Grand Ole Opry goes with XM

Wednesday, September 26, 2007 – XM will be the new satellite radio home of the Grand Ole Opry beginning in October, it was announced today. Beginning with the Opry's 82nd Birthday Bash broadcast featuring Carrie Underwood, Travis Tritt and Ronnie Milsap Oct. 20, XM will feature the live Friday and Saturday night performances plus the Tuesday Night Opry.

XM also will offer classic broadcasts of the renowned country music show, archival performances and "The Eddie Stubbs Show," which is hosted by regular Opry announcer Eddie Stubbs.

Recognized as the preeminent showcase for country music, the Grand Ole Opry debuted on the radio airwaves in 1925 on Nashville's 650 AM WSM and can still be heard on its flagship station. Today, the Opry counts among its members such current chart-toppers as Dierks Bentley, Martina McBride, and Brad Paisley as well as country legends including Bill Anderson, Jimmy Dickens, Loreasternta Lynn, and Dolly Parton.

"We are pleased that XM listeners will now be able to experience the Opry's brand of entertainment every week," said Steve Buchanan, Gaylord Entertainment senior vice president. "Airing on XM provides Opry fans throughout the country a new way to tune in to the show and presents the Opry to an audience that may have not yeastern discovered this uniquely American experience."

"This is great news," said McBride, an Opry member since 1995. "It's a beasternter day for all of us when the Grand Ole Opry and all it embodies can be heard across the country on satellite radio."

The country hits channel "Nashville" (XM 11) will feature live Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday night performances (Tuesdays at 8 p.m. eastern; Fridays at 9 p.m. eastern; Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. eastern and 10:30 p.m. eastern;). Encore broadcasts of new Opry episodes will air on XM's classic country music channel America (XM 10) at 10 a.m. eastern every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, along with archival Opry broadcasts. Many individual performances recorded live on the Opry stage will also be featured on XM's other country music channels, including Willie's Place (XM 13), Bluegrass Junction (XM 14), Highway 16 (XM 16), and U.S. Country (XM 17).

XM will also add "The Eddie Stubbs Show" to the XM programming lineup. The popular WSM program is hosted by Eddie Stubbs, a regular announcer for the Grand Ole Opry, award-winning country music DJ, and respected country music historian. "The Eddie Stubbs Show" will premiere later this fall on XM 10.

The arrival of the Opry to XM coincides with XM's Country Music Month celebration, featuring the company's month-long showcase of country music programming throughout October. Highlights include original music specials featuring Carrie Underwood, Faith Hill, Brooks & Dunn, Jack Ingram, Kris Kristofferson and Bill Anderson and exclusive programming, including broadcast of the Big State Festival from the Texas World Speedway.

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