An Oklahoma radio station found itself at the center of controversy recently for initially deciding not to play Beyoncé’s music, despite her latest releases delving into the country genre.
Even though Beyoncé’s new tracks were labeled as country, 100.1 KYKC radio station, known for its country music playlists, initially stated that it wouldn’t include her music in its rotation.
Following this decision, the BeyHive, Beyoncé’s devoted fan base, quickly mobilized to voice their dissatisfaction. One listener shared an email exchange with the station, where they were informed that Beyoncé’s music didn’t align with the station’s country music format.
As fans rallied to support Beyoncé’s inclusion on the station’s playlist, Score Broadcasting, KYKC’s copyright holder, responded to inquiries by mentioning they would consider adding the songs once they gained more traction.
In response to the backlash, the radio station eventually relented, announcing on social media that they would include Beyoncé’s song ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’ in their playlist. However, despite this concession, some fans criticized the station, viewing its initial refusal as an example of racial bias in country music.
Score Broadcasting’s general manager clarified the situation, stating that the station’s decision wasn’t based on race but rather on their typical protocol for introducing new songs into their rotation. He explained that they often wait for songs to gain popularity on larger platforms before adding them to their playlist due to their limited resources.
A spokesperson for Score Broadcasting reiterated that the station group does not tolerate racism and emphasized their support for Beyoncé’s career, mentioning that they play her music on their other stations. They explained that once they became aware of Beyoncé’s new country song and received requests for it, they promptly added it to their playlist on multiple stations.
In conclusion, while the initial decision sparked controversy, the radio station ultimately responded to fan feedback and included Beyoncé’s music in their lineup, emphasizing their support for the artist and their commitment to serving their audience.
