Opry Entertainment’s Country Lifestyle Network Gets A Name: Circle

The Opry Entertainment Group and Gray Television have unveiled the name of the new media network dedicated to the country music lifestyle experience – Circle. The linear 24/7 network will begin in early 2020 with TV stations owned by Gray TV, and additional distribution partners will be announced in the coming months. Circle also plans to launch a companion OTT (over-the-top) premium entertainment service in late spring 2020.

The 360-degree media platform is designed to bring viewers into country music’s inner circle, and the name is also a nod to the iconic wooden circle on the Grand Ole Opry stage where countless country music superstars have performed. Circle will feature original programming centered around artists and their music, hobbies, outdoor and offstage adventures, food, family, and friends. The network will also offer entertainment news, documentaries and movies along with licensed programming and archival content, and its lineup will include the return of a weekly broadcast of the Grand Ole Opry.

“As country music’s fan base continues to expand, our goal as a company is to provide differentiated entertainment experiences that celebrate the country lifestyle and enrich the artist-fan connection that is the backbone of country music,” said Scott Bailey, president of Opry Entertainment Group. “Circle Media is a key piece of that strategy that will create a window into all of the best moments that happen in Nashville and throughout the South so fans can connect with up-and-coming artists and the superstars they love from anywhere they are.”

“Circle is all about fun, discovery and accessibility for country music fans,” said Drew Reifenberger, general manager of Circle Media. “Circle will align fans and artists by creating intimate experiences and camaraderie of a close-knit circle of friends.”

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Lorie Hollabaugh

Hollabaugh, a staff writer at MusicRow magazine, has over 20 years of music business experience and has written for publications including American Profile, CMA Close Up, Nashville Arts And Entertainment, The Boot and Country Weekly. She has a Broadcast Journalism and Speech Communication degree from Texas Christian University, (go Horned Frogs), and welcomes your feedback or story ideas at lhollabaugh@musicrow.com.

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