CRS 2015 To Spotlight Tech, Social Media

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crs 2015Country Radio Seminar has revealed details surrounding four tech and social media panels scheduled for Country Radio Seminar 2015. “The Power of the Connected Car,” “Direct From The Consumer Electronics Show: Coolest Gadgets & Gizmos for 2015,” “Social Media Bootcamp, Track 1: How To Speak In Your Brand’s Voice and Get Content Shared” and “Social Media Bootcamp, Track 2: Finding & Engaging Your Consumers In Real-Time” are the four newly released panels that have been added to the three-day agenda.

“The Power of the Connected Car,” scheduled for Thurs., Feb. 26 at 4:00 p.m.-4:50 p.m., will highlight examples of the latest technology in cars and discuss how radio stations are competing for other options in radio equipment. Confirmed participants for the session are Paul Brenner (SVP/CTO, Emmis/NextRadio), John Ellis (Sr. Technologist/Ford), Joel Hoffman (Chief Automotive Strategist/Intel in Tempe, AZ), and another panelist to be confirmed. Chris Barker (Parter, C3 in Scottsdale, AZ) is the panel’s moderator.

“Direct From The Consumer Electronics Show: Coolest Gadgets & Gizmos for 2015,” scheduled for Thurs., Feb. 26 at 2:00 p.m.-2:50 p.m., is a recap of the most newsworthy items from the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and will highlight entertainment options that radio competes with, as well as give an account on the future of entertainment. Ted Cohen (CEO, TAG Strategic) and Thomas Meyer (Director, Global Industry and Artist Relations/Sonos) are the session’s speakers.

“Social Media Bootcamp, Track 1: How To Speak In Your Brand’s Voice and Get Content Shared” scheduled for Friday, Feb. 27 at 10:00 a.m.-10:50 a.m., will feature a diverse panel of pros, who will offer ways to craft share-worthy content that will lead to increased fan interaction and brand value. Confirmed panelists are Jeffrey Jameson (Creative Consultant, United Stations Radio Networks), Basak Kizilisik (VP/Marketing, Morris Higham Management/Nashville), and Rita Ballou (Morning co-host, KOKE/Austin and blogger, Texas Music Scene). Gregg Lindahl will moderate the session.

“Social Media Bootcamp, Track 2: Finding & Engaging Your Consumers In Real-Time,” scheduled for Friday, Feb. 27 at 11:00-11:50 a.m. will follow-up on “Social Media Bootcamp, Track 1” and will focus on content creation. This roundtable workshop will give delegates the opportunity to develop skills to find their audience, connect with consumers/listeners and integrate third-party elements in non-invasive ways. Confirmed panelists are Margaret Verghese (VP/Comedy & Prep, United Stations Radio Networks/New York), Suzanne Durham (Social Media Manager/Tour Liaison, Toby Keith Management/Nashville) and Shani Sammons (Owner, Shani Sammons Marketing Group/Atlanta). Gregg Lindahl will return as moderator for the session.

MusicRow Panel Stations Nominated For ACM Awards

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Don Jarrett

KTHK/Idaho Falls, Don Jarrett

FletcherBrown

WXFL/Florence, AL, M. Fletcher Brown

Congratulations to both KTHK/Idaho Falls, Idaho, and WXFL/Florence, Ala., for being nominated for the ACM Small Market Station Of The Year.

Both stations are valued members of the MusicRow Panel.

“I couldn’t be more proud of what my team has done in the last two years,” says KTHK’s Don Jarrett. “We are so grateful to have owners and management that have allowed us to fulfill our vision for The Hawk! Beyond excited to be nominated for an ACM Award…its a dream come true.”

In addition to being nominated for Small Market Station of the Year, WXFL’s M. Fletcher Brown is also up for Small Market Personality of the Year.

“My GM saw it before I did, and paged me to his office! I just knew I was fired!” explains Brown. “I am unbelievably honored to be nominated, and couldn’t be prouder of my entire staff for their dedication to what we do! Thank you, ACM!”

The radio awards will be presented during the annual Radio Winners Reception held the day prior to the ACM Awards telecast, on Saturday, April 18 in Arlington, Texas.

The ACM Awards will take place on Sunday, April 19 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas and will air LIVE starting at 7 p.m./Central on CBS Television Network.

Weekly Chart Report (1/30/15)

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Click here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report

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ACM Announces Radio Awards Categories Nominees

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ACMThe Academy of Country Music has revealed nominees in several radio categories for the 2015 Academy of Country Music Awards, including ACM Broadcast Personality of the Year, and ACM Radio Station of the Year.

The National ACM Broadcast Personality of the Year nominees include:  Big D and Bubba of “The Big D & Bubba Show” (Compass Networks), Cody Alan of “CMT After Midnite” (Premiere Networks), Crook and Chase of “The Crook and Chase Countdown” (Premiere Networks), Lia Knight of “The Lia Show” (Westwood One), and Shawn Parr and Elaina Smith of “Nash Nights Live” (Cumulus Media).

Two MusicRow panel radio stations are in the running for this year’s Academy of Country Music radio nominations. WXFL in Florence, Ala., earned two radio nominations, including ACM Small Market Radio Station of the Year, while M. Fletcher Brown with WXFL earned a nomination for ACM Broadcast Personality of the Year (Small Market). KTHK in Idaho Falls, Idaho was also nominated for ACM Small Market Radio Station of the Year.

See below for a full listing of nominees.

ACM Broadcast Personality Of The Year

National
“The Big D & Bubba Show,” (Big D, Bubba, Patrick Thomas), Compass Networks
“Cmt After Midnite” (Cody Alan), Premiere Networks
“The Crook And Chase Countdown”, (Crook And Chase), Premiere Networks
“The Lia Show”, (Lia Knight), Westwood One
“Nash Nights Live”, (Shawn Parr, Elaina Smith), Cumulus Media

Major Market
“Ben & Matt”, Knix/Phoenix, Iheartmedia
“Dave & Veronica”, Wqyk/Tampa, Beasley
“Lisa Dent & Ramblin’ Ray”, Wusn/Chicago, Cbs Radio
“Razz On The Radio”, Wxtu/Philadelphia, Cbs Radio
“Tanner In The Morning, Wsoc/Charlotte, Beasley

Large Market
“Aj & Ashley”, Wwka/Orlando, Cox Media
“The Big Dave Show”, Wube/Cincinnati, Hubbard Broadcasting
“Dave O’brien”, Wlhk/Indianapolis, Emmis Communications
“Q Morning Crew”, Wqdr/Raleigh, Curtis Media Group
“The Odd Squad”, Ckry/Calgary, Ab, Corus Radio

Medium Market
“97 Country Breakfast Club”, Wpcv/Lakeland, Fl, Hall Communications
“Buzz Jackson”, Kiim/Tucson, Cumulus Media
“Cash And Carey”, Kwen/Tulsa, Cox Media
“The Kat 103 Morning Show”, Kxkt/Omaha, Iheartmedia
“Wynn & Wilson”, Wqmx/Akron, Rubber City Radio

Small Market
“Good Morning Guys”, Kuad/Ft. Collins-Greeley, Co, Townsquare Media
“Gator, Styckman, & Cowboy Kyle”, Wusy/Chattanooga, Iheartmedia
“M. Fletcher Brown”, Wxfl/Florence, Al, Big River Broadcasting
“Philip Gibbons”, Wgsq/Cookeville, Tn, Cookeville Communications
“Scotty & Cara In The Morning”, Kclr/Columbia, Mo, Zimmer Radio

 

ACM Radio Station Of The Year

Major Market
Knix/Phoenix, Iheartmedia
Wil/St. Louis, Hubbard Broadcasting
Wklb/Boston, Greater Media
Wsoc/Charlotte, Beasley
Wusn/Chicago, Cbs Radio

Large Market
Ckry/Calgary, Ab, Corus Radio
Kaja/San Antonio, Iheartmedia
Wmil/Milwaukee, Iheartmedia
Wube/Cincinnati, Hubbard Broadcasting
Wwka/Orlando, Cox Media

Medium Market
Kuzz-Am/Fm/Bakersfield, Owens One
Kxkt/Omaha, Iheartmedia
Wcyq/Knoxville, Journal Broadcast Group
Wqmx/Akron, Rubber City Radio
Wyrk/Buffalo, Townsquare Media

Small Market
Kclr/Columbia, Mo, Zimmer Radio
Kthk/Idaho Falls, Id, Riverbend Communications
Wgsq/Cookeville, Tn, Cookeville Communications
Wxfl/Florence, Al, Big River Broadcasting
Wyct/Pensacola, Fl, Adx Communications

Artist Pics: Charles Esten, Gretchen Peters, John Oates, Lucy Angel

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Charles Esten, star of ABC’s hit show Nashville, visited with students at Nashville School of the Arts on Tuesday (Jan. 27). Esten spent time with the school’s guitar quartet and also hosted a question and answer session with theater students, where he discussed acting techniques, finding inspiration, and shared anecdotes from stage and screen.

Pictured (L-R): Dr. Gregory Stewart, Nashville School of the Arts Executive Principal; Charles Esten; Kara Kindall, Nashville School of the Arts theater instructor; Tiffany Kerns, CMA Community Outreach Manager. Photo: Donn Jones/CMA

Pictured (L-R): Dr. Gregory Stewart, Nashville School of the Arts Executive Principal; Charles Esten; Kara Kindall, Nashville School of the Arts theater instructor; Tiffany Kerns, CMA Community Outreach Manager. Photo: Donn Jones/CMA

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The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum honored newly-inducted Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Gretchen Peters as one of its Poets & Prophets this weekend. The 90-minute quarterly series featured an interview Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum historian Michael Gray and a performance by Peters, which included the Martina McBride hits “Independence Day” and “My Baby Loves Me.” On Feb. 10 she will release her eighth studio album, Blackbirds. 

Pictured (L-R): The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Michael Gray, previous Poets honoree Mark D. Sanders, Gretchen Peters, and previous Poets honorees Roger Cook and Jerry Foster. Photo: Rick Diamond

Pictured (L-R): The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Michael Gray, previous Poets honoree Mark D. Sanders, Gretchen Peters, and previous Poets honorees Roger Cook and Jerry Foster. Photo: Rick Diamond

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Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member John Oates recently kicked off the New Year with An Evening With John Oates and Friends at the City Winery in Nashville. Benefitting the T.J. Martell Foundation, the event celebrated the release of his new documentary/concert DVD Another Good Road. All proceeds from the event will benefit the T.J. Martell Foundation. Special guests for the evening included CMA New Artist of the Year winner Brett Eldredge, Jim Lauderdale and Sam Bush.

Pictured (L-R): Bill Hearn (President & CEO, EMI Christian Music Group, T.J. Martell Foundation Board Member), Laura Heatherly (CEO, TJ Martell Foundation), John Oates, John Esposito (President & CEO, WMN, T.J. Martell Foundation Board Member)

Pictured (L-R): Bill Hearn (President & CEO, EMI Christian Music Group, T.J. Martell Foundation Board Member), Laura Heatherly (CEO, TJ Martell Foundation), John Oates, John Esposito (President & CEO, WMN, T.J. Martell Foundation Board Member)

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Lucy Angel caught up with Premiere Networks this week to chat about their debut album, current single “Crazy Too” and AXS TV docu-series, Discovering Lucy Angel.
Pictured (L-R): Tim Riley (Tim Riley Syndication Services), Kate Anderton (Lucy Angel), Rosemary Young (Premiere), Emily Anderton (Lucy Angel)

Pictured (L-R): Tim Riley (Tim Riley Syndication Services), Kate Anderton (Lucy Angel), Rosemary Young (Premiere), Emily Anderton (Lucy Angel)

CRS Promises ‘Special Announcements’ During CRS 2015 Opening Ceremonies

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crs 2015On Wednesday, Feb. 25, Country Radio Seminar will kick off its annual event with the Opening Ceremonies at 3 p.m. CT at the Nashville Convention Center in downtown Nashville. A host of announcements are scheduled for the opening ceremonies, making this year’s opening ceremony a must-attend event.

Some of the highlights include the reveal of the Country Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2015, a presentation recognizing Lady Antebellum for being the recipient of the CRS 2015 Artist Humanitarian Award, an appearance by Mayor Karl Dean, presentation of the 2015 Tom Rivers Award to Jeff Smulyan and awarding the Rusty Walker scholarship winners, the endowment presentation to the University of North Texas, and a special announcement that attendees will not want to miss.

In addition, the Opening Ceremonies will kick off with the U.S. Marine color guard making an appearance and Capitol recording artist Mickey Guyton performing the national anthem.

CRS President Charlie Morgan comments, “What better way to kick off CRS 2015 than showing our pride in the US Marine Corps, spotlighting a great new talent, giving scholarships, an endowment, and paying tribute to two of our formats greats! I’ve also got a HUGE announcement that I can’t wait to unveil, so you better be there!”

Nashville-based Cingle Records Opens

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Rainey Qualley

Rainey Qualley

Full-service label, Cingle Records, has formed in Nashville with Ohio businesswoman Edie Steel and a veteran team assembled to lead, brand, market, promote and publicize the company and its artists.

Dallas and Nashville attorney John Shackelford, of Shackelford, Bowen, Zumwalt & Hayes, will lead the new venture. Executive Russ Zavitson of Zavitson Music Group will handle A&R for the label and produce  the first signing to the label, artist Rainey Qualley.

Michael Powers‘ and Matt Corbin‘s Star Farm Nashville company will lead radio promotion efforts. Jay Frank’s DigMark company will cover Cingle’s online marketing efforts, and Nashville branding agency St8mnt will manage traditional branding and marketing campaigns. Thirty Tigers will distribute product released on the label, and Vanessa Davis and Craig Campbell will handle publicity through their company The POD. Denise Zavitson will project manage all aspects of Cingle Records.

Qualley’s debut single will be worked to country radio the first quarter of 2015.

Edison Research: Teens Prefer Streaming Audio Over Radio

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American teens now spend more time with streaming audio services, such as Pandora and Spotify, than they do with AM/FM radio (including both over-the-air and the online streams of AM/FM stations), according to the fall 2014 “Share of Ear” report from Edison Research.

The study found that teens ages 13-17 spend an average of 64 minutes per day listening to streaming audio sources, versus 53 minutes per day listening to AM/FM radio.

“While AM/FM Radio listening leads by a significant margin among all other age groups, much of teens’ listening time has shifted to pureplay Internet audio services like Pandora and Spotify and others,” said Larry Rosin, President of Edison Research. “This could be a lens into the future of audio usage.”

Share of Ear

Day Passes, Panel Passes Available For CRS 2015

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crs 2015

Single-day passes and panel passes for Country Radio Seminar 2015 will be made available on-site throughout the three-day event, set for Feb. 25-27, 2015 at the Nashville Convention Center in downtown Nashville, Tenn. Single-day passes are $200 and panel passes will be $40 per panel.

Day passes include access to panels, speakers, luncheons and networking destinations on day of pass purchase, with the exception of Friday’s New Faces of Country Music show. The panel pass affords attendees the opportunity to select any panel or presentation for only $40.

In addition, a $99 Unemployment Rate is also now available.

Proof of unemployment will be subject to verification by Country Radio Seminar.

For more information or to register for CRS 2015, please contact the CRS offices at 615-327-4487.

Carrie Underwood Matches Success With ‘Water’

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Carrie Underwood on the set of her music video for “Something In The Water.”

Arista Nashville’s Carrie Underwood ties her longest No. 1 chart reign on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs with her current single, “Something in the Water,” holding for a sixth cumulative week atop the ranking. The song was written by Underwood along with Chris DeStefano and Brett James, and produced by Underwood’s longtime producer Mark Bright.

“Something In The Water” shares a spiritual theme with her debut country single, “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” which also reigned in the top position for six weeks back in 2006, peaking on the chart on Jan. 21 of that year.

With sales from the single reaching over 750,000 downloads to date, “Something in the Water” also holds a 15th straight week at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart.