Zack Bennett Named Host of Pure American Country
Pure American Networks appointed the former interim host and producer to lead the long-running radio program.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Country
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Pure American Networks has officially named Zack Bennett the permanent host of Pure American Country. Bennett, who had been serving as the interim host since June 2026, will also lead the daily Pure American Country Radio Minute.
Why it matters
The appointment establishes new leadership for the radio program following the death of longtime host Bill Cody earlier this year. The change marks the beginning of a new chapter for the show as it continues its tenure on 174 stations.
Pure American Country reaches listeners through 174 stations nationwide. The program has maintained a consistent broadcast presence since its original launch in 2003.
The players
Zack Bennett
He is a radio personality and producer who has been tapped as the new permanent host of Pure American Country.
Bill Cody
He served as the host of Pure American Country from 2015 until his death in June 2026.
Pure American Networks
This media organization manages the distribution and production of the Pure American Country radio program.
The details
Zack Bennett originally joined the show as a producer in 2024 before stepping into the interim hosting role in June 2026. Prior to his work on this program, he held a position at 650 WSM starting in 2021 and began his broadcasting career at 98.9 WANT-FM in Lebanon, Tennessee in 1999.
Timeline
1999: Zack Bennett began his career at 98.9 WANT-FM.
2003: Pure American Country launched as Country Music Greats.
2015: Bill Cody took over as show host.
June 2026: Bill Cody died and Bennett became interim host.
September 2026: Zack Bennett named permanent host.
Industry Dynamics
The transition follows the 2015 appointment of Bill Cody and marks a significant shift in the show's leadership history. It illustrates how long-running radio franchises navigate succession planning to maintain their reach across 174 stations in a competitive country music landscape.
Listeners can continue to hear Bennett daily on the 174 stations that carry Pure American Country. The shift guarantees consistency for fans of the program as the new host takes over both the primary show and the daily radio minute.
The takeaway
The transition ensures that the program maintains its long-standing format for its broad audience. Listeners can expect the same broadcast schedule as the network enters this new era of leadership.
Further reading
Learn more about the genre at Country.
Live Poll
Do you prefer long-running radio shows keep their original tone when hiring a new host?
