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February 22, 2017, Issue 1

Welcome Back My Friends

Country Radio Seminar’s story of 2017 commences now, and what CRS Exec. Dir. Bill Mayne recently pointed to as the magic of the event is certainly to be expected – “networking, learning, having a great time and getting a preview of the music coming for the rest of the year.” Beyond that, getting the most from CRS requires some forethought and balance. With more than 25 panels, sessions or breakouts and dozens of musical showcases, it can’t all be done ... but that shouldn’t stop anyone from trying. Here are a few tips from Agenda Committee Chair Tom Hanrahan, who knows a thing or two about this year’s hottest sessions, starting with the mentoring breakfasts Thursday morning. Hanrahan calls them “invaluable face time with the best of the best in sales or programming across market sizes.” Panels expected to generate buzz include “Speeding Toward Tomorrow” on radio’s place in a driverless world and a follow-up to last year’s most talked-about panel called “Women Tom Empowering Women.” Hanrahan “You’re More Valuable Than You Think” looks at successful career transitions and “Cultivating The Farm Team” addresses filling the crucial need for talent development. “Broadcast companies are doing some innovative things to find talent in areas we haven’t been looking,” Hanrahan hints. Social media, research and data analysis sessions (see Look Ahead, page 5) have been meticulously planned. And there’s some out-of-the-format perspective in “Coaching the Coaches,”

Kickin’ With Curb: Early CRS revelers enjoy happy hour with Curb’s Jerrod Niemann. Pictured (l-r) are Taste Of Country Nights’ Amber Atnip, Silverfish’s Carsen and Patrick Thomas, Niemann, Curb’s Mike Rogers, WSOC/ Charlotte’s DJ Stout, WLFP/Memphis’ Marty Brooks and promotion exec Jeff Solima.

during which ESPN/ABC’s Kirk Herbstreit, HLN/Cumulus’ Robin Meade and Pop morning team Ace & TJ will share how they are best motivated. “This is just one of many ways CRS is able to get more external voices and talent to shape a positive experience for attendees,” Hanrahan says. Also providing valuable perspective in that vein are keynote Olympian Scott Hamilton, featured speaker Ryan Redington from

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Amazon, a trip “Inside Studio G” with Garth Brooks and Friday’s discussion with Toby Keith on doing things “My Way.” Finally, there’s the research team from Edison, whose mobile-focused presentation likely joins a long line of thought-shaping analysis. As Mayne says, “The big picture of this presentation is getting off our hamster wheel for a big look at the outside world in which we need to grow, evolve, captivate and maintain our relevance.” Music, of course, is wrapped around and through the entire event, and is every bit as important. “For people who have to make decisions about music, seeing and hearing the talent is a big deal,” Mayne says. “You can effectively and efficiently get more business done in three days than you could in two years running all over the country.” It all wraps Friday with the New Faces of Country Music. Beyond hearing five rising artists selected by radio – William Michael Morgan, Maren Morris, Jon Pardi, Granger Smith and Drake White, the evening will honor 27 of radio and records best in the industryvoted CRS/Country Aircheck Awards. Don’t miss it!

Nashville’s Country Stations

“The music business didn’t die, it just moved to Nashville.” Lionel Richie could just have easily been talking about Country radio had he made that observation this time of year. With roughly 2,000 Country pros coming into town for CRS 2017, many will be sampling the airwaves to see how their format is represented in Music City. With that in mind, Country Aircheck is offering a baseline to better understand what’s coming through the speakers. Market & Ratings: If choice is evidence, Country radio is represented well. Nashville is one of two PPM markets with four fullsignal Country subscribers (Salt Lake City is the other). Three are owned by one of the two biggest radio companies in America (iHeartMedia and Cumulus). The fourth is operated by Ryman Hospitality, which also owns some of the most famous country music brands in the world in the Grand Ole Opry and Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Nielsen Audio ranks Nashville as market 43 and over the last 13 PPM surveys it offered a combined average Country share of 15.6. The four stations are Cumulus’ WSM-FM (Nash Icon at 95.5) and WKDF (Nash FM at 103.3), iHeartMedia’s WSIX (The Big 98 at 97.9) and

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Ryman Hospitality’s Classic Country WSM-AM (650 AM). The three FMs are 100kW Class Cs with similar market coverage, and WSM-AM is a 50kW clear channel Class C heard at night in up to 30 states. iHeartMedia also airs a legends-based format on WNRQHD2 & FM translator W252CM, whose share has hovered near 0.3 since launching in September (CAT 9/2). According to Nielsen, 1.4 million people 12+ live in the Nashville metro, which is 6% Hispanic and 16% Black. Two notable developments have taken place in the Country landscape since Country Aircheck examined the market ahead of CRS last year (Daily Buzz 2/8). One, Nashville has added a full Country share point. Two, there’s a new overall Country leader. By surveys won and among People 6+, WSM-FM rose from third to first in 2016, topping all but one monthly among Country stations (Holiday 2016) by an average of 1.3 shares. In 2015, by comparison, the Holiday survey was the only month it won and WSIX led the year with eight. Ironically, Holiday was the only survey WSIX won in 2016 and by two-tenths of a share point. Zooming out, average shares for 2016 were 5.6 (WSM-FM), 4.4 (WSIX), 3.3 (WKDF) and 2.0 (WSM-AM). Best shares during the year were 7.3 (WSM-FM in July), 5.0 (WSIX in December and Holiday), 3.9 (WKDF in June) and 2.3 (WSM-AM in August and September). WSM-FM has been notably successful P2554 as WSM-FM & WKDF OM/PD Charlie Cook explained to Country Aircheck in December (CAW 12/2). “[The station] is in front,” he said, noting its 5.1 share during that survey. “[In December 2015], that was a 3.5.” AQH, TSL and cume all went up, he noted. “Have we stumbled onto something? Maybe we have,” Cook acknowledged. Music & Programming: That something likely had to do with WSM-FM’s broader library. A recent seven-day analysis shows the station with a current-recurrent-gold ratio of 8-2567%, compared with WSIX’s 48-32-20%, WKDF’s 51-35-14% and WSM-AM’s 14-1-85%. “There’s a significant portion of the listening population that wants a broader base of music,” Cook argued. “The thing about WSM-FM is we feel every song is a hit. Every song has a level of familiarity you don’t get on the contemporary-based stations.”

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Music quantity could be a factor, too. WSM-FM plays the most music of the four stations (2,348 titles), followed by WSIX (2,141), WKDF (2,065) and WSM-AM (1,7,18). WSM-AM, meanwhile, airs more unique titles weekly (1,329), followed by WSM-FM (522), WSIX (315) and WKDF (239). As for vintage, the average on WSIX and WKDF is 2015. The averages for WSM-AM and WSM-FM are 1993 and 2006, respectively. If WSM-AM’s 1,300+ unique titles are surprising, Interim PD Jonathan Shaffer suggests they shouldn’t be. “With our heritage – 91 years and counting – and being an AM, we operate in a unique place,” he says. “We basically operate in our own sphere and tell ‘our story,’ which is a mix of the station’s history, premium live content, a diverse playlist, and an outstanding collection of onair talent that includes three Country Radio Hall of Fame members in Bill Cody, Eddie Stubbs and Bill Whyte. We do our own thing and do it well.” More & Monitoring: Other mentionables in 2016 happened in the realms of programming and mornings. iHeartMedia/ Nashville SVP/Programming and WSIX PD Michael Bryan left in September to be replaced by iHM/Chattanooga SVPP and WUSY PD Gator Harrison (CAT 9/1), and WSM-AM PD Dean Warfield exited in July (CAT 7/11). In the on-air realm, Cumulus replaced the Blair Garner-led America’s Morning Show with the Ty Bentli-led Ty, Kelly & Chuck as Garner returned to overnights to helm The Blair Garner Show. Cumulus VP/Country Charlie Cook continues to lead WSM-FM and WKDF, and Premiere’s The Bobby Bones Show still calls WSIX home. All that’s left now is to listen. Sample WSM-FM here, WKDF here, WSIX here and WSM-AM here. Listen to WNRQ-HD2 & W252CM here. –Russ Penuell

How Does Free Sound?

Every CRS 2017 attendee operates in an audio environment, which makes the free audio testing available this year a careerpreserving opportunity. CRS Exec Dir. Bill Mayne explains the organization’s long-standing drive to offer a little something more to attendees. “In 2010 when hordes of people were losing their jobs we did a panel on the art of transition,” he says. “Several years ago we had Cleveland Heart Lab doing free testing and I’ve got letters from people saying that blood test saved their life. Last year we arranged free COPD testing and a number of people have reached out saying they didn’t realize until then the condition they were in and had been pointed directly where to get immediate help. This year, on that same note, we’re offering hearing Bill Mayne testing in conjunction with the Starkey Hearing Foundation and Nashville ENT Audiology.” Country Aircheck initially approached Starkey Hearing Foundation co-founders Bill and Tani Austin, who already had contacts in the country world and were enthusiastic about the idea. Mayne’s connections brought in Nashville ENT Audiology and he executed the partnership that resulted in a generous offering to attendees. A full hearing test, free to every registrant, could cost between $250 and $450, and is potentially invaluable. “Audio is our lives,” Mayne says. “You just don’t know what you’re not hearing and finding out can change your life. It changed mine. I damaged my hearing at 21 playing in a rock band, but never thought it was that bad. When I finally sat in a testing room and tried different devices I literally had tears running down my cheek. Everybody needs to hear all the music. If we don’t take care of our own, who will?” Lon Helton, lon@countryaircheck.com Chuck Aly, chuck@countryaircheck.com Russ Penuell, russ@countryaircheck.com Wendy Newcomer, wendy@countryaircheck.com Paul Williams, paul@countryaircheck.com (615) 320-1450 ©2017 Countr y Aircheck™ — All r ights reser ved. Sign up free at w w w.countr yaircheck .com. S end news to news@countr yaircheck .com

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Not Your Average Get-Together: The Average Joes Happy Hour crew poses for the CRS Daily Buzz. First person to correctly ID everyone in this photo gets a free subscription to Country Aircheck and a box of dog treats to give to a sad puppy.

A Look Ahead 11am SSM Showcase Branch & Dean, The Redhead Express, Alexandra Demetree, Wes Hayden Omni, Level 2, Music Row 1 12:15pm CRS 2017 Kickoff Party Sponsored by SunTrust Bank and Encore Technologies Caroline Jones, Macy Martin, Matt Gary, Jeremiah Richey, Joe Denim Omni, Level 2, Broadway Ballroom Lobby 3pm Opening Ceremonies Sponsored by Sarah Cannon Omni, Level 2, Legends Ballroom D-G 3:30pm Artist Humanitarian Award

Presentation Zac Brown Omni, Level 2, Legends Ballroom D-G

7pm Grand Ole Opry Omni, Level 2, Broadway Ballroom

3:30pm Tom Rivers Award Presentation Peter Smyth Omni, Level 2, Legends Ballroom D-G

9pm SSM Showcase Troy Anderson, Jay Seeney, Logan Robinson, Molly Adele Brown, Amanda Jones Omni, Level 2, Music Row 1

4pm Keynote Interview: Scott Hamilton Omni, Level 2, Legends Ballroom D-G 4pm Eric Church's Virtual Reality Tour Experience UMG Library Lounge 5:30pm Welcome Reception Sponsored by CMA & Live Nation Omni, Level 2, Broadway Ballroom

10pm My Headache Party Olivia Lane Omni, Big Spark Suite

Thursday, 2/23 8am Programming Mentoring Breakfast Sponsored by Sun Broadcast Group Bruce Logan (facilitator), Shelly Easton, Tim Richards, Tim Roberts, Kenny Jay, Rod

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Phillips, Kix Layton, Mike Brophey, Jeff Garrison, Andrew Bland, Mike Preston, Charlie Cook, John Shomby, Mac Daniels, Nikki Thomas, DJ Stout, Mike Moore, Jeff Kapugi Omni, Level 3, Cumberland 5-6 8am Sales Mentoring Breakfast Katie Reid, Sarah Frazier, Melissa Kent, Lee Adams, Judy Lakin Omni, Level 3, Cumberland 3-4 9am CRS Research Presentation: The Mobilization of Country Radio Presented by Edison Media Omni, Level 2, Legends Ballroom, D-G 10am Inside Studio G with Garth Brooks Omni, Level 2, Legends Ballroom D-G 10am Objects Are Larger Than They Appear: Small Markets That Do Big Things Tom Baldrica (moderator), RG Jones, Jesse Garcia, Erica Ogle, JJ Holiday, Stephanie Theisen Omni, Level 2, Legends Ballroom A-C 11:30am Team UMG at the Ryman Ryman Auditorium 2:30pm CMA Breakout Session #1: The Power of the Country Music Radio Consumer Omni, Level 3, Cumberland 3-4 2:30pm Women Empowering Women Beverlee Brannigan, Carol Hughes, Erica Farber, Linda Wei, Beth Burley, Brooke

Williams Omni, Level 2, Legends Ballroom A-C 2:30pm Victory in the Hallways: Creating a Positive Work Culture Gregg Lindahl (moderator), Sean Shannon, Josh Easler, Dave Paulus, Rick Jackson Omni, Level 3, Cumberland 1-2 2:30pm Speeding Towards Tomorrow: Radio in a Driverless World Bob Richards (moderator), Jason Bailey, Stevens Radley, Chris Andrews Omni, Level 2, Legends Ballroom D-G 3:30pm More Than Words: Presenting Ideas That Inspire Bold Action John Ellett, Jerry James Omni, Level 3, Cumberland 3-4 3:30pm You Are More Valuable Than You Think: Finding Your Full Potential Becky Brenner (moderator), Graham Bunn, Carole Bowen, Clay Hunnicutt, Jeff Roper Omni, Level 3, Cumberland 5-6 3:30pm Capturing the Millennial Ear: Rethinking Our Traditional Medium for the Next Generation Bob Richards (moderator), Leigh Jacobs, Carolyn Gilbert Omni, Level 2, Legends Ballroom A-C 3:30pm Moving the Listeners and the Numbers That Count RJ Curtis (moderator), Torie Nugent, Mike Moore, Tom Lord, Matt Bailey Omni, Level 2, Legends Ballroom D-G

Page 6 3:30pm How Are You Protecting Your Core Revenues? Local and National Revenues Gregg Lindahl (moderator), Paul Weyland, John Henley Omni, Level 3, Cumberland 3-4 4pm Eric Church's Virtual Reality Tour Experience UMG Library Lounge 4pm On-Air Talent Mentoring Happy Hour Lon Helton, Kelly Ford, Danny Dwyer, Skip Mahaffey, Big Sue, Kim Leslie Westwood One Lounge 5pm Cold River Records “Biscuits and Beer” Performance by Drew Baldridge Omni, Level 1, Kitchen Notes 5pm SSM + Nashville Country Club Presents Alexandra Demetree Omni, Level 2, Music Row 1 5:30pm Country Music Hall of Fame Reception/Tour Kent Blazy, Tony Arata Hall of Fame Rotunda 7pm Rebel Engine Happy Hour Lucas Hoge, Stephanie Quayle Omni, Level 2, Top of Escalators 7pm Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, JT Harding, Laura Veltz, Luke Laird, Ashley Gorley, Brett

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James, Rhett Akins, Busbee, Jon Nite, Cole Taylor Omni, Level 2, Legends Ballroom A-C 9pm SSM Showcase + Beer Troy Anderson, Jay Seeney, Logan Robinson, Molly Adele Brown, Amanda Jones Omni, Level 2, Music Row 1 10pm One Whisky Away Party Olivia Lane Omni, Big Spark Suite 12am Denny Strickland Breakfast Baja Sexto Friday, 2/24 7:30am Women Mentoring Breakfast Sponsored by NuVoodoo Media Services Carolyn Gilbert, Jinny Laderer, Beverlee Brannigan, Lisa Smoot, Sunny Leigh, Lisa Balance, Melissa Kent, Whitney Allen, Shelly Easton, Katie Bright, Sarah Frazier, Charlie Dean, Katie Dean, Lisa Wall, Erica Farber, Alison Bonaguro, Becky Brenner, Ginny Rogers Omni, Level 3, Cumberland 5-6 8am Digital & Tech Breakfast Malika Quemerais, Michael Shoup, Gloria Stitt Omni, Level 3, Cumberland 3-4 9am Daily Featured Speaker: Ryan Redington/Amazon Omni, Level 2, Legends Ballroom D-G

10am The Digital Revenue Explosion Eli Mayo, Bob Parris, Adam Ponzurick Omni, Level 3, Cumberland 1-2 10am Dicing the Data Bob Richards (moderator), John Zarling, Jeff Green, Tim Richards Omni, Level 2, Legends Ballroom D-G 10am Cultivating the Farm Team: Sources of New Talent Becky Brenner (moderator), Liz Rozengard, Tony Banks, Ben Downs, Dan Vallie Omni, Level 3, Cumberland 5-6 10am CMA Breakout Session #2: And the CMA Broadcast Award Goes to… Omni, Level 3, Cumberland 3-4 11am Promotions Start to Finish: Part You Sponsored by vCreative Tom Baldrica (moderator), Fritz Moser, Sunny Leigh, B Dub, John Trapane Omni, Level 2, Legends Ballroom A-C 11am Lace Up Your Boots & Get in the Trenches with Social Media Platforms Becky Brenner (moderator), Malika Quemerais, Granger Smith, Gloria Stitt Omni, Level 3, Cumberland 1-6 11:45am Acoustic Stage Performance Featuring Kaylee Rutland Omni, Level 2, Broadway Ballroom Lobby 12pm Lunch & Performance Sponsored by BMLG

Page 7 A Thousand Horses, Trent Harmon, Delta Rae, Midland, Carly Pearce, Maddie & Tae Omni, Level 2, Broadway Ballroom 2pm Cashing in on Live Events: Live! Tom Baldrica (moderator), Dave Anthony, Paige Nienaber, Michael Jordan, Dhruv Prasad Omni, Level 2, Legends Ballroom A-C 2pm Coaching the Coaches: Top Talent Tell How to Motivate Them Best Kirk Herbstreit, Robin Meade, Ace & TJ Omni, Level 2, Legends Ballroom D-G 2pm Eric Church's Virtual Reality Tour Experience UMG Library Lounge 3pm Artist Interview with Toby Keith: My Way Sponsored by BMI Omni, Level 2, Legends Ballroom D-G 5:15pm New Faces Cocktail Reception Sponsored by Big Spark Music Group Omni, Level 2, Grandview Terrace 6:30pm New Faces of Country Music Dinner and Performance Sponsored by ACM and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital CRS/Country Aircheck Awards Presentations William Michael Morgan, Maren Morris, Jon Pardi, Granger Smith, Drake White Omni, Level 2, Broadway Ballroom