Buddy Shula’s Radio One Buffalo has launched “US Country” a new country station serving Buffalo, Western New York and Southern Ontario with a “Retro Hot Country” format focused on music from the 80s, 90s and early 2000s. The new station replaces talk “The Patriot” WUSW (1270), and is simulcast on FM translators W236EB/W227BW (95.1/93.3).
The station’s playlist features artists including Garth Brooks, George Strait, Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney, Shania Twain, Brooks & Dunn, Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton. The programming aims to fill what Shula describes as a gap in Buffalo’s country radio market by bringing back artists and songs that are no longer heard locally.
The on-air lineup includes Shula, along with market veterans Wendy Lynn, Greg Ireland and Aaron James, with Liz Mantel scheduled to join the morning show in December.
“US Country is built around a clear promise: great country music and a station that feels connected to the people who listen,” Shula said. “We’re bringing Buffalo country artists and songs that they have been craving, and that you can’t find anywhere else on the radio, locally.”
Shula acknowledged Townsquare Media’s WYRK (106.5) as Buffalo’s heritage country station, noting that he previously worked there and developed his appreciation for the format during his time at the station. He said “US Country” will revisit music that was once a staple of country radio but has since disappeared from local playlists.
“The artists and songs we were playing back then cannot be heard anymore,” Shula said. “Until now. These artists are still relevant and more important to country music than ever.”
Ken Johnson, a veteran country radio programmer, has joined Shula as a special advisor to the station. Johnson was WYRK’s first program director, serving from 1982 to 1997.