BRANSON, Mo. — Ozark Star Media has announced the development of its first original vertical micro-drama series, a behind-the-scenes production chronicling the reinvention of its flagship country music radio brand, 99.5 THE STAR, Branson's #1 music station, as the station embarks on an ambitious new chapter.
Following its recent departure from the iHeartRadio platform, 99.5 THE STAR will officially relaunch on July 1 with expanded distribution across TuneIn and Amazon Alexa throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The relaunch marks the beginning of a broader strategic transformation designed to deepen audience engagement while remaining true to the station's country music roots.
Responding directly to listener feedback, 99.5 THE STAR is expanding its programming beyond country music to deliver a more comprehensive listening experience to better serve both local audiences and the more than 12 million visitors who travel to Branson each year, as well as audiences across North America. Beginning July 1, listeners can enjoy top-of-the-hour national news, country music and entertainment news, and timely weather updates, providing essential information alongside the station's signature country music programming.
Supporting this expansion is a significantly strengthened editorial operation. Ozark Star Media has grown its newsroom to 26 editorial staff members and 12 meteorologists, providing original reporting and enhanced regional coverage across the Ozarks. The editorial team is also building stronger connections with audiences through FROW, the company's syndicated entertainment newspaper and column, with highlights now integrated into the station's on-air entertainment news segments.
The expansion extends well beyond radio. As part of the company's long-term vision, Ozark Star Media is launching a comprehensive entertainment ecosystem that includes: the 99.5 THE STAR Live event series in Branson, featuring plans for more than 140 country music artist presentations in 2027, a new three-day country music festival scheduled for 2027, expanded promotion across Ozark Star Media's growing portfolio of print and digital publications, and the company's first original vertical micro-drama television series.
The forthcoming daily micro-drama series will offer audiences an inside look at the evolution of a modern independent media company, blending scripted storytelling with authentic behind-the-scenes moments. The series will feature members of the Ozark Star executive and broadcast team, on-air personalities, and appearances by both legendary country music artists and emerging talent.
Principal photography is scheduled to begin in September across Nashville, Tennessee, and Branson, Missouri, with the series expected to premiere in Q1 2027 as a daily vertical-format production designed for mobile-first audiences.
"Our goal is to build much more than a radio station," said spokesperson Samantha Robertson. "We're creating a fully integrated country music media brand that connects audiences through broadcasting, journalism, live events, print publishing, and original entertainment. The micro-drama series gives viewers a front-row seat as we build that vision."
Additional announcements regarding casting, distribution partners, artist appearances, and production details will be released in the coming months.