Milligan University has officially launched its student radio station, WUMC, as part of a collaborative initiative with the BBC Introducing program. The station joins eight other college radio stations in Tennessee to unveil this new platform, which aims to promote emerging musical talent. The inaugural show will air on the first Friday of each month, with WUMC set to be featured on January 2, 2026.
Simon J. Dahlman, chair of Milligan’s performing, visual and communicative arts area, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Working with the BBC and the College Radio Foundation is a great partnership for WUMC and a terrific opportunity for our students.” He added that the staff has been preparing for this program for nearly a year, highlighting the university’s commitment to developing student initiatives.
The BBC Introducing initiative seeks to connect local artists with a broader audience. Each episode of the show will feature a college radio station, spotlighting talent from Northeast Tennessee. Students and local musicians can submit their work via milliganradio.com/music for a chance to be aired on the station. Other artists from across Tennessee can submit their music through the College Radio Foundation’s platform at collegeradio.org.
Michal Curlej, the student station manager at WUMC, noted the significance of this collaboration, saying, “BBC Introducing in America is a great opportunity for our station to connect our listeners with emerging, talented artists from across the state.” This initiative aligns with WUMC’s mission to support local artists by giving them a platform to share their music.
The program is set to be hosted from 90.3 FM WUTK “THE ROCK” at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Each episode will not only showcase local talent but also feature artists from the United Kingdom, thereby creating an international exchange of music. The first U.K. artist to be highlighted will be Nectar Woode, who gained recognition through BBC Introducing and performed at the Glastonbury festival in 2025.
Since its inception in 2007, BBC Introducing has seen significant growth, providing a platform for independent artists to share their music. The new BBC Introducing in America aims to enhance this mission by spotlighting undiscovered talent from both the U.K. and the U.S., responding to the increasing demand for diverse and independent musical voices.
Kelly Betts, editor of BBC Introducing, commented on the expansion, stating, “I’m pleased to announce Introducing’s next chapter, BBC Introducing in America with the College Radio Foundation.” She emphasized the joy of nurturing new music and the excitement surrounding the potential to discover talent within the U.S.
Rob Quicke, founder of the College Radio Foundation, shared his thoughts on the collaboration, stating, “College radio in the U.S.A. continues to play an important role in discovering and championing new music, so partnering with BBC Introducing in America is an excellent and exciting opportunity for us.” He underscored the unique experience this partnership offers to student presenters at participating stations.
As the program launches, both student and local artists in Tennessee will have their music shared on a new platform, fostering a vibrant community of emerging talent. The collaboration between Milligan University, WUMC, and the BBC Introducing program represents a significant step in promoting independent music and supporting local artists on a broader scale.
