Apple relaunches live radio offerings with Beats 1 rebrand, new channels

Apple relaunched its live global radio offerings today on Apple Music, rebranding Beats 1 to Apple Music 1, and launching new channels Apple Music Country and Apple Music Hits that feature a roster of hosts including George Stroumboulopoulos, and Canadian artists Alanis Morrissette, Shania Twain, and The Weeknd, among many others.

Now available in 165 countries, Apple Music’s foray into live radio started with the launch of Beats 1 in 2015. It’s built a reputation on artist camaraderie, indepth interviews and global exclusives, while also championing human curation 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,” said Oliver Schusser, vice president of Apple Music, Beats, and International Content, in a release. “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.”

Apple Music 1 will be led by hosts Zane Lowe, Ebro Darden, Brooke Reese, Dotty, Hanuman Welch, Matt Wilkinson, Nadeska, Rebecca Judd, and Travis Mills, with artist shows anchored by Action Bronson, Billie Eilish, Elton John, Joe Kay, Lil Wayne, Frank Ocean, Vince Staples, and The Weeknd, as well as new shows from Aitch, Kerwin Frost, HAIM, Lady Gaga, Nile Rodgers, Travis Scott, and Young M.A. Apple Music 1 also features several shows dedicated to Latin music and “Africa Now Radio with Cuppy,” showcasing African music and artists.

Apple Music Hits will celebrate the hits of the ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s. In addition to Stroumboulopoulos, who’ll host from 5 – 8 p.m. ET Monday to Thursday, on-air talent includes syndicated Westwood One host Jayde Donovan, Estelle, Lowkey, Jenn Marino, Sabi, twins Nicole and Natalie Sky, and MSNBC personality Ari Melber. Morrisette, Twain, Megan Trainor, Backstreet Boys, Ciara, blink-182’s Mark Hoppus, Huey Lewis, and Snoop Dogg, are among the channel’s artist contributors.

Apple Music Country’s talent roster includes daily hosts Kelleigh Bannen, who formerly hosted Today’s Country on Beats 1; Ty Bentli, who exited Westwood One in February; Bree; Alecia Davis; Ward Guenther; Nada, and Tiera; weekly shows from Ashley Eicher and Kelly McCartney; and artist shows from Jimmie Allen, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, BRELAND, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Morgan Evans, Florida Georgia Line, Pat Green, Willie Jones, Chrissy Metz, Midland, Rissi Palmer, The Shires, Carrie Underwood, Morgan Wallen, and producers and songwriters Dave Cobb, Jesse Frasure, and Luke Laird, as well as country music journalist Hunter Kelly.

Apple Music radio is available through the Apple Music app and at music.apple.com.