Free iTunes Radio Stations Will Be Discontinued

iTunes Radio will end its free, ad-supported streaming services this month. Apple announced the shift in an email to customers dated Jan. 15.

“As a listener of ad-supported radio on Apple Music, we want you to know that it’s being discontinued starting January 28. Beats 1 will now be the premier free broadcast so you’ll continue to get all the best music and culture there with world-class DJs like Zane Lowe and specialty programming from artists like Dr. Dre, Drake, Pharrell Williams, and more.”

An Apple spokesperson told BuzzFeed News:

“We are making Beats 1 the premier free broadcast from Apple and phasing out the ad-supported stations at the end of January. Additionally, with an Apple Music membership, listeners can access dozens of radio stations curated by our team of music experts, covering a range of genres, commercial-free with unlimited skips. The free three-month trial of Apple Music includes radio.”

Launched in 2013, iTunes Radio was available in the U.S. and Australia. Once the change goes into effect, Beats 1 will Apple’s only free music offering.

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Jessica Nicholson

Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at jnicholson@musicrow.com.

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