Zack Bennett is the new permanent voice of Pure American Country Radio. The WSM-AM/Nashville APD also takes over its daily companion feature.
What We Know: Syndication Networks named Bennett host, writer and producer of its Classic Country weekend show. The program arrives as two standalone hours. He also leads Pure American Country Radio Minute, a daily vignette tied to country music history on each calendar date. Notably, Bennett has produced both shows since 2024 and stepped in as interim host after Bill Cody’s death in June.
What’s at Stake: The weekend show carries more than two decades of history. It launched in 2003 as Country Music Greats before its rebrand. Country Music Hall of Famer Jim Ed Brown hosted until Cody took over in 2015. As a result, Bennett inherits a legacy that two respected broadcasters built.
What Remains Unclear: Syndication Networks has not detailed any format or content changes under Bennett. Likewise, the company hasn’t shared current affiliate counts for either program. It’s also unclear how Bennett will balance the role with his WSM-AM programming duties. Meanwhile, Gene Stern continues to handle affiliate inquiries, and more details are available here.
What It Means: For affiliates, the move brings continuity after a difficult few months. After all, Bennett already knows the show’s rhythm, research and audience. In addition, the two standalone hours give stations flexible weekend scheduling options. Ultimately, Classic Country listeners keep a familiar sound with a Nashville voice at the helm.
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