ETSU’s public radio station, WETS-FM, is launching BBC’s “Introducing in America,” a new monthly program connecting Tennessee and UK emerging artists.

East Tennessee State University’s beloved public radio station, 89.5 WETS-FM, is bringing a taste of international music discovery to the region as one of nine Tennessee college radio stations launching BBC’s “Introducing in America.” 

It starts this Friday, Dec. 5. 

What is ‘Introducing in America’?  

The innovative new program marks BBC Introducing’s first expansion beyond UK borders, teaming up with college radio stations across Tennessee to spotlight emerging artists on both sides of the Atlantic. WETS-FM will air the monthly show at 7 p.m. on the first Friday of each month. 

It adds another dimension to the station’s signature blend of programming that has served Appalachia for more than half a century. 

“This is an exciting moment for college radio and for music discovery in our region,” said Chad Barrett, WETS-FM station director. “It’s exactly the kind of programming our listeners have come to expect from WETS.” 

Each episode will feature independent artists from Tennessee alongside up-and-coming musicians from the UK, creating a transatlantic exchange of fresh sounds. The Dec. 5 premiere will spotlight UK artist Nectar Woode, who performed at Glastonbury's BBC Introducing stage in 2025, alongside homegrown Tennessee talent. 

How do I listen to ‘Introducing in America’?  

Tune in to 89.5 WETS-FM at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5. Listeners can also stream the show at that time at wets.org.   ‍

How do I get my music on Introducing in America? 

New musicians and artists from Northeast Tennessee can submit an MP3 directly to WETS for consideration by emailing wets@etsu.edu. Note in the email whether you own the music rights, and that it is your music that is cleared for on-air broadcast and online streaming. Music from independent artists from Tennessee may also be uploaded at collegeradio.org for consideration.   

What is WETS-FM? 

WETS-FM is ETSU’s public radio station. It has existed on ETSU’s main campus for more than 50 years. It is one of the many reasons ETSU is the flagship institution of Appalachia.