The Nashville Network Now The Heartland Network

Chattanooga-based Luken Communications has rebranded one of its diginets. What was The Nashville Network is now The Heartland Network, featuring a broad spectrum of what it calls “true country music,” including bluegrass, Americana, Texas country and more, has launched on 18 existing Luken affiliate stations including WSMV Nashville; WBMA Birmingham, Ala.; KIVI Boise, Idaho; and WPSD Paducah, Ky.

Matt Winn, Luken EVP, said: “We recently surveyed a sampling of our viewing audience and determined that there was more to country music than we currently offer. Our loyal viewers, who are part of the 96 million country music fans in the U.S., love the sounds from Nashville, but they also love the sounds of Austin, Bakersfield and Branson.  Therefore, in the coming months we will expand our country music offerings to showcase the historic styles from these geographic locations and more.  In addition, we are changing our name to reflect this broadening of our network presentation.”

Heartland officially launched on Oct. 9 with programming composed of syndicated and first-run shows along with digitally restored content from the vaults on Music Row.  The program lineup includes The Rick & Bubba Show, Texas Music Scene, Nashville Now, The Country Vibe, Music City Tonight, Gaither Gospel Hour, Larry’s Country Diner and classic episodes of Crook & Chase.