Real Country Radio Network Programming and Affiliates
Real Country provides a specialized satellite programming feed designed for country music stations. While the network offers a comprehensive stream of music and talent, it is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing affiliates—local stations that broadcast the network's content—to integrate their own community-focused programming.
To maintain a local connection, affiliates frequently replace the network feed during specific times of the day. This allows stations to broadcast local news, sports updates, and market reports tailored to their specific region.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Flexible Scheduling: Affiliates can replace network feeds for local news, sports, and market reports.
- Local Windows: Up to six minutes are provided at the top of every hour for local content.
- Commercial Breaks: Local commercial blocks of one to three minutes occur every ten minutes.
- Veteran Talent: The network features long-term hosts, including 24-year veteran Kris Wilson.
Programming Structure and Schedule
The Real Country network operates on a precise timing system to ensure seamless transitions between national satellite content and local station inserts. This structure ensures that while the music remains consistent, the local station maintains its identity.
Local Integration Windows
The network provides specific time slots for affiliate stations to insert their own content:
- Hourly News: Up to six minutes are allocated at the top of every hour for news or commercials.
- Frequent Breaks: At least one block of one to three minutes is reserved for local commercials every ten minutes.
- Station Identification: Time is specifically provided for affiliate station identification after each commercial block and 14 seconds before the top of the hour.
Current and Former On-Air Talent
The network's sound is shaped by its hosts. Current voices include Kris Wilson, a veteran of 24 years with Real Country, as well as Jim Casey and Jacy Shepherd.
Over the years, the network has featured a variety of personalities. Notable former hosts include Richard Lee, who served as program director and afternoon host for over a decade, and Mike Farell, the overnight host until 2007 known as "The Friend of the Friendless." Other contributors include John Calhoun, Steve Lewis, and Darlene Dixon, among others who helped define the network's early eras.
Network Affiliates
Real Country is broadcast across a wide array of stations throughout the United States. These affiliates bring the network's curated country sound to diverse markets, from the Pacific Northwest to the Southeast.
| Location | Station Call Sign |
|---|---|
| Altavista, Virginia | WKDE-FM |
| Bandon, Oregon | KBDN |
| Billings, Montana | KRKX |
| Wichita, Kansas | KWLS |
| Winona, Minnesota | KHWK |
| La Grange, Texas | KBUK / KVLG |
| Batesville, Mississippi | WBLE |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much local time do affiliates get per hour?
Affiliates are given up to six minutes at the top of every hour for news or commercials, plus one to three minute blocks every ten minutes.
Who are the current hosts of Real Country?
The current hosts include Kris Wilson, Jim Casey, and Jacy Shepherd.
Can affiliates replace the network feed entirely?
Yes, affiliates often replace the network feed at certain points of the day to provide local programming such as news, sports, and market reports.
When does the station identification occur?
Station identification takes place after each commercial block and 14 seconds before the top of the hour.
Who was the first morning host on the network?
Bob Jackson served as the first morning man on the Real Country network.