Country music is experiencing a golden era, reaching new heights in popularity and diversity. No longer confined to its traditional roots, this genre is resonating with audiences across the country, and at Audacy, we’re witnessing this firsthand. Country music radio stations have grown by 11% year-over-year, a testament to Country’s expanding fan base.¹ What’s driving this surge? It’s the genre’s evolving sound and inclusivity.

Today’s country music is a melting pot of influences. Artists like Beyoncé and Jelly Roll are breaking down barriers, making country music more accessible and appealing to a wider audience. Beyoncé’s historic achievement as the first Black female artist to top the country charts marks a significant shift in the genre’s landscape. This evolution is not just a trend; it’s a movement that is attracting new listeners and reshaping country music for the better.

For advertisers, there’s something powerful about tapping into a fanbase that’s deeply engaged, and country music fans are exactly that. According to Deloitte’s recent fandom study, music fandom is a force to be reckoned with, even stronger than fandom for sports, TV series, or movies. About 40% of fans say their favorite music artist is important to their identity. 

For brands, this level of engagement presents a real opportunity. Imagine connecting with an audience that doesn’t just listen to country music but lives and breathes it. These fans are eager for more content, more experiences, and more ways to connect with the artists they love. The value of this fandom is immense, and it’s an untapped resource that brands can leverage to build deeper connections with consumers.

At Audacy, we know a thing or two about country music fans—they’re some of the most loyal listeners out there. In fact, one-third of our country listeners report country as their radio format of first preference.² 

Our audience isn’t just large; it’s young, established, and influential. We’re talking about Millennials and Gen Xers, working parents, and high-income earners who are 53% more likely to have attended a country music concert in the past 12 months compared to the average U.S. adult.²

These are consumers who make decisions, influence others, and have the spending power to back it up. And they’re not just listening to country music on the radio—they’re attending live events, engaging with artists on social media, and bringing their love of country into every aspect of their lives. And Audacy helps bring them there. Our vast network connects country music fans across multiple markets, and brings star-studded events like Stars and Strings, Leading Ladies, and more each year to fuel our listeners’ fandom.

To meet the demand of our dedicated country audience, Audacy is doubling down on its commitment to the genre with a major expansion in Nashville—the heart of country music. We recently unveiled our new broadcast studio, the Audacy Nashville Sound Space with a grand opening featuring country music superstar Thomas Rhett. This isn’t just a studio; it’s a testament to our dedication to country music and our fans.

This expansion solidifies our presence in Music City and underscores our commitment to delivering top-tier country content. The new studio will also serve as the home of “Katie & Company,” our nationally syndicated country show hosted by the award-winning Katie Neal. With over 2.7 million listeners each week, Katie’s show has become a cornerstone of our country music programming, offering exclusive interviews with top country artists and creating unforgettable moments for fans.

With country music on the rise and Audacy’s expanded footprint, there’s never been a better time for advertisers to get involved. Our country music platform reaches over 14 million fans across the country, providing brands with unparalleled access to a passionate and engaged audience. Whether through live event sponsorships, exclusive show sponsorships or entitlements like the SuperStar Power Hour, or Friday Artist Takeovers, there are countless ways for brands to connect with country music fans.

Our commitment to our fans and advertiser community is rivaled only by our commitment to budding artists. In the country community we’re fostering strong relationships with music artists, providing unparalleled access and exclusive content for fans. Take the story of Jelly Roll, for example. This once-under-the-radar artist gained massive popularity after our stations gave his music a spotlight, and now, he’s a household name. That’s the power of radio.

At Audacy, we’re not just broadcasting country music—we’re shaping its future. Whether you’re looking to reach a new audience or deepen your connection with country music fans, the opportunities with Audacy are endless.