Milligan University Launches Student Radio Station with BBC Initiative

Milligan University’s student radio station, WUMC, has officially joined the ranks of eight other college radio stations in Tennessee to launch the new initiative, BBC Introducing in America. The inaugural show will air on December 5, 2025, at 18:00, with WUMC set to be featured on January 2, 2026. This partnership aims to spotlight emerging musical talents from local communities while enhancing the radio experience for listeners.

Professor Simon J. Dahlman, the chair of Milligan’s performing, visual and communicative arts area, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration. “Working with the BBC and the College Radio Foundation is a great partnership for WUMC and a terrific opportunity for our students,” he stated. The staff at WUMC has dedicated nearly a year to preparing for this groundbreaking program, which will allow them to engage with other college stations and introduce fresh musical talent from Northeast Tennessee.

The initiative is designed to support up-and-coming artists, giving them a platform to share their music. Students and local musicians from the area can submit their tracks through milliganradio.com/music to potentially be played on air. Additionally, artists from other regions in Tennessee can submit their work via the College Radio Foundation’s website, collegeradio.org.

BBC Introducing in America will be hosted from 90.3 FM WUTK “THE ROCK” at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Each monthly show will feature a local artist alongside a spotlight on an artist from the United Kingdom, aiming to bridge the gap between international music scenes. The first U.K. artist to be highlighted will be Nectar Woode, who gained recognition through BBC Introducing in 2022 and performed on the BBC Introducing stage at Glastonbury in 2025.

The BBC Introducing program has been instrumental since its inception in 2007, supporting independent artists and providing them with an outlet to share their music. The launch of this American extension reflects a growing trend of independent musicians seeking broader recognition.

Kelly Betts, editor of BBC Introducing, shared her excitement for the project: “Nurturing and spotlighting new music from across the U.K. has been one of the highlights of my life, and I’m so excited to take Introducing across the pond to see who we can uncover and support in the U.S. and what opportunities this brings to U.K. and U.S. artists alike.”

Rob Quicke, founder of the College Radio Foundation, emphasized the significant role college radio plays in discovering new music. “Partnering with BBC Introducing in America is an excellent and exciting opportunity for us. It will give our student presenters an incredible, unprecedented experience,” he said.

This collaboration not only showcases local talent but also fosters international connections, providing a fresh platform for artists on both sides of the Atlantic. Milligan University’s WUMC is poised to make a significant impact on the college radio landscape, enriching its community and enhancing the visibility of emerging artists.