Entries by Sarah Skates

Investigation Launches For Live Nation/Ticketmaster Merger

The Justice Department has begun an antitrust investigation into the proposed Ticketmaster/Live Nation merger. Many lawmakers, fans and artists believe that combining the two huge companies would result in unfair competition, giving one powerhouse too much control over the live entertainment industry. The federal agency is moving forward with the inquiry after only one day, […]

Bentley Lands At No. 1; Plus Latest Country Certifications

Dierks Bentley’s fourth studio album, Feel That Fire, tops the new SoundScan country albums chart with first-week sales of over 71,000 units. It racked up enough scans to also secure the No. 3 spot on the all-genre chart. The lead single and title track recently finished a multi-week run at the pinnacle of MusicRow’s Country […]

Adkins Onboard With Opry’s New Ad Campaign

Grand Ole Opry member Trace Adkins, whose marketing savvy earned him a Top 2 finish on NBC’s Celebrity Apprentice last year, is using some of that same know-how to assist the Opry. He actively participated as a consultant in the development of the show’s new marketing campaign which features print, online, and outdoor components. Adkins […]

Rimes To Receive ACM Humanitarian Honor

LeAnn Rimes will be the 2009 recipient of the Academy of Country Music/The Home Depot Humanitarian Award, to be presented during the 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards on April 5. During her career, she has served as the International Spokesperson for Children’s Miracle Network, supported Camp C.O.P.E. for children of wounded veterans, and […]

ACM Off-Camera Nominations

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – NATIONAL Blair Garner, After MidNite with Blair Garner Crook & Chase, Crook and Chase Countdown Danny Wright, Danny Wright All Night Lon Helton, Country Countdown USA ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – MAJOR MARKET KEEY‐FM (Minneapolis, MN) Donna Valentine, Muss and Fish KSCS‐FM (Arlington, TX) Dorsey Gang KSON‐FM (San […]

Craig Morgan Riding For Charity

Craig Morgan is planning a concert, motocross and 4-wheeler ride to benefit local charities in his hometown of Dickson, Tenn. The Craig Morgan Charity Ride will be held Tues., March 31, and will also mark the official launch of his Craig Morgan Fund. Participants will join professional motocross riders, and celebrities including Morgan and Bucky […]

“Legends and Lyrics” Show To Tape In Nashville

Public Television show Legends and Lyrics will be taping its new season in Nashville on Feb. 20-23 with performers ranging from Felix Cavaliere (The Rascals) to Amy Lee (Evanescence). The show honors songwriters and recording artists, including acclaimed hitmakers and rising newcomers. On the diverse line-up for the in-the-round tapings are Mac Davis, Lamont Dozier […]

Urban Fans Get “Sweet” Online Experience

Keith Urban is promoting his latest hit “Sweet Thing” by letting fans personalize the video and send it to others as a Valentine’s Day greeting. At www.sweetthing.tv users can customize the interactive video in twelve different ways, and then forward it around or add it to their own web pages. The customizable “Sweet Thing” video […]

Live Nation, Ticketmaster Announce Deal

Live Nation plans to buy Ticketmaster Entertainment for $2.5 billion in an all-stock merger of equals, the companies announced today (2/10) following much speculation. Pending regulatory approval, the combined entity will be called Live Nation Entertainment. It will be headed by Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino as CEO, Ticketmaster Entertainment CEO Irving Azoff as executive […]

Paul Barnabee Takes on Expanded Role at Sony

Paul Barnabee will assume the title of Senior Vice President, Sales & Operations for Sony Music Nashville, expanding his responsibilities to include oversight of the label group’s Digital Business department in addition to his current role overseeing the Sales and Finance departments, as well as the operational functions of the label group. Formerly Senior Vice […]