BBC Introducing is expanding across the Atlantic with a new program launching in Tennessee on December 5, 2025. The monthly show will partner with college radio stations to spotlight emerging local artists and feature UK talent. Hosted by University of Tennessee students, it aims to support independent musicians on an international scale.
Launch Details
BBC Introducing in America will debut on Friday, December 5, 2025, airing on the first Friday of every month. The pilot program starts in Tennessee, collaborating with college radio stations to promote upcoming artists. It will be broadcast from 90.3 FM WUTK 'The Rock' at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with additional features from stations like WRVU at Vanderbilt University.
Hosts and Format
The show is hosted by Sherleen Mwaura, a senior majoring in Music Business Administration and minoring in Africana studies, and Cade Beasley, a senior in Journalism and Electronic Media with minors in Political Science and Advertising/Public Relations. Each episode will highlight local independent artists from Tennessee and include one UK act. The inaugural UK artist is Nectar Woode, who was supported by BBC Introducing in 2022 and performed at Glastonbury in 2025.
New Tennessee musicians can submit tracks via the College Radio Foundation's website for a chance to be played. Supporting stations include WUTK 90.3 FM, WRVU, WVCP 88.5 FM, WUMC, The Perch, WTTU, WETS-FM, WMTS 88.3 FM, and WUTM 90.3 FM.
Quotes and Background
Sherleen Mwaura expressed enthusiasm: 'I'm incredibly grateful to co-host the first BBC Introducing in America show and pour into the local live music space! This community allows me to help champion emerging artists, create opportunities for their voices to be heard, and support the stories that deserve a platform.'
Cade Beasley added: 'I'm so excited to get the opportunity to be a part of the first BBC Introducing show in the U.S. If you told me a year ago I would be doing this, I'd call you a liar.'
Kelly Betts, Editor of BBC Introducing, stated: 'From helping to launch one of the original BBC Introducing shows on BBC Three Countries Radio to championing stars like Olivia Dean, Lewis Capaldi and Tom Grennan at the start of their career, I’m pleased to announce Introducing’s next chapter, BBC Introducing in America with the College Radio Foundation.'
Rob Quicke, Founder of the College Radio Foundation, noted: 'College radio in the USA continues to play an important role in discovering and championing new music, so partnering with BBC Introducing in America is an excellent and exciting opportunity for us.'
Since 2007, BBC Introducing has supported independent artists through its uploader platform. This U.S. expansion responds to global growth in independent music, with plans to extend to more states. Listeners can tune in at collegeradio.org.