Global has announced the launch of two digital radio stations from Smooth, including a country network that could challenge Bauer’s Country Hits Radio.

Smooth Country and Smooth Chill both launch tomorrow (September 3). It follows the roll-out of new brand extensions last week from Heart and Capital Xtra.

Smooth Country will be available on DAB in London, Manchester and across the south of England, while Smooth Chill with be available on DAB in London. 

Smooth Country celebrates artists including Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Shania Twain and Lady Antebellum. Eamonn Kelly (pictured) will host a weekday morning show from 9am–1pm. It will go up against Country Hits Radio, a digital-only station that topped 200,000 listeners in its first RAJAR results.

Smooth Chill features artists including Morcheeba, London Grammar, Moby and Portishead.

Sam Jackson, managing editor of Smooth, said: “To launch two new Smooth branded stations on one day is hugely exciting for us and confirms our vision to grow and develop the brand. Smooth Country will celebrate the best country music hits, while Smooth Chill will play the best music to relax and unwind to, no matter what time of the day. Through these new stations, we can’t wait to introduce Smooth to even more people, as well as giving our existing 5.7 million weekly listeners even more opportunities to enjoy the music they love.”

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