The three days of CRS featured plenty of powerful figures, but never more so than when label heads gathered on one stage Friday (3/1) for a discussion led by CMA CEO Sarah Trahern. “Leadership, Strategy & Optimizing Country’s Surge In 2024” featured UMGN Chair/CEO Cindy Mabe, Sony Music Nashville Chairman/CEO Randy Goodman, WMN Co-Chairs/Co-Presidents Ben Kline and Cris Lacy, and BMG Pres./Frontline Recordings, North America Jon Loba
Asked to discuss the increasingly prevalent perception that radio is “the great finisher” for breaking new artists and singles, rather than the place where hit singles get started, Loba largely agreed, while noting there are some key exceptions, like Jelly Roll, who was championed by radio early on. “I tell my friends in radio all the time, ‘If all you’re doing is magnifying streaming hits, your job will become extinct,’” he said, adding he’s “shocked” when radio gives up its traditional leadership position on music discovery.
Mabe noted that in a world of numerous choices, “We have to listen to all ages and demographics, and they don’t all listen to radio.” She urged radio programmers, “If it speaks to you, to your audience, champion it.”
Discussing artists from other genres now creating country music, Loba noted “We should be welcoming,” adding that the format should be careful about turning high profile artists from other genres away just based on some “purity scale.”
Mabe and Loba both said they seek something unique when considering acts to sign. Mabe said she “looks to see what’s missing from the format … from who we are and how our fans identify.” Loba agreed that his company’s “north star” is finding something different and coloring outside the format’s traditional lines.
While there’s no doubt the country format is hot right now, Kline noted that, as a result, “There’s more competition in town than ever, and that has made us hyper aware that we need to be the best we can be.” –Phyllis Stark
Somewhere along the way, the New Faces of Country Music Show evolved from introduction to coronation. The stage has moved venues, seen trends in sound and style come and go – even adapted to streaming during a global pandemic – but the significance, what New Faces represents, was the same Friday (3/1) as it was back in 1970: belief in and validation of the artists chosen as the future of the genre.
“I told my dad I had a big gig … the Omni Ballroom,” joked Valory’s Conner Smith New Faces –and CRS as a whole – can be summed up as IYKYK. And Smith, who grew up 15 minutes from the stage he was standing on, knows. “As a kid from Nashville, I’d pray I’d get the chance to play on this stage,” he shared between performances of “Baby I,” “Heatin’ Up,” “Roulette On The Heart” and current single “Creek Will Rise.”
Like Smith, Records Nashville’s George Birge dreamed of playing the New Faces show for a “long, long time,” and “damn, it didn’t disappoint.” Following an introduction from his sons via video, Birge played “Hard On The Bottle,” “Damn Right I Do,” “Cowboy Songs” and his first No. 1, “Mind On You,” which he’d celebrated the night
Imagine your newly divorced father invites you over to his apartment for the first dinner he’s had to cook in 20 years. In a panic, he subscribes to Hello Fresh after hearing an ad on The Joe Rogan Experience, and serves one of the auto-chosen meals while asking you about friends you haven’t spoken to or about since high school. Between bites of chicken, you dodge questions about the new boyfriend mom met at the YMCA, while the oddly shaped potatoes rolling around the plate dodge your ork. You wonder which will thaw first: the tension or the dessert.
– Caitlin DeForest
“Raised Up Wrong” and “Drinkin’ Problems.” Sharing a realization he’d had that day, Carmichael said, “In order to even qualify to be voted to be a New Face, you have to have at least a top 25 at Country radio.” He thanked his team for continuing to push [“Son Of A”], because “if it landed at 26, we would not be standing here. That one number really did matter a whole lot.”
Between performances, hosts Katie Neal and Elaina Smith sprinkled in some LOLS with games including CRS Superlatives with iHeart’s Rod Phillips and Sony/ Nashville’s Lauren Thomas –which awarded “Most Likely To Name Drop” to Audacy’s Tim Roberts and “Most Likely To Have A Comma In Their Receipt After A Dinner” to syndicated personality B-Dub – and Good or Gherm, which called “gherm” on radio folks asking artists to FaceTime family members and make gender announcements.
The evening also honored the late Toby Keith, who had planned to be in attendance, and the late Bill Mayne, who CRB Pres. Kurt Johnson likened to a combo of “P.T. Barnum, Tony Robbins and Tony Soprano.” Accepting the Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award, Storme Warren admitted it felt odd to be honored for something “we’re all supposed to do.” He prior. “I couldn’t come here tonight and not play the song you guys changed my life with,” he said. “Thank you Country radio, my friends in streaming, everybody that believed in a guy starting over from scratch.”
When asked how many people listen to dad’s song, Corey Kent’s daughters guessed … seven, then asked if he knew Lainey Wilson. Kent’s four-song set included his first No. 1, “Wild As Her,” which got at least eight streams, “Gold,” “Something’s Gonna Kill Me” and “This Heart,” impacting today (3/4). Riser House’s Dillon Carmichael invited attendees on his Justin Moore’s bus for his intro video, which preceded songs including
ended by asking the room to “think less with our heads and more with our hearts.”
Closing both New Faces and CRS 2024, Megan Moroney sang “Lucky,” “I’m Not Pretty,” “No Caller ID,” “Girl In The Mirror” and her breakthrough song, “Tennessee Orange.” “Thank you for your support of me and my songs,” she said. “I love doing this, and I get to do it because of you.” –Caitlin DeForest ©2024 Country Aircheck™ — All rights reserved. Sign up free at www.countryaircheck.com. Send news to news@countryaircheck.com
Passion Play: Time management, prioritization and flexibility were central themes of the “One Man Band: Tools For Today’s Programmer’s” panel moderated by KUZZ/Bakersfield’s Brent Michaels. iHeartMedia/ Austin Dir./Promotions Giselle Boling said she works ahead as much as possible: “We tried to plan 2024 in 2023, so by the end of the year we would have a calendar in place and [wouldn’t be] scrambling.” KSD/St. Louis’ Dusty Panhorst suggested sometimes skipping the texts and emails and picking up the phone: “We are communicators, and you have to be able to do that effectively.” Mental well-being was also highlighted. When Michaels asked what the most important quality for someone working in radio in 2024 is, both Boling and Panhorst agreed: passion. Boling added, “This isn’t a job, it’s a lifestyle.” –Chris Huff
AI Of The Tiger: The last of four AI-themed panels at CRS 2024, “AI Chat GBT: The Good, The Bad, The Truth” featured a recorded greeting for attendees, which didn’t seem out of the ordinary until moderator Charlie
Pedal Pusher: “Cycle of a Song: Megan Moroney’s ‘Tennessee Orange’” looked at the exposure arc of that song. “Pedal down, no brakes.” That’s how Sony Music Nashville VP/Marketing Liz Cost said Moroney and her team approached the release. The track was already receiving four million streams per week when the label came on board, having been independently released via Spotify. “It went all the way from our Fresh Finds playlist to Hot Country, which is our flagship country playlist,” said Spotify Artist Relations exec. Jackie Augustus. “For an independent artist, we don’t get to tell that story a lot.” It reached No. 1 six months after Moroney signed with Sony. “She’s the CEO of the Megan Moroney business and we just follow along and continue to tell the story to radio,” said Sony Nashville EVP/Promotion & Artist Development Steve Hodges. Producer Kristian Bush first introduced Moroney and publisher/manager Juli Griffith. “Her talent was undeniable,” said Griffith. “Pair that with her ability to talk to her fans and her songwriting and it creates magic.” –Sarah Skates
There’s A Stake In My Boot: “Howdy Partners: The Potential Of Great Partnerships” explored how radio, labels and streaming partners can share resources. BBR Music Group VP/Radio Syndication & Group Strategy Shelley Hargis suggested using label toolkits which contain graphics, cut-by-cuts and liners. She stressed the importance of being receptive to information being shared by others. SiriusXM Pandora Rep./ Talent Relations Bekah Digby talked about the company’s audience heat map and AMP (artist marketing platform) resources. “Streaming data can have a huge impact on radio programming,” she said. “We
–Chris Huff
Cook revealed the greeting was not voiced by a human, but instead by “AI Ashley,” the AI-generated personality of panelist “Ashley Z” Elzinga, who made headlines last year as the first-ever “AI jock.” Talking about her AI rollout, Elzinga said, “This project has been the most human experience I’ve ever had; it’s still humans that are behind everything AI is doing.” Copyright expert Anna Chauvet added, “AI isn’t the problem, [the problem is] the bad actors using it to generate things that aren’t true.” Audacy’s Jeff Sottolano concurred, saying, “In the wrong hands, it can be dangerous like any powerful technology.” Speaking to the possibilities of job losses due to AI, The Weiss Agency’s Heather Cohen said, “There may be challenges there, but we will be bypassed if we don’t move forward with it.” Sottolano added, “If you’re not experimenting with it today, the talent or company across the street is.” Ultimately said Elzinga, “AI exists with us, not instead of us.”
Under The Influencer: With the goal of “creating content that’s not lame” for social media, panelists at “On Air Personalities: The OG Influencers” offered four bullet points:
• Going viral should never be the goal when approaching content strategy.
• Lean into personality and strengths, and don’t overthink too much; it takes time to learn what works and doesn’t work for you.
• Make the most out of your access and time with artists.
• Partner with local “micro” influencers to cross-promote and grow the station’s brand/credibility in the market with younger listeners. –Phyllis Stark
are constantly looking to see which song is raising its hand.” Audacy RVPP Scott Roddy asked, “How can we make a song a hit through a real partnership? It’s about having artists that you put so much into, reciprocate the relationship in easy ways where the ROI is a huge payoff for all of us.”
–Sarah Skates
Take This Job: Creativesoulcoaching’s Dan Mason, KRXP/Colorado Springs’ Carly Evans, and The Radio Fam’s Marie Lemaitre got candid about the trials and tribulations that come with layoffs, resignations, and coming and going from the industry in “Unapologetically Unemployed.”
Moderated by Sevens Radio Network’s Monta Vaden, the panel tackled the financial and mental health implications of being unemployed in today’s industry. Said Mason, who left radio to become a career coach, “You’re not just mourning the loss of a career, you’re mourning the loss of an identity.”
–Gideon Dean
Remembrain When: “Your Brain Is A Liar: Recognizing And Understanding The Impact Of Your Mental Health” had RCA Pop promotion vet Jason Prinzo emphasizing the importance of self-care. “Therapy is a trainer for your brain,” he said. “We work out to keep ourselves physically fit, but we don’t do anything about the most important part of our body, our brain, until there’s a trauma.” Prinzo suggested healthy coping mechanisms such as physical activity, breathing exercises, art projects and acts of service. To avoid negative self-talk, find proof of past successes in old emails, notes of praise or lists of accomplishments or your résumé. He said it is important to check on friends and allow them to share without judgment. Prinzo’s openness about his own struggles received a standing ovation.
–Sarah SkatesThe best lines from CRS 2024 that didn’t fit anywhere else:
• “The young artists put in so much work to get that shot. So, I do understand the thought of [Beyoncé’s song] taking a slot [from] somebody ... but there’s a balance. Maybe we’re not going to play every Beyoncé record, but right now, one of the biggest icons in music is saying this genre is cool. We should – at least in this moment – embrace that and say, yep, we are. Everybody wants to be here. Come to our house.” –BMG’s Jon Loba
• “You’re faced with two choices, you can pretend it doesn’t exist and hope it doesn’t come for you, the other is make yourself more valuable, create more magic to create more value for you and your relationship with the brand.” –Audacy’s Jeff Sottolano on on AI.
• “You come to CRS and feel like you have to take the ethanol pledge – like we’re in the Iowa caucus.” –Sony Music Nashville’s Randy Goodman
• “After 10 years in Nashville, you telling me that don’t mean shit.” –Lainey Wilson, describing what she once told a radio programmer who was critical of her debut single.
• “The easiest way to find a mentor is either Tinder or Bumble. If that doesn’t work, Facebook Marketplace.” –Cox/Tulsa’s Mark Shecterle
• “I’ve lived a hundred lives in the music industry, and I feel like the secret to my success has been my ability to pivot.” –Artist turned podcaster Caroline Hobby
• “I was singing ‘Son Of A Sinner’ at a rock festival. It’s misting rain, gloomy Ohio-style. There’s clouds of smoke and I can’t tell if it’s steam or weed but I’m happy either way. In a 2,000 seat club we would let the fans sing the last chorus, but this was 20,000 people who probably didn’t know who I was. I tried it anyway and there’s drone footage of them singing along. I knew this song was fixing to change my f’ing life.” –Jelly Roll
• “I don’t ever want to look behind me and have to pull somebody. It’s your career— it’s not mine. I want to look at your ass and be running towards it trying to catch up with you.” –Publisher/manager Juli Griffith on artist work ethic.
• “We are not making up a brand here. He’s the same guy sitting here now that he was this morning getting an IV.”–Manager Tracy Martin on Bailey Zimmerman
• “I grew up thinking I was going to be an accountant. This is like way cooler than doing taxes. I’m touring with Kenny Cheseny this summer and I will never get used to seeing him text me.” –Megan Moroney
• “There are things you’re going to do that are just going to fail and will feel like the world’s crashing down, but at the end of the day, nine times out of 10, the audience won’t even notice.” –KSD/St. Louis’ APD/MD Dusty Panhorst on taking chances.
• “I don’t even buy the meat at meat remotes!” –Audacy/Portland, OR’s Nick Steele after iHeartMedia’s Alek Halverson mentioned buying a car at a dealer remote.
• “It’s really easy to know your fans when you treat them like you’re at a potluck.” –Bailey Zimmerman
Congratulations to Cody Johnson, Kristen Williams, Tom Martens, Anna Cage and the Warner/WMN promotion team on taking “The Painter” to No. 1. This is Johnson’s second chart topper. Songwriters are Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins and Ryan Larkins
Kudos to Chris Schuler and the Capitol crew on scoring 97 adds for Keith Urban’s “Messed Up As Me.” This is the 34th release from Urban to top the Add Board, and the largest add week of the year to date.
KZPK/St. Cloud, MN and WCOW/LaCrosse, WI remain temporarily removed from the Activator panel this week due to technical issues.
Skyview Networks Country Top 40 with Fitz adds new affiliates KSOP/Salt Lake City and WKEA/Scottsboro, AL.
Compass Media The Original Country Gold with Rowdy Yates adds six stations: WUQQ/Chattanooga, TN; KRAN/Cheyenne, WY; KSDZ/Gordon, KS; KDJL/Kilgore, KS; KTPK/Topeka, KS and WFFN/Tuscaloosa, AL
Westwood One personality Elaina Smith guests on a new episode of the Everybody Loves Chachi podcast, hosted by Benztown Pres. Dave “Chachi” Denes. Listen here
Ashley McBryde, 49 Winchester, Sam Bush, The Red Clay Strays and Brittney Spencer are among the headliners for the 23rd annual Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, set for Sept. 13-15 in downtown Bristol, TN. Tickets here
Jack Ingram, Jon Randall, Eric Johnson, Ruthie Foster and Terry McBride of McBride & the Ride were inducted into the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame Feb. 24. Miranda Lambert, Lyle Lovett and Emmylou Harris were among the performers.
Change The Conversation will host a Q&A with Martina McBride April 17 at BMI in Nashville. A mixer at 6pm will be followed by the hourlong discussion at 6:30pm, moderated by Tracy Gershon Tickets here
Lon Helton, lon@countryaircheck.com
Caitlin DeForest, caitlin@countryaircheck.com
Chris Huff, chris@countryaircheck.com
Phyllis Stark, phyllis@countryaircheck.com
Chuck Aly, chuck@countryaircheck.com
Ingstad/Thief River Falls, MN VP/Broadcasting Jake Weber is looking for a GM to oversee the cluster that includes Country KKDQ & Classic Country KKAQ-AM. Send résumés and cover letters to Weber here
Linder Radio KRUE/Waseca, MN is seeking a PD/afternoon host to succeed Ben Merritt. Send résumés and airchecks here
Mountain Dog Media WFON/Fond Du Lac, WI Brand Mgr. Aaron Carreno is seeking a morning co-host. Send résumés and airchecks to Carreno here
Big Radio WJVL/Janesville, WI is searching for an on-air talent. «The position will be primarily live Saturdays with possible sports producing [and] voice-tracking [on other stations],» PD Justin Brown says. «Previous radio experience preferred, but we will train the right personality.» Send materials to Brown here
Midwest/Wausau, WI VP/MM Rusty James is on the hunt for an OM, a Brand Mgr. and a morning co-host. Send résumés, airchecks and programming materials to James here
Midwest KWTB/Sioux Falls, SD is looking for a live and local afternoon host. Send audio and résumé here
Midwest/Peoria, IL, which includes Country WXCL, is looking for a full-time on-air split-shift traffic anchor. Send cover letters and résumés to Business Mgr. Shannon Demanes here
MacDonald WKCQ/Saginaw, MI is seeking air personalities to fill its afternoon and night shifts. OM Jason Addams says, “If you are reliable, coachable and can live within the music, we would love to talk to you about our opportunities. If you have promotions, imaging or music scheduling experience, you’re one step ahead.” Email a résumé and short aircheck to Addams here
iHeartMedia KQDY/Bismarck, ND has an opening for PD. The position also includes PD duties for sister Rock KSSS and hosting a regional morning show based out of KSSS. See the full posting here
Hubbard KIKV/Alexandria, MN is seeking a PD/air personality. GM Matt Senne is looking for someone who “wants to be forward facing in the community and help us achieve our dreams of winning a Marconi, Crystal and Small Market station of the year awards at the CMAs and ACMs.” See full job posting here
Max Media WOOZ/Marion-Carbondale, IL has an opening for an afternoon host and Dir./Creative Services. “If you love local radio, having fun, working hard and are a team player, this gig could be what you’re looking for,“ says PD Tracy McSherry-McKown. Send cover letter, résumé, commercial writing and production examples and aircheck to McSherry-McKown here
Brewer WQLK/Richmond, IN is looking for a PD/air talent. “ We offer competitive pay for a small market,“ says GM Amy Dillon. The winning candidate will also receive registration and hotel for CRS 2024 See full post here, send résumés and airchecks to Dillon here
Federated WBYT/South Bend, IN PD Jesse Garcia is seeking a morning co-host with a minimum of three years on-air experience who “can create engaging content on multi-platforms.” Send résumé, aircheck and production samples to Garcia here
Zimmer Dir./Operations Trevor Morgan is searching for a PD for KCLR & KATI/Columbia, MO. He seeks someone to “embody our company’s core values” while being “a raving fan of country music [and sharing] our deep passion for the power of radio.” Send résumé, mp3, social sites, and “anything else you feel we need to know about you” here; see full post here
Steel City KBEQ/Kansas City is seeking a midday host. PD Todd Nixon says he is looking for an APD/MD-level talent who can take over the shift. Résumés and airchecks can be sent to him here
Summit/Wichita, KS is seeking a Dir./Programming for the cluster and PD/air talent for KFDI. “This opening is for a proven, strategic programmer who loves music, is passionate about radio, and is an excellent executor,” states the job posting, which can be seen here
Townsquare KHAK/Cedar Rapids, IA is seeking a Digital & Radio Content Leader. Find the job posting here
Townsquare WKDQ/Evansville, IN is seeking an afternoon host. See the job post here
Townsquare WWJO/St. Cloud, MN is seeking a Brand Mgr./ on-air host for the “strong heritage brand with lots of success.” Find the job posting and apply here
Midwest KTCO/Duluth needs a morning co-host. OM Rich Cannata is looking for “a social media savvy candidate who can relate with our listening audience.” Send résumé, cover letter, aircheck, and “anything you feel is relevant to winning this position” to Cannata here
Community Broadcasters WLFK/Gouverneur, NY Owner/Pres. Jim Leven is searching for a PD/morning host, as well as an OM for its three-station cluster. Send résumés and airchecks to him here
Saga Classic Rock WMLL/Manchester, NH is seeking a morning host. Brand Manager Michael Czarnecki is looking for “a quick wit and an upbeat, positive personality” who is also a “super supportive team member.” Send resume, social media links, and airchecks to Czarnecki here
Townsquare’s WQCB/Bangor, ME is seeking morning host with
potential programming duties. Find the job posting and apply here
CCB Media/Cape Cod, MA, which includes Country WKPE, is looking for full and part-time personalities. Qualifications include prior on-air experience, ability to relate to an adult female audience and a working knowledge of Cape Cod and surrounding areas. See full post here; send demos and résumés here
Audacy WDSY/Pittsburgh is seeking a morning show co-host. Find the listing here
Listen Up Y’all Media/Natchez, MS Group PD Kidd Conley is looking for a five-station APD for the cluster that includes WQNZ. Send résumés, cover letters, production demos and airchecks here.
Saga Classic Country WSIG/Harrisonburg, VA OM Brandy Lindsey is seeking a morning host. Send résumés and airchecks to Lindsey here.
Midlands Media WUDE/Columbia, SC is searching for on-air talent with production and light engineering skills. VP/COO Marie Stover adds, “Tired of corporate radio? If you love the south, country music and serving local clients and community, let’s talk.” Send résumés and airchecks to Pres./CEO Keith Stover here.
West Virginia Radio WKKW/Morgantown, WV is looking for a nighttime host. Shifts on other WVRC Media stations may also be included. Send materials here
Mississippi Broadcasters WOKK/Meridian, MS PD Todd Berry is looking to relaunch the morning show with a live and local host or existing team. Applicants will preferably have production or promotions experience. Send cover letters, airchecks and résumés to Berry here
Southern Stone WKRO/Daytona Beach VP/ Programming Jonathan Wiley (DJ Tremble) is looking for an APD/ MD who is willing to “go to a lot of country shows, meet the biggest and newest artists in the genre and represent the station in Nashville a couple of times a year.” Social media skills are a must; send résumés to Tremble here
SummitMedia WZZK/Birmingham has an immediate opening for PD/on-air talent. The job is based in Birmingham and an aircheck is required; full details here
Renda/Fort Myers is looking for a Dir./Production for its fourstation cluster, which includes Country WWGR. Requirements include knowledge of Zetta, vCreative, vPromo and Adobe Audition software, as well as being based in or near southwest Florida. Send résumés and work samples to OM/PD Randy Savage here
Consultant Joel Raab is seeking a regional programmer for Community Broadcasters/South Carolina who will oversee music programming for stations in various formats including Country, Hot AC and Adult Hits. Raab adds, «This well-financed private company will pay well for the right person.» Send résumés and airchecks to Pres. Jim Leven here
Beasley WQYK/Tampa PD Rick Thomas is seeking an afternoon host. Reach Thomas here
Hoxeng Trust WYCT/Pensacola is seeking an afternoon host who «is exceptional with imaging and production and understands how to sell our brand.» Send aircheck, résumé, social media links and «your personal description of success in radio today» to OM Kevin King here
Holston Valley Broadcasting is looking for a Promotions Dir. for its cluster in Tri-Cities, TN/VA, including AC WTFM, Classic Hits WVEK and Rock WRZK. This opening is for a proven professional who loves music, is passionate about radio and an excellent executor. Send resume and a sample of your social media work to PD Mike Sanders at hr@hvbcgroup.com
Cumulus is seeking a PD/Brand Content Manager for WKDF & WSM-FM/Nashville. Find the job posting here
South Georgia Broadcasters WBYZ/Baxley, GA is adding to its airstaff. Pres. Jim Graham is looking for someone who is “an experienced professional with a heart for the audience/community and country music.” Knowledge of Wide Orbit and experience with production and promotions is preferred. Send résumés, airchecks and any other useful information to Graham here
A soon-to-sign-on small market station in Virginia owned by a small, private company is looking for air talent with two years of experience preferred. PD, APD or MD experience is a plus. The recruiter tells Country Aircheck, “We love growing our team and brands and having fun along the way.” Send relevant materials here
SOUTHWEST
LKCM Classic Country KTFW/Fort Worth OM Mark Phillips is seeking a midday host who can handle a “personality intensive daypart with a lot of phones, contests and appearances.” Reach him here Depot KDPM/Marshall, TX is looking for a local on-air talent/ marketing representative. Send materials to PD Chip Arledge here Bryan Broadcasting has an opening for a full-time Dir./ Production based in College Station, TX for its 12 radio stations. Send résumé with examples of produced and voiced audio or spots here Stephens Media Group KKAJ/Ardmore, OK is seeking a morning host. The company says, “This is a tremendous opportunity with a strong cluster that dominates the market in sales, promotions and on-air. KKAJ is a heritage country station with a little red-dirt heritage for
flavor.” Send resume, aircheck and references to SVP/Programming Bob Thornton here
WEST COAST
Momentum KJUG/Visalia, CA PD Rik McNeil is looking for an APD/midday personality. Complete job posting here; send résumés, social media profiles, mobile content, examples of past success and airchecks to McNeil here
RWPC Pres. Scott Huskey and McKenzie River KKNU/Eugene, OR PD Jim Davis are searching for a morning host for KKNU. Send résumés and airchecks to Huskey here or Davis here
Sticks Media KTNK-AM & K279CY/Lompoc, CA owners Todd Nixon and Liz Hallam are looking for a local afternoon host for the re-launched “Y’all 103.7.” Reach Nixon here
Consultant Joel Raab is seeking a PD/morning host for Bee Broadcasting KDBR/Kalispell, MT. Raab says, “If you can entertain, program your own station, and be a pillar of the community, here’s an opportunity to program local radio the way it was meant to be, working for broadcasters who still do it ‘right.’ Good money for the right person.” Rush an aircheck, resume, references and salary requirements to Raab here
Townsquare/Billings, MT is looking for Dir./Content for the fivestation cluster, which includes Country KCTR. See the full posting here
Townsquare KUAD/Fort Collins, CO is looking for a morning co-host. See the full posting here
Cumulus KATM/Modesto, CA has a Dir./Promotions opening. Among your friends are you usually the one planning and throwing the parties? Do you love creating interesting promotions and events?” asks PD Andy Winford “If you love being on the air and connecting with the audience, there is also a possible morning show role as well.” See the full post here
Cumulus KATC/Colorado Springs is seeking an experienced drive time host and Promotions Dir. Find the job posting here
Red Street Records is seeking a Dir./Field Promotion. Contact SVP/Country Promotion Andy Elliott about the position here
River House Artists Dir./Digital Strategy Kristin Watson Byrne is looking for a Coord./Digital. Send résumés to her here.
UMG Nashville EVP/A&R Chelsea Blythe is seeking a VP/A&R as she builds her team. The gig requires a «minimum 10 years music industry experience, with a demonstrated track record of finding new songs for existing talent and finding emerging artists that fit in with label›s musical direction” as well as «experience with the different steps in the recording, production, mastering, sequencing and release of a record,» and an understanding of the «artist lifestyle.» Find the job posting and apply here
Warner Music Nashville is seeking a VP/Streaming. Candidates must have at least seven years of music industry experience, at least three of those preferably working directly with DSPs, plus a ”deep understanding of all music streaming platforms” and knowledge of country music. Find the job description and apply here
Warner/WAR is seeking a Regional Mgr./Radio (North). Contact WAR Dir./National Radio Promotion Michael Chase about the open position here
Nashville-based Country Thunder Music Festivals is searching for a Show Accountant to join its team. The ideal candidate will ”thrive in a constantly evolving environment, have exceptional accounting skills and be a positive team player;” full description here and send résumés here
Midwest Communications is looking for a Radio & Digital Sales Marketing Consultant, a Digital Support Specialist and Street Team members. For the consultant and street team positions, send your cover letter and résumé here. For the specialist opening, email Mgr./Digital Systems Support Brandon Wickwire here. See all postings here
Rogers CKXC/Kingston, ON is looking for an evening announcer to host a national show across the company›s eight Country stations. Job perks list 50% off Rogers services, including Toronto Blue Jays tickets. See full posting here
PR firm Shore Fire Media is seeking an Account Exec./Publicity who has the desire to handle a “multi-faceted client roster that will include the following and more: artists and creators; tours and events; music industry companies; start-ups and nonprofits.” Apply to join its Nashville-based team here
Consultant Joel Raab is seeking a PD/afternoon host for a new station soon to sign on in a top 50 market. He says, “You’ll have an opportunity to create something new in a dynamic market for a well-financed private company.” Three years on air/programming experience required. Send aircheck, resume, references and salary requirements to Raab here
•Chuck Akers
Former KTHT/Houston morning co-host chuckakers@comcast.net
•Mark Allen
Former OM for Schurz/Lafayette, IN and Wiregrass/Dothan, AL Markontheradio7661@gmail.com 574-520-8226
•Donnie “Hollywood” Andrews
Former WKXD/Cookeville, TN OM/PD/mornings hollywoodandrews939@gmail.com 931-267-2468
•Kim Brixton
Former WNWN/Battle Creek, MI mornings/middays KimBrixton@gmail.com
• Kristina Carlyle
Former WWQM/Madison, WI morning co-host krstna28@gmail.com
•Greg Cole
Former WKCQ/Saginaw, MI OM/PD GCole27000@gmail.com 916-502-4734
•Jared “Banks” Danielson
Former KUBL/Salt Lake City mornings JaredDanielson1@gmail.com
•Scott Davidson
Former WHOF-HD2/Canton, OH PD/on-air host Davidson1023@gmail.com
•David Dean
Former KXDD/Yakima, WA afternoons DaviDean5@gmail.com
•Jimmy Elliott
Former WOVK/Wheeling, WV VPP/PD/MD/mornings JimmyElliottSchlosser@gmail.com
•Alexa Fasheh
Former Academy of Country Music VP/Finance & Operations Alexafash75@gmail.com
•Rosey Fitchpatrick
Formerly worked in event and artist management, and radio promotion roseyfitch99@gmail.com
•Scott Gaines
Former Summit/Knoxville OM & WCYQ PD GainesRadio@gmail.com
•Aaron “Gator” Glass
Former WQNU/Louisville mornings GatorGlass.53@gmail.com
•J.R. Gonzalez
Former East Texas Results Radio/Tyler, TX OM and WRSA/Huntsville, AL Production Dir. jrgonzalezradio@gmail.com 713-853-7385
•Jen Heaton
Former Academy of Country Music VP/Partnerships jennifer.lori.heaton@gmail.com
•Bill Hickok
Former KBMR/Bismark, ND morning host BillHickok1950@gmail.com
•”Big” John Horton
Former KFSA/Ft. Smith, AR afternoon host BigJohn@TheBigJohnShow.com
•Caitlin “CJ” Johnson
Former KKBQ/Houston afternoons Caitlin.M.Johnson25@gmail.com
•Bryant “Ryder” Konold
Former KDBL/Yakima, WA Brand Mgr./mornings BryantRyderKonold@gmail.com
•Brian “Wookie” Kostek
Former WDSY/Pittsburgh APD/MD/afternoons BKostek24@gmail.com
•Marc Lavik (aka Dave Marcus)
Former on-air talent ZimaGuy@gmail.com 401-467-6737
•Christopher “Boomer” Layfield
Former Cumulus/Indianapolis OM and WFMS PD boomeradio@gmail.com 704-577-6322
“Frogman Frank“ Lewis
Former WOGI/WOGG/WOGH/ Pittsburgh mornings irishfc@cs.com
•Jeff Lynn
Former All Access Country Editor/Promotion and Rubber City/Akron OM/PD jeff.lynn@gmail.com 262-389-0687
•AJ McCloud
Former WWFF/Huntsville, AL APD/afternoons AJ.McCloud@charter.net 256-503-2301
•Mike McKay
Former WQRB/Eau Claire, WI Brand Mgr./mornings McKProd@charter.net
•T.J. “J.T.” Michaels
Former WCPV/Burlington, VT PD/afternoons TJMichaelsRadio@gmail.com 802-249-3570
•Melissa Moldovan
Former Academy of Country Music Dir./ Communications, Media Relations & Radio melissamoldovan86@gmail.com
•Lexi Papadopoulos
Former KUBL/Salt Lake City mornings LexiOnTheRadio@gmail.com
•Jim Pearson
Former KDBL/Yakima, WA PD/mornings JimsCoolEmail@gmail.com 831-261-1822
•Carly Quinn
Former WGH/Norfolk morning co-host NewEnglandClamChowder2021@yahoo.com 863-388-9606
•Maddy Stessman
Former Academy of Country Music Dir./Industry & Talent Relations mlstessman@gmail.com
•Jake Thomson
Former Dick WUBB/Savannah, GA Prod. Dir./ Midday Host jakethomson.dj@gmail.com
•Brad Thornton
Former Southern Stone WKRO/Daytona Beach APD/MD randawg_23@yahoo.com
•Jonathan Wier
Former WKLB/Boston morning co-host JonWierWLCA@gmail.com
•Wingnut
Former KNUC/Seattle APD/MD/midday personality Wingnutt@me.com
• Isaac “Brooks” Wenzel
Former KBAY/San Jose APD/afternoon host BrooksOnTheRadio@gmail.com
CHRIS LANE/Find Another Bar (Red Street)
Moves 46-45*
3161 points, 928 spins
3 adds: KWEN, WAMZ, WUBL
DREW BALDRIDGE/She’s Somebody’s Daughter (Lyric Ridge)
Moves 48-46*
2932 points, 954 spins
4 adds: KZSN, WBBS, WCKT, WKKT
LADY A/Love You Back (Nashville Harbor)
Remains at 47*
2928 points, 852 spins
2 adds: KATM*, KSSN
JOE NICHOLS/Brokenhearted (Quartz Hill)
Moves 49-48*
2577 points, 733 spins
1 add: KMLE
DYLAN MARLOWE & DYLAN SCOTT/Boys Back Home (Columbia/Curb)
Debuts 49*
2433 points, 676 spins
7 adds: KHEY, KMDL, KUAD, WAVW, WCOL, WOKQ, WYRK
HAILEY WHITTERS/I’m In Love (Big Loud)
Remains at 50*
2412 points, 673 spins
3 adds: WGNA, WTQR, WXTU
DIERKS BENTLEY/American Girl (Capitol/Valory)
2217 points, 557 spins
18 adds, including: KNCI, KSD, WBCT, WCKN, WGNE, WKLI, WLFP, WPCV*, WUSY, WWGR
HUNTERGIRL/Ain’t About You (19 Recordings/Wheelhouse)
1913 points, 617 spins
1 add: WOLF
MATT STELL/Breakin’ In Boots (Records Nashville)
1905 points, 613 spins
1 add: WOGK
TIGIRLILY GOLD/I Tried A Ring On (Monument)
1694 points, 512 spins
Send yours to adds@countryaircheck.com
MARCH 11
JOSH ROSS/Single Again (Mercury)
BRADLEY GASKIN/Accidentally Drunk (30A Life/16 Camino)
CHRIS JANSON/Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get (Nashville Harbor)
GEORGE BIRGE/Cowboy Songs (Records Nashville)
MARCH 18
LARRY FLEET/Things I Take For Granted (Big Loud)
REBEL HEARTS/Little Cards and Letters (RHR)
RILEY GREEN/Damn Good Day To Leave (Nashville Harbor)
MARCH 25
None Listed
MARCH 3
Morgan Wallen Abbey Road Sessions (Big Loud)
To commemorate the one-year anniversary of One Thing At A Time, Wallen surprise-released the project recorded at the famous Studio Two in London. The track list includes five live recordings, an unreleased fan-favorite (“Lies Lies Lies”) and a cover of Nothing But Thieves’ “Graveyard Whistling.”
MARCH 8
Luke Grimes (Mercury)
“I’ve spent the last couple of years trying my best to make something that I would be proud to put into the world,” says Grimes, who co-penned 10 of the songs on his debut full-length album. “Now, all I can hope for is that it finds a few people to connect to and it makes them feel like they aren’t going through all of this alone. That’s what my favorite music has always done for me.”
Sawyer Brown Desperado Troubadours (Curb)
With the celebration of the band’s 40th anniversary, the Blake Shelton and Mark Miller-produced project marks the group’s first new album in nearly two decades.
