.
The inaugural show will air on the first Friday of every month, hosted from 90.3 FM WUTK “THE ROCK” at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The programme will be presented by WUTK students Sherleen Mwaura and Cade Beasley, and will feature collaboration with a rotating campus radio station, starting with WRVU from Vanderbilt University.
Each episode of BBC Introducing in America will shine a spotlight on local, independent musicians from Tennessee, while also featuring one up-and-coming UK artist, offering British talent a new platform in the US. The first UK act to be showcased is Nectar Woode, who was first supported by BBC Introducing in 2022 and performed on the Introducing stage at Glastonbury in 2025. Tennessee musicians can submit their music for consideration via the College Radio Foundation’s site.
"Nurturing and spotlighting new music from across the UK has been one of the highlights of my life and I’m so excited to take Introducing across the pond to see who we can uncover and support in the US," said Kelly Betts, Editor of BBC Introducing.
This expansion responds to the global rise of independent musicians. By partnering with the College Radio Foundation, the BBC is not only offering a voice to new US talent but also continuing to create international opportunities for UK artists.
Rob Quicke, Founder of the College Radio Foundation, hailed the partnership as an "excellent and exciting opportunity" for student presenters and emerging musicians alike. The show will be available to stream starting December 5th at collegeradio.org.
