PureCountry
PureCountry was an internet-based radio station created and operated by the Australian Radio Network (ARN), commencing broadcast in August 2006.
The station's format was predominantly Contemporary Country music and Modern Country Rock, and targeted 18- to 39-year-olds Australia-wide. There was also a strong focus on Australian country music.
The station has now shut down.
History and launch
PureCountry was established in August 2006 as a complementary brand for the Australian Radio Network, which also operates the Classic Hits, MixFM (Adult Contemporary), Edge 96.1 (Hip hop & RnB) and Cruise 1323 (Easy Listening) radio formats in Australia.
Unlike the other ARN stations of the time, PureCountry was not available via traditional radio broadcast transmissions on AM or FM. The streaming audio was available only via the station website.
It was planned for the station to be broadcast via terrestrial digital radio (DAB+) at its Australian launch in 2009, but this did not occur.
Music format and core artists
PureCountry played mostly current contemporary country music hits and modern country rock from the 1990s and 2000s. Australian artists were featured heavily.
Core artists/bands for the station included Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, The Dixie Chicks, Catherine Britt, Lee Kernaghan, Faith Hill, LeAnn Rimes, Kenny Chesney, Adam Brand, Troy Cassar-Daley, Trisha Yearwood, and Rascal Flatts.