CMA Awards on ABC Nov. 11

The Country Music Association and ABC Television Network have announced that The 43rd Annual CMA Awards will air Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 7:00 CT live from Nashville’s Sommet Center on ABC. Last year’s CMA Awards ranked behind only the Academy Awards and Grammy Awards during the 2008-2009 season for awards shows among total viewers. ABC won Wednesday night in both total viewers (15.9 million) and adults 18-49 (5.0/13). Nearly 35 million viewers watched all or part of the ceremony. The 2008 CMA Awards came in No. 7 for the week in the 18-49 demo and No. 9 for the week in total viewers, according to Nielsen.

The eligibility period for the 2009 CMA Awards is July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009. All voting for “The 43rd Annual CMA Awards” will be conducted online. The first ballot and instructions will be e-mailed June 30 to CMA members in good standing who are eligible to vote. Voting for the first ballot closes at 5:00 PM/CT, July 16.

The second ballot will be e-mailed to CMA members Aug. 11. Voting for the second ballot closes at 5:00 PM/CT, Aug. 24. The final nominees in each of the 12 categories will be announced in early September.

The third and final ballot will be e-mailed to CMA members Oct. 16. Voting for the CMA Awards final ballot ends at 5:00 PM/CT, Nov. 3.

The 43rd Annual CMA Awards is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer. Paul Miller is the Director. The special will be shot in high definition and broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC’s selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound.

Premiere Radio Networks is the official radio packager of the CMA Awards, including a stereo-radio simulcast of the gala event. American Airlines is the official airline of the 2009 CMA Awards, and Chevy is the Official Ride of Country Music.

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LB Cantrell

LB Cantrell is Editor/Director of Operations at MusicRow magazine, where she oversees, manages and executes all company operations. LB oversees all MusicRow-related content, including the publication’s six annual print issues and online news. She is a Georgia native and a graduate of the Recording Industry Management program at Middle Tennessee State University.

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