Apple Launches Beats1, A 24/7 Worldwide Radio Station

Apple’s Jimmy Iovine announced Beats1, the first ever live worldwide 24-hour radio station would be coming to Apple Music at WWDC15 today.

“Trent Reznor called me up. He says ‘I got it. Let’s create the world’s first 24/7 radio station.” Iovine said onstage of the origins for the new global radio station. He continued explaining what it was in that raspy, guttural voice of his, saying, “Broadcast from 3 cities; not based on algorithms, not based on drum beats. A station that only has one master: music itself.’ And I said… “Why do artists always have the craziest ideas that are so hard to execute? But wait a second, that’s why we’re at Apple!”

The global radio station will broadcast the same sound from London, Los Angeles and New York City out to over 100 cities throughout the world.

It will be led by former Radio 1 DJ Zane Lowe, broadcasting from L.A. and will include DJ’s Ebro Darden in New York and Julie Adenuga in London and will offer exclusive interviews and guest hosts.

Apple has also revamped iTunes Radio under Iovine, who now runs Apple’s music division after the company bought Beats for $3 billion. This new music streaming service will incorporate high-profile DJ’s from around the world and will include a range in genres from indie rock to classical and folk to funk, according to Apple.

The high-profile DJ’s are part of a year-long process to create an Apple music streaming service  – the latest competitor against Spotify, Pandora, Rdio and others in a very crowded music streaming field.

Apple music launches on June 30th for $9.99 per month or a $14.99 per month family plan.