Westwood One Reboots Country Nights
• UPDATED: Cumulus Media’s Westwood One announced the impending launch of a new five-hour nighttime Country music radio show — Country Nights Live with Bev Rainey, hosted by award-winning Country radio personality Bev Rainey, will broadcast live from Nashville and debut on Tuesday, Dec. 31, in markets across the U.S., and is available seven days a week airing 7pm to Midnight.
Country Nights Live with Bev Rainey will replace Nights With Elaina, as it was announced that Elaina Smith is stepping down as host, along with producer Jackie Stevens.
Rainey grew up as an Air Force brat and has lived everywhere from Memphis to the Navajo reservation. She notably spent three decades in Albuquerque radio, most recently as PD of Cumulus Country 92.3 KRST. She previously programmed iHeartMedia Country rival KBQI (Big I 107-9). “I’m thrilled to be hosting Country Nights Live and joining the Westwood One team,” Rainey said. “I appreciate the opportunity to work with the pros at Cumulus Country’s Nashville nerve-center. From the moment I began in Country radio, it’s been my dream to broadcast nationally, live from the capital of Country music!”
Cumulus Chief Content Officer Brian Philips said, “The fresh adrenaline in Country Nights Live will come from Bev’s ability to spontaneously interact with fans from all over America. This key daypart deserves more showmanship and razzle-dazzle than Country, as a format, has historically given it. As we welcome Bev, everything changes in the New Year!”
• RAMP reached out to Elaina Smith (left), who confirmed that she is leaving the company. “After an incredible decade, the time has come for me to step away from Nights with Elaina,” Smith said. “I have loved working with Westwood One/Cumulus and the immensely talented Jackie Stevens. I’m so grateful for what we have built. We’ll officially be saying goodbye on air 12/30. But really excited for the next chapter!”
Looking ahead, Elaina can be contacted at elaina.dore.smith@gmail.com, and Jackie Stevens can be reached at jackiestevens1111@gmail.com.
• This marks the second major change Cumulus/Westwood One has announced in its syndicated programming for 2025, following the news that KPLX/Dallas morning co-host Ryan Fox will replace 18-year veteran Kix Brooks as host of American Country Countdown in January.
