July 3, 2023, Issue 865
Country’s Roads Paved In Gold
More than 30 industry pros weighed in for The Live Issue – Country Aircheck’s July print edition – and the verdict is in: “It’s a gold rush,” UTA’s Curt Motley says, pointing to a recent Knoxville show. “The artist did three times what they’ve ever done. Nothing new has happened – no new music, but it was phenomenal.”
From stadiums to smaller venues, country is having a moment in the live entertainment marketplace. “In 26 years, I’ve never seen it healthier,” says WME/Nashville’s Jay Williams
“All the way down to the club level, it’s more stable and predictable.”
Understanding the depth and breadth of country’s touring strength starts with the audience’s unlimited access to music and the blurring of boundaries.
“You can segment the country audience a thousand different ways,” says AEG’s Adam Weiser. “Every artist path is so individualized, which makes it less formulaic.”
Once radio-dominated, the formula may have decentralized, but broadcasters still have a significant role to play. “I actually had an artist who is doing millions of streams say to me, ‘I can’t be the next Kenny Chesney without radio,’” WWKA/Orlando’s Steve Stewart says. “If stadiums are the goal, that’s probably true.”
Hall Game: Speaking of goals, the incoming Country Radio Hall of Famers probably didn’t have induction in their sights early on. “It was too big to even dream,” says Trish Biondo. Fellow inductee John Willyard says, “You’re isolated in a cocoon in your studio. It’s not until you get out and chat with people that you realize the impact you have.” The late Wade Jessen’s spouse Corey Jones says, “I know he would be extremely touched by this honor.”
(continued on page 7)
In Order To Form A More Neon Union: Red Street’s Union at WCOL/Columbus’ Red, White & Country the label’s Emily Bermann, the station’s Dan E. Zuko and the duo’s Andrew Millsaps and Leo Brooks
Deaton on CMAF Show
The two-hour ABC telecast of CMA Fest airs July 19, and Exec. Producer Robert Deaton says the show celebrates the event’s 50th year by balancing its legacy with its future.
CA: How do you distill four stadium concerts into one TV special?
RD: We don’t film everything. I go in with an idea of what we need to have on television. We will shoot and capture the TV song and one additional song as a backup. I did start shooting extra performances on everybody once the storms came in on Sunday. And, if I see an artist getting really lathered up, we keep filming. I recall doing that one year when I saw Keith Urban was really in a groove.
Cowboy Boot Camp: Big Loud’s Lauren Alaina (c) with ACM Lifting Lives Music Campers at the Grand Ole Opry
Did that happen this year?
We knew we were going to have a moment with Reba joining Cody Johnson for “Whoever’s In New England.” I’ve been doing this 20 years and it was one of the greatest things that’s ever happened in the stadium. Cody’s TV song was going to be “Human,” but they rolled straight into “’Til You Can’t” and it was so great, we changed.
How did you acknowledge the milestone?
We were referencing the 50th all night in intros to Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Little Big Town – artists who are part the fabric of this festival. And for many artists including Lainey Wilson and Carly Pearce, their first CMA Fest experience was as a fan in the upper deck. There’s also a cute setup with Dierks Bentley, whose first time was as a golf cart driver for the talent team. The first artist he drove to the stage was Jo Dee Messina.
Collaborations seemed to be a theme...
The collaborations were intentional and important to honor the 50 years. Jo Dee with Carly. Tanya Tucker, Elle King and Lainey. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Luke Combs as excited as he was to perform with Vince Gill. In four days, we had some of the greatest performances we’ve had in the history of the festival, and more artists playing their own sets for the first time – Lainey, Hardy, Cody, Carly, Jelly Roll. What a great way to celebrate – bringing back so many favorites, but at the same time having more first-time artists than ever.
What else did you notice?
The CMA Fest performance is becoming a bucket list item for artists. They all dream of hearing their song on the radio, having their single on the chart, playing the Grand Ole Opry and – now – playing CMA Fest. I didn’t fully realize it until this year when several artists told me that. And, of course, the cherry on top is the CMA Awards
“We’ve been doing this show for a long time,” says Cumulus VP/ Country Charlie Cook. “It started with Country Weekly, which we owned, and when the magazine went away, [WSM-FM & WKDF/ Nashville] picked it up.” Prior performers include Kelsea Ballerini, Sam Hunt, Brothers Osborne and – last year – Chris Janson, Mitchell Tenpenny and Thompson Square.
During an early 2023 lunch with Triple 8/Triple Tiger’s George Couri, Cook asked a question: “What if we record the show and turn it into a radio special? Would that make it more valuable to the artists?”
Couri recalls, “By the time the lunch with Charlie was over, the entire event became a 58-city national broadcast and the labels would control and own all recordings. At that point, for artists and labels, it became a no-brainer.”
Held in 2022 at Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl, the event was moved to Skydeck. “On a clear night in Nashville, it’s a great location,” Cook says. “It’s right at Fifth and Broadway, the sound was great, they were easy to work with and we sold out 1,400 tickets.”
Cumulus/Nashville brought in AEG to run the event, with audio and video recording by Rack-N-Roll Audio. “Labels own the video, and Cumulus gets the audio through July 4,” Cook says. “After that, the audio reverts to the labels. They can put clips on YouTube or wherever –hopefully find ways to monetize those performances.”
–Chuck Aly
What’s really exciting – even beyond all the new artists and being able to acknowledge the history – is knowing there was somebody in the audience this year who will one day play that stage.
Cumulus Kicks Off A New Special
From longstanding local concert to nationwide radio special, Cumulus’ Country Kickoff is an example of inspiration meeting opportunity. A twohour program airing on the company’s Country stations across this holiday weekend, Country Kickoff owes its existence to lunch.
Main stage performers were Morgan Evans, Russell Dickerson, Scotty McCreery and Brett Young, with Jordan Harvey, Tenille Arts, HunterGirl and Erin Kinsey performing on a balcony stage during set changes. While not an official CMA Fest event, the special does include two plugs for the July 19 ABC special.
“This wouldn’t have happened without [Cumulus/Nashville MM] Allison Warren, AEG and our team,” Cook says. Nor would it have happened without a random lunch conversation. For the record, Couri ordered the Thai Chicken Salad; Cook, the Cobb. “Radio Special” was not on the menu. –Chuck Aly
Chart Chat
Congratulations to Jordan Davis, Miranda McDonald, David Friedman and the MCA promotion team on holding “Next Thing You Know” at No. 1 for a second week. This is Davis’ third consecutive multi-week chart topper. Songwriters are Chase McGill, Greylan James, Josh Osborne and Davis.
Kudos to Stacy Blythe and the Big Loud crew on pulling in 18 additional adds for Morgan Wallens’s “Everything I Love” to lead the CA/MB Add Board for a second consecutive week.
News & Notes
The Grammy Museum Mississippi will debut a new exhibit, Highway 61: Traveling America’s Music Highway, Aug. 11.
The Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum will debut the exhibit Patty Loveless: No Trouble With The Truth Aug. 23. Details here.
The Week’s Top Stories
Full coverage at countryaircheck.com.
• Phil Becker went BTS with the first AI DJ, Al Farb shared his Pride story and Quinn recapped the Eric Church tour launch in last week’s (6/26) Country Aircheck Weekly
• Big Machine Music promoted Mike Molinar, Alex Heddle and Grayson Stephens. (CAT 6/30)
• Charlene Bryant joined UMG/Nashville as SVP/Business Development & Strategy. (CAT 6/29)
• Mark Turcotte joined Outback Presents as SVP/Marketing. (CAT 6/29)
• Beasley/Detroit VP/MM Mac Edwards added the Charlotte cluster to his purview. (CAT 6/28)
• Chronicle: Bobby Osborne, Dan Carson
Country’s Roads Paved In Gold
(continued from page 1)
Charlie Morgan, whose service on the CRS board gives him deep familiarity with the Hall of Fame process, adds, “To say this was an unexpected honor would be an understatement. “Dollar Bill” Lawson’s mother thought his first radio job “was going to kill me,” and a number of stunts almost did. Pam Green sums, “I don’t think I could have written a better story.”
Frisco Fever: Big Loud’s Hailey Whitters is featured in the “ACM Week With ...” story, which traces her cornfield-to-New-Female-Artisttrophy journey – literally. “We were sitting in the tractor and there were a few times I wanted to tell [my dad], but we were planting and his head was in corn mode. It was the hardest secret to keep.” ACM Radio Winners shared their awards night photos, showing off everything from iconic country singers and Cowboys to Taco Bell and homebound chores.
The Story Of Bus: In The Interview, Live Nation President/Country Touring Brian O’Connell shares his inimitable perspective. Asked about radio’s evolving role, he addressed the need for radio ad buys. “It really hasn’t changed. There was a time not too long ago, it was the only way. Social media and all these platforms – that’s what used to be print, but it’s completely changed. Local market radio still serves a very big role. And it’s more than selling out the show. If you go up with 30 shows and blow them out on a Tuesday at 3pm, does anyone know?
“It’s a big deal to me when the artist rolls into town, the show’s been sold out for a year and we’re still contesting and running spots. It’s the old Rolling Stones gag – billboards, wrapped buses and trains, a surprise club show before the big gig. Marketing even when the show is sold out. Reminding people that Artist X is in town. It all counts. Radio plays a huge role in that, because they have a one-on-one relationship with X-number of hundred-thousand people. I was looking at Country Aircheck’s quarterly ratings – it’s part of my reading material for tomorrow’s 16hour bus ride. I happened to see L.A., which I think had cume of around 700,000. I’m assuming it’s less than it used to be, but I’m also making the assumption that it’s more than zero. If I can get those 700,000 people the message that Artist X is going to be within the listening area, we’re doing our job. Is radio obsolete? I don’t believe it.”
Also in the issue, learn how the rise of headliners has brought down longstanding industry conventions, and why Las Vegas residencies have become a tentpole strategy for several of country’s top artists. Labels preview second-half of ‘23 music releases. And in addition to celebrating the Country Radio Hall inductees July 10 in Nashville, Artist Career Achievement honoree Barbara Mandrell and President’s Award recipients Scott and Julie De Vos will get a turn at the podium. Read all these stories and more when the July issue lands next week.
–Chuck Aly CAC©2023 Country Aircheck™ — All rights reserved. Sign up free at www.countryaircheck.com. Send news to news@countryaircheck.com
AVAILABLE JOBS
MIDWEST
Ingstad/Thief River Falls, MN VP/Broadcasting
Jake Weber is looking for a GM to oversee the cluster that includes Country KKDQ & Classic Country KKAQAM. Send résumés and cover letters to Weber here
Federated WBYT/South Bend, IN PD Jesse Garcia is on the hunt for a morning host to succeed Zach Miller. Send résumés and airchecks to Garcia here
Linder Radio KRUE/Waseca, MN is seeking a PD/afternoon host to succeed Ben Merritt. Send résumés and airchecks here
Townsquare KWYY/Casper, WY Brand Mgr./ morning host Drew Kirby is seeking a co-host to join him. See the complete job description here; send résumés and airchecks here
Midwest/Wausau, WI OM Jon Reilly is seeking a Brand Mgr./afternoon host for Country WDEZ. Complete job description here; send résumés and airchecks to Reilly here
Mountain Dog Media WFON/Fon Du Lac, WI Brand Mgr. Aaron Carreno is seeking a morning cohost to join Trace “Moose” Moustakas. Interested parties can send résumés and airchecks to Carreno here
MacDonald WKCQ/Saginaw, MI OM/PD Jason Addams is searching for candidates for a future, full-time on-air role. Send résumés and airchecks to him here
Midwest/Fargo, ND OM Corey “Zero” Schaffer is searching for a Brand Mgr./on-air talent to join Country KVOX. Send résumés and airchecks to him here
MacDonald WKCQ/Saginaw, MI OM/ PD Jason Addams is looking for an afternoon drive host. “This is not a voice -tracking opportunity,” Addams tells Country Aircheck. “If you can shine while making the music and listeners the star, we want to hear from you.” Send résumés and airchecks to him 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] voicetracking [on other stations],” PD Justin Brown says. “Previous radio experience preferred, but we will train the right personality.” Send materials to Brown here
NORTHEAST
Audacy/Rochester, NY VP/GM Sue Munn is looking for a Brand Mgr. for the five-station cluster that includes Country WBEE. Complete job description and application here
Townsquare/Augusta, ME OM Cooper Fox is searching for a morning host/content creator to join Country WEBB. See the complete job posting and apply here
Pamal Corp. Dir./Operations & Programming Kevin Callahan is seeking a full-time PD for Country WKLI/Albany, NY. Send résumés and airchecks to him here
Audacy Regional Brand Mgr. Chris Michaels is looking for two new on-air hosts to join WBEE/ Rochester in mornings. See the complete job posting here; reach Michaels here
Pamal WKLI/Albany, NY Corp. Dir./Operations & Programming Kevin Callahan is seeking a midday personality. Send résumés, social media links and airchecks to him here
Community Broadcasters WLFK/Gouverneur, NY Owner/Pres. Jim Leven is searching for a PD/ morning host. Send résumés and airchecks to him here
SOUTHEAST
Forever EVP/Programming, Digital & Sales Development Jared Mims is on the hunt for a GM for the Bowling Green, KY and Glasgow, KY markets. Oversight includes Country WBVR/Bowling Green and Classic Country WLYE/Glasgow. See the complete job description here; send résumés here.
Mississippi Broadcaster WOKK/Meridian, MS PD Todd Berry is searching for a live-and-local morning co-host. See the complete job posting here; send résumés, cover letters and airchecks to Berry 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 to join incumbent Ivy Lee. Send résumés and airchecks to Lindsey here.
Beasley WKML/Fayetteville, NC PD Sarah Weaver is seeking an APD/afternoon personality. Send résumés and airchecks to her here.
Curtis WQDR/Raleigh PD Mike Biddle is searching for an APD/MD/midday personality to succeed Heather Davis. Complete job posting here; send résumés and airchecks to Biddle here.
Cumulus/Memphis VP/MM Morgan Bohannon is searching for a PD for WGKX following the departure of Chad Heritage. According to the post, “Energy, enthusiasm and experience within the genre is a must.” See full description 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.
WNGC/Athens, GA is searching for a morning host to join Haley Bartoletta. See the job posting here.
Saga WVVR/Clarksville, TN has an opening for a morning host. “Work for a great company and a team that values local programming, and is dedicated to serving,” says PD Chad Heritage. “If you have at least three years full-time Country/AC experience ...” send résumés and airchecks 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
WEST COAST
Townsquare KUAD/Ft. Collins, CO Brand Mgr. Matt Sparx is hunting for a morning host. See the complete job description and apply here
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
Cumulus KSKS/Fresno, CA PD Andy Winford is seeking a morning host to join incumbent Jody Jo Mize. See the complete job posting and apply here
Buck Owens KUZZ/Bakersfield, CA PD/on-air talent Brent Michaels is searching for an on-air morning talent or team. See the complete job posting here; send résumés and airchecks to Michaels here
RWPC Pres. Scott Huskey is searching for a morning host to join McKenzie River KKNU/Eugene, OR. Send résumés and airchecks to Huskey here
Cumulus KATC/Colorado Springs, CO OM Bobby Irwin is searching for a PD/morning co-host to succeed Bo Jaxon. Complete job description and application here
Audacy RVP/West Coast Programming Scott Roddy is seeking a personality to join The Wake Up Call morning co-host Kelli Green. The complete job description and application is forthcoming.
McKenzie River KKNU/Eugene, OR PD Jim Davis is looking for a replacement for retired morning host Tim Fox. Reach Davis here
OTHER
River House Artists Dir./Digital Strategy Kristin Watson Byrne is looking for a Coord./Digital. Send résumés to her here
Albright & O’Malley & Brenner VP Kenny Jay is searching for “a talent looking for their big break, or someone tired of corporate radio life who would like to settle down in California … [someone who] can have fun and entertain live and local at night.” The opportunity may include APD/MD duties as well. Send demos and resumes to Jay here
Albright & O’Malley & Brenner VP Kenny Jay is searching for a Brand Manager/prime time personality. “ You must be a persuasive leader, a selfstarter, have a strong desire to get things done, and have fun ... in one of the most livable cities in the US,“ he says. Three years of full-time management and on-air experience are required. Send demos and resumes to Jay here
Summit Media is looking for an SVP/Digital Strategy. The newly created position will adapt the company’s digital plan and organized initiatives into a comprehensive roadmap. See full posting here
An undisclosed programmer is seeking a “fun, engaging, relevant” personality. “A market-leading station in the Midwest is looking for a great storyteller ... engaging on air, online and in person.” Aircheck, résumé, social links and “anything else that will make you stand out” can be sent to this EOE here
SEEKING JOBS
•Greg Cole
Former WKCQ/Saginaw, MI OM/PD GCole27000@gmail.com 916-502-4734
•Marc Lavik (aka Dave Marcus) Former on-air talent ZimaGuy@gmail.com 401-467-6737
•”Big” John Horton
Former KFSA/Ft. Smith, AR afternoon host BigJohn@TheBigJohnShow.com
•AJ McCloud
Former WWFF/Huntsville, AL APD/afternoons AJ.McCloud@charter.net 256-503-2301
•Bill Hickok
Former KBMR/Bismark, ND morning host BillHickok1950@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
•Brian “Wookie” Kostek Former WDSY/Pittsburgh APD/MD/afternoons BKostek24@gmail.com
•Kim Brixton
Former WNWN/Battle Creek, MI mornings/middays KimBrixton@gmail.com
•Mark McKay
Former Riser House Dir./ Southeast Promotion MMcKay973@gmail.com
•Tami Rumfelt
Former WPAW/Greensboro afternoons TamiRumfelt@gmail.com
•Mike McKay
Former WQRB/Eau Claire, WI Brand Mgr./mornings McKProd@charter.net
•Jimmy Elliott
Former WOVK/Wheeling, WV WPP/ PD/MD/mornings JimmyElliottSchlosser@gmail.com
•Jim Pearson
Former KDBL/Yakima, WA PD/mornings JimsCoolEmail@gmail.com 831-261-1822
•Aaron “Gator” Glass
Former WQNU/Louisville mornings GatorGlass.53@gmail.com
•Carly Quinn
Former WGH/Norfolk morning co-host NewEnglandClamChowder2021@ yahoo.com 863-388-9606
•Chuck Akers
Former KTHT/Houston morning co-host chuckakers@comcast.net
•Scott Gaines
Former Summit/Knoxville OM & WCYQ PD GainesRadio@gmail.com
•T.J. “J.T.” Michaels Former WCPV/Burlington, VT PD/afternoons
TJMichaelsRadio@gmail.com 802-249-3570
•Caitlin “CJ” Johnson
Former KKBQ/Houston afternoons Caitlin.M.Johnson25@gmail.com
•Jonathan Wier
Former WKLB/Boston morning co-host JonWierWLCA@gmail.com
•Bryan “Ryder” Konold
Former KDBL/Yakima, WA Brand Mgr./mornings BryantRyderKonold@gmail.com
•Lexi Papadopoulos
Former KUBL/Salt Lake City mornings LexiOnTheRadio@gmail.com
•Jared “Banks” Danielson Former KUBL/Salt Lake City mornings JaredDanielson1@gmail.com
•Megan Youngblood Former Capitol Dir./West Coast Promotion MegaYoungBlood@gmail.com
•Kevin “Crash” Davis Former WEBL/Memphis OM/PD/mornings KevinDavisRadio@gmail.com
•Blake Nixon
Former Show Dog Dir./ Southeast Promotion Blake.Nixon@comcast.net
•Rosie Fitchpatrick
Formerly worked in event and artist management, and radio promotion rosiefitch99@gmail.com
Country Aircheck Add Leaders
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Country Aircheck Top Recurrents
AIRPLAY BY STATION OWNER
MARKET AIRPLAY PROFILE - BATON ROUGE
COUNTRY AIRCHECK ACTIVITY
JAKE OWEN/On The Boat Again (Big Loud)
Remains at 45
2771 points, 788 spins; No adds
MORGAN EVANS/Over For You (Warner/WEA)
Remains at 46
2669 points, 762 spins; No adds
KASSI ASHTON/Drive You Out Of My Mind (Interscope/MCA)
Remains at 47*
2648 points, 799 spins
2 adds: KKGO, WDRM
NATE SMITH/World On Fire (RCA)
Debut 48*
2616 points, 709 spins
7 adds: KATM*, KHKI*, KKGO, WAVW, WITL, WPOR, WXBQ
C. PEARCE f/C. STAPLETON/We Don’t Fight Anymore (Big Machine)
Re-enters 49*
2527 points, 716 spins
11 adds, including: KATM*, KHKI*, KIZN*, KRST*, KSKS*, KUBL*, KUPL, WGNE, WIVK*, WLHK
NEON UNION/’Bout Damn Time (Red Street)
Moves 49-50
2482 points, 764 spins
1 add: KSD
CHASE RICE/Bad Day To Be A Cold Beer (Dack Janiels/Broken Bow)
2286 points, 622 spins
2 adds: KHKI*, WXCY
TIGIRLILY GOLD/Shoot Tequila (Monument)
2245 points, 670 spins
2 adds: WCOL, WPAW
FRANK RAY/Somebody Else’s Whiskey (Stoney Creek)
2217 points, 675 spins
4 adds: KWEN*, WDSY, WGGY, WUSY
KIMBERLY PERRY/If I Die Young (Pt. 2) (Records Nashville)
2072 points, 590 spins; No adds
PARKER MCCOLLUM/Burn It Down (MCA)
1987 points, 541 spins
5 adds: KMLE, KSON, WCOL, WKSJ, WOGK
©2023
ADDDATES
Send yours to adds@countryaircheck.com
JULY 10
WARREN ZEIDERS/Pretty Little Poison (Warner/WEA)
COREY KENT/Something’s Gonna Kill Me (RCA)
JULY 17
KIDD G/Daylight Savings (Valory)
SAM HUNT/Outskirts (MCA)
JULY 24
None Listed
CHECKOUT
JUNE 27
Russell Dickerson Three Months Two Streets Down (Triple Tigers) Dickerson wrote four of the five tracks on his summer-focused EP, including its central song, “Ride The Wave.” “I like how there’s a track on there for everyone – whether it’s one that makes you nostalgic or more of a feel-good song to blast in your car,” he says.
JULY 7
Frank Ray (Stoney Creek)
“This album is my grand entrance to the country music world,” says Frank of his 14-track label debut. “This project is a perfect reflection of who I am. I have finally figured out my voice, and this is what I have to say. I look at this album like a quilt I knitted, each stitch represents a person I love or an influence I admire.”
