January 19, 2021, Issue 739
CRS: Prepare For Different
With Country Radio Seminar preparing to mark its 52nd anniversary in the most unconventional of ways – transitioning to a virtual edition amid concerns surrounding coronavirus – the event moves to a four-day experience. With a mix of traditional favorites and new offerings, the session lineup and entertainment slate are packed, despite the lack of in-person opportunities. CRB Exec. Dir. RJ Curtis and CRS Agenda Committee Chair Brent Michaels tell Country Aircheck there are still myriad reasons to be excited about the event. In addition to migrating online, CRS is RJ Curtis extending its week but beginning each day later in the morning. “We will kick off at 10am CT each day, because we understand we have attendees from all across the country ... and we didn’t want the West Coast constituents to be logging on at 6am PT each day,” explains Curtis. The day will also conclude earlier. “This is like programming a radio station, and we are looking at it with an understanding not only of cume, but of TSL and occasions,” says Brent Michaels Curtis. Look for sessions to wrap around 4pm CT daily with music and entertainment immediately following. CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience officially opens Tuesday, Feb. 16 with the all-new Digital & Streaming Summit. “We are thrilled to launch a new aspect of CRS and partner with digital platforms and DSPs [digital service providers] to kick off the week,” says Curtis. Sessions focusing on streaming, social media and data will fill the day, including a session titled “Inventing Yourself” that Curtis says is not to be missed. Wednesday through Friday sessions will look much like a traditional CRS agenda with programming, label, women’s and other networking “breakfasts” moving to digital gathering rooms; hands-on workshops in real-time focusing on topics ranging from imaging and production to compiling awards submission packages; and keynote speeches, research presentations and educational panels. (continued on page 12)
That Thing You Drew: RCA’s Andrew Jannakos virtually hangs with Beasley stations ahead of the impact date of “Gone Too Soon” (2/1). Pictured (top, l-r) are the label’s Mallory Michaels and Lauren Thomas, Jannakos and the label’s Dan Nelson and Larry Santiago; (middle, l-r) the label’s Liz Sledge and Dennis Reese, WSOC/Charlotte’s Cameron Moore, KCYE/Las Vegas’ Shawn Stevens and Boston’s Cadillac Jack; (bottom, l-r) WXTU/Philadelphia’s Mark Razz, WKLB/Boston’s Dawn Santolucito, Charlotte’s John Reynolds, Las Vegas’ Cat Thomas and the company’s Justin Chase.
Sonos Centers Radio Around Artists
Known for its wireless, multi-room home audio systems, Sonos launched its own streaming radio service last April and added the premium tier Sonos Radio HD in November. Beyond offering access to thousands of existing radio stations, Sonos is curating its own stations with an artistforward approach that, in terms of country, initiated with the creation of Dolly Parton Songteller Radio. And according to New York-based Global Head of Music Brian Beck, Sonos is just getting started in country. “She was on our dream list,” Beck says of Parton. “We thought it was the biggest Brian Beck longshot ever, but we had to try. And we’re still pinching ourselves that it happened.” Quarterbacked by John Zarling and Jackie Campbell at 615 Leverage + Strategy, the deal
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