[Updated 4:22 pm] The 43rd Annual CMA Awards delivered ABC a robust 5.2/14 ratings/share for adults 18-49 and logged 16.85 million viewers. In addition to being the most watched CMA Awards show since 2005, it also blew the doors off the evening, giving ABC its largest Wednesday night audience (excluding sports) since 9/21/05 according to reports on tvbythenumbers.com.
Shows on other channels included FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance (5.55 million viewers) and Glee (7.35 million) plus CBS’s New Adventures Of Old Christine (7.57 million) and NBC’s Law & Order (8.81 million).
This information below has been released from ABC:
[ABC Press Release] With the Network’s broadcast of “The 43rd Annual CMA Awards,” ABC overshadowed Wednesday’s prime, beating out second-place CBS on the evening by 5.7 million viewers (17.2 million vs. 11.5 million) and by 66% in Adults 18-49 (5.3/14 vs. 3.2/8). ABC ranked No. 1 in all 6 half-hours of the night in both Total Viewers and Adults 18-49. In fact it was a clean sweep on the night, as the Network also took top honors on the evening across all key Adults, Men and Women demographics (18-34/18-49/25-54) and Teens 12-17, as well as registering as the top-rated broadcaster with Kids 2-11.
ABC attracted its biggest Wednesday audience with non-sports programming in well over 4 years and its highest Adult 18-49 number in 2 years – since 9/21/05 and 11/07/07, respectively.
Year to year, the CMA Awards gained 1.3 million viewers and grew 6% in Adults 18-49 (2008 = 15.9 million and 5.0/13 on 11/12/08). It was the most-watched CMA Awards telecast in 4 years, while the annual awards show marked its highest Adult 18-34 number in 5 years (4.2/12) and top Women 18-34 number in 6 years (5.8/16) – since 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
An estimated 35.8 million viewers watched at least some portion of “The 43rd Annual CMA Awards” during its 3-hour telecast – unique Viewers 2+ that watched 6 minutes or more of the program.
A note about increasing DVR penetration and year-to-year rating comparisons: Year-to-year rating comparisons based on the Live + Same Day data stream are distorted by the level of DVR penetration in the Nielsen sample, which has jumped up to 33% currently, from 28% at the same point in 2008. More viewers are watching shows on their own timetables, which may not be reflected in the overnight next day numbers. The only truly valid year-to-year comparison would be one based on the Live + 7 Day metric, once those stats are released by Nielsen.
Source: Nielsen Media Research (National, Live + Same Day Program Ratings), 11/11/09
Conway To Depart Buddy Lee Attractions
/by admin“It has been an extraordinary experience, and I have worked with the most amazing group of artists and staff for over three decades,” says Conway. “I want to thank the late Buddy Lee for mentoring me in the business and the Lee family for allowing me to be a part of country music history. I feel I have completed my mission at B.L.A. and leave it in very capable hands. I am now excited about the next chapter in my own business ventures and the opportunity to apply my experience to new projects.”
The departure was also announced by Donna Lee, VP/co-owner of Buddy Lee Attractions in a separate press release.
Conway will announce his plans in the near future and can be reached at tcagent@aol.com
B.L.A. has represented some of the biggest superstars in country music, such as Hank Williams Jr., George Strait, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Ronnie Milsap, Garth Brooks, Dixie Chicks, and Lee Ann Womack.
Currently B.L.A. represents Jeff Foxworthy, Jason Aldean, Lorrie Morgan, Billy Ray Cyrus and others. Conway is a 34-year veteran of the music business who, along with Buddy Lee, produced and promoted the Farm Aid concerts. He is the recipient of the Hubert Long Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Talent Directors, and the CMA President’s Award.
Hall of Fame Debuts New Web Site
/by Sarah SkatesThe Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum launched a new Web site today at www.countrymusichalloffame.org.
The redesigned site features tons more video, particularly of the Museum’s special programming such as the Poets & Prophets series, Nashville Cats, and events tied to the Williams Family exhibition. There are also more photos, facts, and information.
Tina Wright, the Hall’s director of media relations, says the new site is like a virtual trip to the Museum. She explains that developers wanted to use the site to make the institution, its events, and exhibits accessible to those who couldn’t attend in person.
The domain change from .com to .org emphasizes the organization’s focus on being a not-for-profit educational entity. Accordingly, staff e-mails have changed and they can now be reached at firstinitallastname@countrymusichalloffame.org.
Among the upcoming events at the Hall:
Sat., Nov. 14—Songwriter Session with Marshall Chapman at 11:30 a.m. Followed by an Interview and Performance with Norbert Putnam as part of Nashville Cats: A Celebration of Music City Musicians at 1:30 p.m.
Tues., Nov. 17—Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum Interview with Mary Martin at 6:00 p.m. (free)
Photos From The Road: Aldean, Bryan, Newfield
/by Sarah SkatesMembers of the Turks Publishing Coalition roadtripped to Jason Aldean's recent show in Murray, KY. (L- R) manager Chris Parr, Steve Markland, S1's Pat Finch, Tim Hunze, Jason Aldean, Sam Ramage, Mike Sebastian, Clay Myers, Lynn Gann, and Billy Lynn.
Luke Bryan became the first country artist to perform at a University of Central Florida Homecoming concert, where he opened in Orlando, Florida for rapper T Pain.
Heidi Newfield, Joe Nichols, Derek Sholl and “Nashville Star” finalist Kacey Musgraves, played at the “Country for Our Country” benefit concert in Tyler, Texas. Funds will benefit Military Warriors Support Foundation to support education for the wounded warriors, or their family members. It was emceed by radio personalities Big D and Bubba. Pictured: Newfield with wounded warrior Jarrod Deas. photo by Jan Barton
Faith Hill Hosts CBS Holiday Special
/by Sarah SkatesIt will be broadcast Wednesday, Dec. 23 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, with performances by Hill, Underwood, Reba, Mary J. Blige, Shakira and Michael Franti, who was also adopted. Actresses Jenna Elfman (Accidentally on Purpose) and Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding) are among the celebrities sharing stories on the subject.
CMA Honors Media Achievements
/by Sarah SkatesThe Country Music Association celebrated members of the national and international media this week while they were in town for the CMA Awards. Receiving trophies were PEOPLE’s Cynthia Sanz and BBC Radio 2’s Al Booth.
Shelton and Sanz
Veteran print journalist Cynthia Sanz, Assistant Managing Editor for PEOPLE, received the 2009 CMA Media Achievement Award during the CMA Awards Media-Publicist Brunch on Awards day (11/11). On hand to present the trophy was Warner Bros. recording artist Blake Shelton.
BBC Radio 2 Executive Producer Al Booth was surprised at this week’s CMA International Media Reception when she was presented with the 2009 Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award. A lifelong Country Music fan, Booth is the Country Music specialist at the United Kingdom’s most popular radio station BBC Radio 2, with a weekly reach of nearly 13.5 million listeners.
(L-R) CMA International Consultant Bobbi Boyce, Booth, CMA Board Member Victoria Shaw, and CMA Senior Manager of Membership & Industry Relations Hank Adam Locklin.
MR Web Traffic Through The Roof
/by Sarah SkatesMusicRow.com set new web traffic records yesterday (11/12), pushed by loads of CMA Awards coverage including winners, after-party photos and the always popular Bobby Karl Works The Room column.
Page views on the site totaled almost 9,000, marking the busiest day in its history. This is a significant 37 percent increase over the all-time high for unique visits. Special thanks to all our readers “clicking like crazy!”
“People Country” Issue Out Tomorrow
/by Sarah SkatesIn the magazine, the Jacksons talk about the things that bring them joy, such as their 30-year marriage and their daughters Mattie, Ali and Dani. Other superstars who sat down with PEOPLE for the issue are Tim McGraw, Martina McBride, and Toby Keith.
Also included, Keith Urban discusses the 10 songs that changed his life and the magazine takes a look at Garth Brooks’ road from retirement. Carrie Underwood honors a childhood mentor who encouraged her to try singing, and Zac Brown takes stock of what made 2009 his best year yet, including having baby Georgia. Elsewhere in the magazine, Michelle Branch, Chuck Wicks and Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott share the secrets behind their favorite yuletide treats.
And PEOPLE Country is offering free downloads of songs from Sugarland, Gretchen Wilson and more at www.people.com/free.
Digital Tracks And Albums Set New Highs
/by adminYear-to-date, Michael Jackson leads track sales for 2009 having sold 11.3 million. Lady Gaga fans have purchased 11.1 million tracks and Black Eyed Peas (BEP) have also shattered last year’s record with 10.3 million tracks. Fourth on the list of top selling track artists is Taylor Swift who has sold 9.98 million tracks YTD and will surely break Rihanna’s 2008 record next week.
SoundScan expects that total tracks sold will pass the one billion mark next week. Currently we are at 998.3 million tracks. The 2008 full year record of 65 million digital album sales will also be smashed next week. Currently digital album sales total 63.9 million.
Rounder Anniversary Show Heads For TV
/by Sarah SkatesGrammy® winning Rounder artists Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Bela Fleck and Irma Thomas performed at the celebration along with musical host, Minnie Driver, and special guests Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas and Jazz/R&B pianist, Henry Butler.
Steve Martin’s bluegrass show at the Ryman Auditorium the night before was also filmed and select performances from it will be included in the Rounder 40th PBS special. In addition, performances from Alison Krauss and Robert Plant’s 2008 CMT Crossroads will be included, as well as performances of Madeleine Peyroux’s 2009 concert in Los Angeles.
The event was filmed by High Five Entertainment and a portion of the ticket proceeds will be donated to NARAS’ Grammy® in the Schools Programs.
CMA Delivers Most Watched Show Since 2005
/by adminShows on other channels included FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance (5.55 million viewers) and Glee (7.35 million) plus CBS’s New Adventures Of Old Christine (7.57 million) and NBC’s Law & Order (8.81 million).
This information below has been released from ABC:
[ABC Press Release] With the Network’s broadcast of “The 43rd Annual CMA Awards,” ABC overshadowed Wednesday’s prime, beating out second-place CBS on the evening by 5.7 million viewers (17.2 million vs. 11.5 million) and by 66% in Adults 18-49 (5.3/14 vs. 3.2/8). ABC ranked No. 1 in all 6 half-hours of the night in both Total Viewers and Adults 18-49. In fact it was a clean sweep on the night, as the Network also took top honors on the evening across all key Adults, Men and Women demographics (18-34/18-49/25-54) and Teens 12-17, as well as registering as the top-rated broadcaster with Kids 2-11.
ABC attracted its biggest Wednesday audience with non-sports programming in well over 4 years and its highest Adult 18-49 number in 2 years – since 9/21/05 and 11/07/07, respectively.
Year to year, the CMA Awards gained 1.3 million viewers and grew 6% in Adults 18-49 (2008 = 15.9 million and 5.0/13 on 11/12/08). It was the most-watched CMA Awards telecast in 4 years, while the annual awards show marked its highest Adult 18-34 number in 5 years (4.2/12) and top Women 18-34 number in 6 years (5.8/16) – since 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
An estimated 35.8 million viewers watched at least some portion of “The 43rd Annual CMA Awards” during its 3-hour telecast – unique Viewers 2+ that watched 6 minutes or more of the program.
A note about increasing DVR penetration and year-to-year rating comparisons: Year-to-year rating comparisons based on the Live + Same Day data stream are distorted by the level of DVR penetration in the Nielsen sample, which has jumped up to 33% currently, from 28% at the same point in 2008. More viewers are watching shows on their own timetables, which may not be reflected in the overnight next day numbers. The only truly valid year-to-year comparison would be one based on the Live + 7 Day metric, once those stats are released by Nielsen.
Source: Nielsen Media Research (National, Live + Same Day Program Ratings), 11/11/09