Issuu

February 3, 2025, Issue 946

Remembering Ben Vaughn

Friends and colleagues share favorite memories of late Warner Chappell/Nashville President/CEO Ben Vaughn (Chronicle 1/30):

• Sony/ATV’s Tom Luteran: “Thomas Rhett came by the office after his first year of college and Ben asked what he was doing for the summer. Thomas said he’d be doing the same thing he did the prior summer – flooring for his uncle in Georgia. Ben asked how much he made in a week, and wondered, ‘What if I gave you that to write songs instead?’

Thomas had only written a couple of songs at that point, but Ben was like, ‘You’re an Akins. It’s in your DNA.’ Twenty-two No. 1s later, I think Ben was right.”

• Songwriter Rhett Akins: “After 10 years on the road touring and playing the radio game, I went to every publishing company in town and no one would give me a writer deal. I thought my career was over; there was no reason for me to stay in Nashville. Then I met Ben and, for whatever reason, he liked my stuff and wanted to take a chance on me even though I’d never written hits for other artists. He ran it by the head of the company, who was very leery. But Ben believed in me and got approval to try it for six months. Within three months, me, Ben Hayslip and Dallas Davidson got “Put A Girl In It” recorded by Brooks & Dunn. I got a full writing deal after that.

“When he met my son, Thomas was still in school and looking for an internship. After they met, Ben came up to me and said, ‘Your kid is a superstar.’ I was like, ‘What are you talking about? He’s not a real musician – just plays for fun on the weekends. He didn’t even play you a (continued on page 5)

Q4 CDM Drivetime Leaders

Following the analysis of the format’s Q4 drivetime leaders in PPM markets last month, Country Aircheck has also compiled Country’s top performers for the quarter from the Nielsen’s 44 Continuous Diary Measurement (CDM) markets.

WIVK/Knoxville, which was also the top-rated station overall, retains the lead in morning drive, with Joey Tack and Nancy Barger’s 12.6 share giving them No. 1 honors for the fourth consecutive quarter. WUSY/Chattanooga’s Ken & Daniel move from fourth to second with an 11.2, while Clay & Company from WYRK/Buffalo jump from 10th to third by virtue of their rise from an 8.8 to a 10.2 share, the largest increase in the top 10.

For the first time in a year, WIVK does not lead both drivetimes. WUSY’s Melissa “Mo” Wagner and Greg “Styckman” Owens return to the top spot for the first time since Q3/2023 with their 10.4 to 12.8 rise and, in doing so, push WIVK’s Sean “Mac” McNally to second.

Ben Vaughn

Buffalo Pickin’ Brings: WYRK/Buffalo’s St. Jude radiothon raises $382,724. Pictured (l-r) are the station’s Brett Alan Clay Moden and Bob Barnett

Love You, Miss You, Mean It: Vaughn at the 2021 Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame Induction of Rhett Akins.

The largest move in the

belongs

KUZZ/Bakersfield’s Brent Michaels, who landed in fourth place thanks to a 6.7 to 9.1 increase. Previous results here: Q3; Q2; and Q1 2024. –Chris Huff

Chart Chat

Congratulations to Morgan Wallen, Stacy Blythe, Tyler Waugh and the Big Loud promotion team on holding “Love Somebody” at No. 1. With 9,831 spins this week, it becomes the first record to reach more than 9,500 spins for two consecutive weeks. Songwriters are John Byron, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Ryan Vojtesak, Ashley Gorley, Elof Loelv, Martina Sorbara, Nicholas Gale, Shaun Frank and Wallen.

Morgan Wallen

Kudos to Erik Powell and the Big Machine crew on racking up 138 adds for “I Dare You” by Rascal Flatts with Jonas Brothers to top this week’s Add Board. This is the largest add week in Flatts’ history, surpassing 107 first week adds for “What Hurts The Most” in January 2006, and comes just one month shy of the 25th anniversary of their debut single “Prayin’ For Daylight,” which topped the Add Board March 10, 2000.

News & Notes

DMS Broadcasting, which operates seven stations in Grand Cayman including CayCountry 93.5, has changed its name to Stingray Media Saga Communications’ Jonesboro Radio Group in Jonesboro, AR has been re-branded as Jonesboro Media Group. The company says the move “reflects the organization’s enhanced lineup of digital content across its six-radio station cluster” in the market, which includes KDXY and KJBX-HD2.

Cooper Alan has launched the Cooper Alan Foundation to support mental health awareness. With over $400,000 already raised, Alan also donated the proceeds from his Feb. 1 show at The Fillmore in Charlotte, NC to the cause. The foundation will support the HopeWay Foundation of Charlotte, which provides care and resources for those in need of mental health support. More info here

Concord has acquired a portion of Northern Irish songwriter, musician and producer Johnny McDaid’s song catalog. Best known as a member of Snow Patrol, McDaid has had his songs recorded Keith Urban, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, among others. As a part of this worldwide publishing agreement, Concord will also represent McDaid’s future works.

Lexia Thomas joins Activated Events as Dir./Artist Relations. She has been working with the company as an independent contractor since 2021, and previously was part of the Parmalee management team at New Wave Management.

Lee Greenwood will receive the Horatio Alger Award from the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, a nonprofit that honors the achievements of outstanding leaders who have overcome adversity. The award will be bestowed in April during the 78th Horatio Alger Award Induction Ceremonies in Washington, D.C.

Andrea Vasquez, David Unlayao, Elsie and Serafia have been chosen as Apple Music’s Color Me Country Class of 2025. Show host/ country artist Rissi Palmer says in an Instagram post, “These are people that I think exemplify the mission of Color Me Country and make damn good music!” Her picks were featured in the episode that debuted Feb. 1.

MY TUNES

Nashville Harbor’s Greylan James shares the music that influenced him:

1. Kenny Chesney has to be at the top of my list of influences and reasons why I’m where I’m at in my career. I grew up in the same hometown as Kenny, so my childhood was filled with stories of this local dude turned country music superstar. My first song I ever learned to sing was “Young.”

My first concert was Kenny at Neyland Stadium. Fast forward to 23 years old, I had my first hit song that I wrote with Kenny (“Happy Does”). They say don’t meet your heroes, but I’m blessed to say I’ve gotten to work with mine and become friends with him too. He’s my GOAT, hands down.

2. “He Stopped Loving Her Today.” I’m convinced this is the greatest country song of all time, written by one of the greatest writers: Bobby freakin’ Braddock. So ahead of its time. The way the title leads you to believe it’s a song about a guy getting over his ex, but is really about him loving her ‘til the day he dies is just masterclass writing. And, of course, the Possum’s vocal is legendary.

3. Songs About Jane by Maroon 5. Gonna swing out of country for a minute with my favorite album. The writing, the productions, the grooves, the early Adam Levine vocals are out of this world. I learned an infinite amount from this record, and still go back to it when I need some inspiration or when I’ve been drinking a couple old fashioneds.

4. Hardy. I recently signed a publishing deal with Hardy, and always looked up to him as just the insane writer he is. Around the time we were in discussions about going into business together, we were booked on the same festival (Tortuga). I was obviously on the tiny stage out front, he was main stage (laughs). But that was the first time I’d seen him perform live, and I left that night blown away by his show. It’s absolutely one of the best I’ve ever seen. Dude is a beast. His team has been so supportive of my writing, including the songs I choose to keep for myself like my most recent release, “Wait Til You Have Kids.”

An obscure song I think everyone should listen to is “Love Yourz” by J. Cole. I think in life, but particularly music, we get caught up with trying to catch up with everyone around us. Social media makes us curious about what life would be like if we had someone else’s. “Love Yourz” tackles that feeling and reminds you to love and appreciate the things and the people that surround you.

My guilty pleasure music is girl pop right now: Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, Olivia Rodrigo. The writing, production and vibes, honestly, have some country music tricks in them so that obviously makes me pumped. Catch me and my band backstage jammin’ to those girls for sure.

GREYLAND JAMES

Remembering Ben Vaughn

(continued from page 1)

song.’ Ben went, ‘I just have a gut feeling. He’s got it.’ I was like, ‘Got what? You’re out of your mind, dude.’ He signed him and, again, within three months Thomas had a cut by Jason Aldean. There wouldn’t be anyone from the Akins family in the music business right now if it wasn’t for Ben Vaughn. And he was more than a great publisher. He was a great friend.”

• Producer Scott Hendricks: “Hiring Belmont University junior Ben Vaughn to run my publishing company, Big Tractor, was a gift from God. He made me look so smart! All the writers absolutely adored Ben. No one outworked him and he seemingly overnight became a superstar in the publishing world. As he rose through the corporate ranks, he never changed. Always humble, kind, enthusiastic and at the same time extremely professional. He was a rock and changed the lives of so many. I’m having a hard time imagining a music business world without Ben in the middle of it. He leaves a big hole. Talking about [children] Ruby, Griffin, and Zeke made his eyes light up every time. Anyone who knew Ben is a better person for having known him.”

• Hill Entertainment’s Greg Hill : “Wanting to leave EMI

Publishing for artist management, I got CEO Gary Overton to agree, but he said I needed to hire my replacement first. Ben was running Big Tractor for Scott Hendricks at the time, and I loved the guy. He enjoyed being a big fish in a small pond, and was really doing well. We got together multiple times, but I couldn’t convince him to make the jump from an indie to one of the majors. When I finally started to get him to turn the corner, I offered him a deal.

“If he took the job and it turned out to be the wrong decision, I told him that for the rest of our lives, if he saw me in a restaurant, he could send me his check and I would pay it. Conversely, if going to EMI turned out to be the right decision for him, I could send him my check if I saw him in a restaurant. He eventually rose to the top post at EMI and went on to run Warner Chappell. So for the last 24 years, every time I saw him in ©2025 Country Aircheck™ — All rights reserved. Sign up free at www.countryaircheck.com. Send news to news@countryaircheck.com

Good Deals: A casino trip featuring (l-r) Rusty Gaston, songwriter Vicky McGeehee, Vaughn, Tim Wilgers, Tom Luteran, Martha Earls and Mike Molinar.

To Be Loved By You: Vaughn with friend and competitor Rusty Gaston.

a restaurant – and often to the astonishment of whoever either of us was dining with – I sent my check over to him and he paid it without complaint. We laughed about it often.”

• Triple 8’s George Couri: “During his player introduction at last year’s CRS ping-pong tournament, he surprise-roasted me with a slide show of embarrassing photos on the big screens – holding a microphone and teasing me in front of 1,000 people. That he took the time to hunt down the pics and coordinate that moment was one of many memories that showed what kind of guy he was. He gave me many memories that will make me smile whenever I think of him.”

• Neon Coast’s Martha Earls: “Ben was one of the first music industry people I met as a 20-year-old intern at Warner Chappell. He was 22 and somehow already running Big Tractor. I was in complete awe of him. He, Mike Molinar, Rusty Gaston and myself were the young publishers –competitive, smart and always hustling. I look at the executives we have become and attribute much of it to that time in our careers.

“But it’s not Ben Vaughn the publisher I was most competitive with. It was Ben Vaughn the poker player. The friendly cash game that started on a whim became a highlight of my 20s. Every month’s winner went on to play in a year-end ‘Tournament of Champions.’ I remember winning one month and spending it all on a bottle Dom Perignon. I was just so happy to have earned a seat at the year-end table with my friends.

“Ben’s poker acumen was high and he made me want to be a better player, mostly because I didn’t want to get knocked out of the game ... or for those nights to end. But we all got older, married and had kids, so they eventually did. But every single time in the ensuing 20 years that we talked, poker came up. Every call from me, he answered with the nickname he’d given me at poker: ‘Big Martha.’ His tone always had the confidence of someone who was about to river my all-in bet on my pocket aces. He was so good – partially because you couldn’t read him. I wish now I could have read him better. I miss my friend who I admired greatly and who made all of us so much better.”

• Universal Music Publishing’s Troy Tromlinson: “Last spring, Ben, Josh Van Valkenburg and I went to dinner while in L.A. for CMA board meetings. The restaurant had Mexican food on one side and sushi on the other in the same room. We were having a great time, laughing and telling stories when a chant began in the

restaurant. We watched a young lady with a large sword in her hand jump almost flat-footed onto the bar. She put lighter fluid on the sword, set it on fire, raised it and slowly lowered it down her throat. The entire restaurant – both sides – started screaming with joy and happiness. I turned around to look at Josh and Ben, who had the exact same look on their faces. Astonishment and horror. We were the only three hillbillies in the place, and had never seen anything like it. After we finished, we stumbled out laughing. We may have been from three different companies and competitors on some level, but we’re still brothers and always believed a high tide raises all boats.”

• Academy of Country Music’s Damon Whiteside: “Ben was a very kind, warm and down to earth executive. I remember him being one of the first to invite me to lunch when I moved here from L.A. and knew very few people and/or how the industry worked. I was blown away by his huge talent and accomplishments, all in such a friendly, unassuming package. For the years following that lunch, he was always a friendly face in the crowd at industry events or in board meetings, who I could count on for a smile, a laugh, for advice or for support. He was a wonderful human being, and our industry lost a true leader and friend that can never be replaced.”

• Sony/ATV Publishing’s Josh Van Valkenburg: “Ben hired me for my first job in the industry at EMI. In the interview he was very kind, but hard to read – a trait that would serve him well in the many poker games over the years. I was so broke during those days and it was wintertime, so I wore the only warm coat I had – an old Alan Jackson tour jacket. I was excited when he called the next day to offer me the job. However, I would soon find out that most of the team was making fun of me because of that jacket. They thought I was a kiss-a$$ because Alan wrote for the company (a fact I should have researched, but I was young and dumb). Ben loved it, though. He was all about promoting songwriters and saw it as enthusiasm, not brown-nosing.

“A couple years later, I had signed a writer that, sadly, wasn’t going to work out. I gave Ben my reasons for wanting to end the deal, thinking I would impress him with my willingness to fail fast and look to the future. He patiently and thoughtfully heard me out, then said, ‘Those are all good reasons. We’re gonna pick up the option.’ When I asked why, Ben said, ‘His wife is having a baby in a month and you don’t want to be the guy that put him out of a job right now.’ I was so embarrassed. I hadn’t even thought about that, as I was so focused on the business. Ben reminded me in that moment that all of our business is personal. He never made me feel bad about that day, but he taught me a valuable lesson I’ve never forgotten.”

–Chuck Aly

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

Freeze Frame: Celebrating more chart success are (l-r) Vaughn, songwriter Kelly Lovelace, Tom Luteran and Josh Van Valkenburg.

Vaughn with Troy Tomlinson

AVAILABLE JOBS

MIDWEST

Morning Co-Host

Federated WBYT/South Bend, IN is seeking a morning co-host. Résumé, aircheck and production samples to PD Jesse Garcia here

Operations Manager

Keystone KICM/Ardmore, OK is seeking an OM who will work directly with the owners and the sales team, and oversee all aspects of the station’s programming. Send résumés here

Midday Host

Zimmer KATI/Columbia, MO is looking for a host to fill the midday shift. See full post and apply here

Morning Show Producer

Hubbard WUBE/Cincinnati has a full-time opening for a morning show producer; full listing here

Morning Co-Host

Mountain Dog Media WFON/Fond du Lac, WI Brand Mgr.

Chanda Lynn is seeking a co-host to join her in mornings. The job offers unlimited vacation time, and a base starting salary of $50,000-$60,000 plus endorsement opportunities. Email audio and résumé to Lynn here

Part-Time Air Talent

Hubbard WIL/St. Louis is looking for locally-based, part-time air talent. See post here

PD/Air Personality

SummitMedia KTTS/Springfield, MO has an opening for PD/ on-air talent. Apply online here; send airchecks here

Air Personality

MacDonald WKCQ/Saginaw, MI is looking for a live and local host for an unspecified daypart. Email a résumé and short aircheck to OM Jason Addams here

NORTHEAST

Morning Co-Host

Cumulus WCTO/Allentown OM/PD Jerry Padden is seeking a morning co-host to join incumbent Sam Malone. See full post here

VP/Sales

iHeartMedia is seeking a VP/Sales for its Wilmington-New Castle DE cluster, which includes WDSD. Find job details and apply here before Nov. 6.

On-Air Programming Asst.

Vox AM/FM/Digital/Burlington, VT is seeking a programming assistant for WCPV and Top 40 sister WXXX who can also do middays at WXXX. Find more information about the job here

VP/General Manager

Hall/Providence, which includes WCTK, is seeking a new VP/ GM. Send cover letter, résumés and three references to COO Dan Dubonnet here by Feb. 17. See full post here

SOUTHEAST

Air Talent and Board Ops

Bristol Broadcasting/Johnson City, TN, which includes Country WXBQ, is looking for full-time and part-time air talent and board ops. Résumés and airchecks to PD Nikki Thomas here

Promotions Dir.

Holston Valley Broadcasting/Tri-Cities TN, VA is looking for a Promotions Dir. for AC WTFM, Classic Hits WVEK and Rock WRZK. Résumé and social media samples here

APD/MD/Afternoon Host

Southern Stone WKRO/Daytona Beach has an APD/MD/ airstaff opening. Résumés to VP/Programming Jonathan Wiley (DJ Tremble) here

Morning Show Hosts

Mississippi Broadcasters WOKK/Meridian, MS PD Todd Berry is seeking a live and local morning host or existing team. Cover letter, aircheck and résumé to Berry here

APD

Listen Up Y’all Media/Natchez, MS Group PD Kidd Conley is looking for a five-station APD for the cluster that includes WQNZ. Résumés, cover letters, production demos and airchecks here

Details on specific postings can be found searching call letters or company names in the archives at www.countryaircheck.com. Submit available jobs here

Operations Manager

Renda/Jacksonville GM Bill Berry is seeking an OM to oversee WGNE and WEJZ. Reach him here

Morning Host:

Mississippi Broadcasters WOKK/Meridian, MS is looking for a live and local morning host or team. Send cover letters, airchecks and résumés to OM Todd Berry here

Various Roles

Stonecom has four openings in its Cookeville, TN, cluster, which includes Country WKXD and Classic Country WUCH They are seeking a Programming Asst./air talent, broadcast journalist/news reporter, voice tracker and graphic designer. Submit résumé and other materials by April 30 to Stonecom, Attn: Human Resources, 1 Stonecom Way, Cookeville, TN 38501, or by email here

Morning Co-Host

Saga Classic Country WSIG/Harrisonburg, VA is seeking a morning co-host. Email aircheck audio and resume to OM Brandy Lindsey here

SVP/Programming

iHeartMedia/Atlanta is looking for a SVP/Programming. See full post here

PD/Air Personality

Consulting firm RWPC, Inc. is seeking candidates for a PD/ air personality opening at a client station in the Southeast. Send materials to RWPC Pres. Scott Huskey here

Market President

Townsquare/Lafayette, LA is seeking a Market Pres. Find details and apply here

Morning Show Producer

Hall WPCV/Lakeland, FL is seeking a producer for the Julie And DJ In The Morning show. Send airchecks, cover letter, résumé and social links here. See the full job description here

Program Director

Cumulus is seeking a PD for WKOS & Classic Rock WQUT/ Johnson City, TN. Find the job posting here

VP/Events & Promotions

SummitMedia is seeking a Birmingham-based VP/Events & Promotions to support and lead its promotions and events teams nationally, and assist on-site with major events. Apply here

Morning Co-host/Promotions Dir.

Hoxeng Trust WYCT/Pensacola, FL is seeking a morning co-host and Dir./Promotions. Send materials to OM Kevin King here

Morning Host

iHeartMedia WKKT/Charlotte is seeking a morning co-host. See details and apply here

Morning Host

Renda WGNE/Jacksonville, FL is seeking a morning co-host. Reach PD Brian Jordan here

Morning Co-Host

Kensington Digital WECB/Dothan, AL is seeking a morning co-host. Send airchecks and résumés to Dir./Operations Kris Lake here

SOUTHWEST

On-Air Host

LKCM KFWR/Fort Worth is recruiting for a full-time onair host. Cover letter, résumé and aircheck to PD Shayne Hollinger here

Midday Host

LKCM Classic Country KTFW/Fort Worth OM Mark Phillips is seeking a midday host. Reach him here

Morning Host

Stephens Media Group KKAJ/Ardmore, OK is seeking a morning host. Résumé, aircheck and references to SVP/ Programming Bob Thornton here

Dir./Production

Bryan Broadcasting has an opening for a full-time Dir./ Production based in College Station, TX for its 12 radio stations. Résumé and examples of produced and voiced audio or spots here

Air Personality

LKCM Texas Country/Red Dirt KFWR/Fort Worth is looking for a locally based on-air personality for various dayparts, potentially on multiple stations. Cover letter, résumé, aircheck and digital content samples here

General Sales Manager

Cumulus/Dallas is looking for a GSM for the five-station cluster, which includes KPLX & KSCS. See full post here

Morning Host

Cox KCYY/San Antonio has openings for a morning host and co-host. See details and apply here

Morning Co-host

Cox KWEN/Tulsa is seeking a morning co-host. Apply here with an audio or video link.

WEST

Co-Host

Cumulus KBUL/Reno PD/morning host Bob Richards is looking for a co-host to join him on The Moo Crew. Complete posting here

Morning Show Producer

iHeartMedia KNIX/Phoenix is looking for a Morning Show Producer. Apply here

Air Personality

Owens KUZZ/Bakersfield is looking for future part-time and full-time talent. Send résumés and airchecks to PD Brent Michaels here. No phone calls.

Morning Co-host/Dir. of Promotions

Stephens Media/Yakima, WA is seeking a Dir./Promotions and KXDD morning co-host. Send résumé, aircheck, imaging and social media samples to OM Justin Henriksen here

OTHER

Dir./Regional Promotion

Monument Records is seeking a Dir./Regional Promotion. Find the job listing and apply here

Coord./Media Relations

Big Loud is seeking “entry level self starters” for a newly-created Coord./Media Relations role. Send resumes here

VP/Streaming

Big Loud is looking to fill a newly created VP/Streaming position. Full details here; email here

VP/Publicity

Big Loud is seeking to fill a newly created VP/Media position. See the posting here

Publicity Manager

BBR Music Group/BMG is seeking a Mgr./Publicity. Find job details and apply here

Junior Agent

Kincaid Entertainment Agency is seeking a full-time Junior Agent to join the team. Applicants should have at least a year of experience in the music industry. Submit resumes here

Marketing Director

Smack is looking for a Nashville-based Dir./Marketing with at least six years of industry experience (ideally in digital marketing). Email resumes to Pres. Robert Carlton here

National Director

Warner Music Nashville VP/Radio Anna Cage is seeking a National Dir. Contact her here

Creative Coord./Manager or Director

Creative Nation is looking for a Creative Coord., Mgr. or Dir. to identify, sign, develop and grow their songwriters and catalog. Candidates must have at least one year of experience in publishing; apply here

Dir./Digital Marketing & Artist Development

Sony Music Nashville has an opening for a Dir./Digital Marketing & Artist Development. Apply here

SEEKING JOBS

•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

• Jim Allgeier

Former Leighton Media/St. Cloud, MN GM jgallgeier13@gmail.com

•Donnie “Hollywood” Andrews

Former WKXD/Cookeville, TN OM/PD/mornings hollywoodandrews939@gmail.com

• Britt Bailey

Former KIAI/Mason City, IA Dir./Content and morning host brittsmorningbrewcrew@gmail.com

• Presleigh (Webb) Bearden

Former iHeartMedia Custom Country Talent Manager and KTCS/Fort Smith, AR morning co-host heypresleigh@gmail.com (501) 316-9373

• Kia Becht

Former KEEY/Minneapolis MD/morning co-host kebecht@gmail.com

• Carletta Blake

Former WGAR/Cleveland PD/midday host carlettablake@gmail.com

•Kim Brixton

Former WNWN/Battle Creek, MI mornings/middays KimBrixton@gmail.com

• Karla Cantrell

Former KTST/Oklahoma City & KTGX/Tulsa PD/midday personality karla_cantrell@outlook.com

•Kimmie Caruba

Former WUBL/Atlanta morning co-host kimberlycaruba@gmail.com

•Natalie Cash

Former KTGX/Tulsa MD/Digital Lead/afternoon host natcashradiojob@gmail.com

• Stacey Cato

Former CMT Dir./Music & Talent staceycato@hotmail.com

• Greg Chance Former iHeartMedia SVP/Programming gchanceonair@gmail.com

• Bryana Cielo Former CMT Exec. Asst. bryanacielo@gmail.com

• Jim Clerkin

Former MD/morning producer WKLB/Boston Jimclerkin@comcast.net

• A.J. Cobian

Former WIOV/Lancaster, PA afternoon host albertjcobian@gmail.com

•Greg Cole Former WKCQ/Saginaw, MI OM/PD GCole27000@gmail.com

• Chad Crawford Former Apple Music Radio Content Producer iamchadcrawford@gmail.com

•Don Cristi Former iHeartMedia SVPP/Oklahoma rocketsurgeryradio@gmail.com

• Lyndsay Cruz Former Exec. Dir., ACM Lifting Lives lyndsaycruz@gmail.com

•Jared “Banks” Danielson Former KUBL/Salt Lake City mornings JaredDanielson1@gmail.com

• Ashley Dawn Former morning co-host WUBE/Cincinnati Opportunitiesforashley@gmail.com

• Kadie Daye

Former WYRK/Buffalo morning co-host kadiedj@gmail.com

•David Dean

Former KXDD/Yakima, WA afternoons DaviDean5@gmail.com

• Jennifer DeVault Former CMT Sr. Producer jmdevault1509@gmail.com

• Diana DeVille

Former Producer/air personality, PickleJar Up All Night goldentowerentertainment@gmail.com

• Leah Dickinson

Former iHeartMedia/Baltimore Dir./Marketing & Promotions leahdickinson@gmail.com

• Ben Ealy

Former morning host, WAYZ/Hagerstown, MD ealy.ben@gmail.com

•Jimmy Elliott Former WOVK/Wheeling, WV VPP/PD/MD/mornings JimmyElliottSchlosser@gmail.com

• Colby Ericson

Former My Town Media Group Dir./Programming colbyericson1@gmail.com

•“Uncle Sam” Eulenfield

Former KRYS/Corpus Christi afternoon host, Dir./ Production for the Corpus Christi and McAllen clusters, and News-Talk KKTX-AM PD bulkysam@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

• Kevin Freeman

Former WFMS/Indianapolis morning co-host kevin.freeman@gmx.com

• Ransom Garcia Former KCYE/Las Vegas MD/afternoon personality RansomReynolds@gmail.com

• Blair Garner Former Westwood One national personality TruthOrBlair@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

• Todd Haller Former Bahakel/Chattanooga, TN OM and WUUQ PD Toddhallerradio@gmail.com

•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

• Lauren Hoffman Former Digital PD, Backstage Country laurenmariehoffman@gmail.com

• Sarah Holden Former Dir./Marketing & Promotions, Midwest/Nashville sarahblu96@gmail.com

• Gunner Jackson Former KMLE/Phoenix morning host mrericlutz@icloud.com

•”Big” John Horton Former KFSA/Ft. Smith, AR afternoon host BigJohn@TheBigJohnShow.com

• Austin James Former WYNK/Baton Rouge APD/MD/afternoon host brettdiez@outlook.com

•Caitlin “CJ” Johnson Former KKBQ/Houston afternoons Caitlin.M.Johnson25@gmail.com

• Nick Jordan Former WNCB/Raleigh APD/afternoon host Nicktjordan9@gmail.com

•Louis Kaplan Former iHeartMedia VPP/Fort Myers loukaps2@gmail.com

• Tiffany Kay Former Alpha WFLS/Fredericksburg, VA morning co-host tiffanykayradio@yahoo.com

• Steve “Shotgun“ Kelly (a.k.a. Steve Kiser) Former PD/afternoon host KKOW/Pittsburg, KS Djdude68@yahoo.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

•“Frogman Frank“ Lewis Former WOGI/WOGG/WOGH/Pittsburgh mornings irishfc@cs.com

• George Lindsey Former morning co-host KILT/Houston tommy.lindsey@gmail.com

• John Lund

Former iHeartMedia SVP/Programming Panama City/ Tallahasee, FL John.Lund3811@gmail.com

• Monica “Mo” Lunsford Former morning co-host KILT/Houston monicalunsford@gmail.com

• Pat McKay

Former OM Saga.Manchester, NH and WZID Brand Mgr. mixpat@yahoo.com

• Eric Medler

Former WWQQ/Wilmington, NC morning host ericmedlerstoryteller@gmail.com

•T.J. “J.T.” Michaels Former WCPV/Burlington, VT PD/afternoons TJMichaelsRadio@gmail.com

•Melissa Moldovan

Former Academy of Country Music Dir./Communications, Media Relations & Radio melissamoldovan86@gmail.com

• Todd Nixon

Former PD/morning co-host, KBEQ/Kansas City toddnixonradio@gmail.com (239) 810-3917

•Zack Owen

Former iHeartMedia SVPP/Waco, Temple & Killeen (TX) zackowen@att.net

•Lexi Papadopoulos Former KUBL/Salt Lake City mornings LexiOnTheRadio@gmail.com

•Jim Pearson Former KDBL/Yakima, WA PD/mornings JimsCoolEmail@gmail.com

•Jacob Pecunes

Former Apple Music Radio Producer jacobnashville2013@gmail.com

• Michael Perez

Former WRNX/Springfield, MA midday host justperezplay@gmail.com

• “Sarah Quinn” Peters Former iHeartMedia Greensboro Dir./Marketing sarahjaypeters@gmail.com

• Kristan Pridgen

Former ACM Exec. Asst. to the CEO & CBO Kristanpridgen78@gmail.com

•Carly Quinn

Former WGH/Norfolk morning co-host NewEnglandClamChowder2021@yahoo.com

• Dave Quinn

Former Cumulus/Youngstown, OH Dir./Production quinn@quinnimaging.com

• Abbi Roth

Former CMT Sr. Mgr./Music & Talent abbiroth@gmail.com

• Sarah Scott

Former CKSA/Lloydminster, AB mornings sarahevelynscott@gmail.com

• Ray Sells

Former CMT Sr. Dir./Production raymondsellsmedia@gmail.com

• Erik Scott Smith

Former morning co-host KILT/Houston erikscottsmith2@gmail.com

• LJ Smith

Former IHeartMedia SVPP/Columbia, SC JimmySmith@Outlook.com

• Mason Stanfield

Former KATC/Colorado Springs PD/morning co-host MasonStanfield@gmail.com

• Brook Stephens Former KZPK/St. Cloud MD/afternoon host brookstephens@live.com

• Buck Stevens Former WBWN/Bloomington, IL APD/MD/afternoon host djbuckstevens@hotmail.com

•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

• Lauren Tingle Former Apple Music Radio Content Producer l_tingle@icloud.com

• Ray Vaughn

Former Magnolia Music Group National Dir./Radio & Streaming rayvaughn77@att.net

• Jordan Walker

Former CMT Mgr./Music & Talent jordanstephenswalker@gmail.com

• Cash Warren

Former WGH/Norfolk morning co-host jasonabrockett@gmail.com

• Steve Wazz Former WGAR/Cleveland APD/morning co-host wazzradio@gmail.com

• Erich West Former iHeartMedia SVPP/Huntsville, AL and WDRM PD ewestradio@hotmail.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

• Randy “Mudflap” Wilcox

Former WWKT/Florence, SC morning co-host rhwilcox@gmail.com

• Vanessa Wojtusiak

Former iHeartMedia/Connecticut VP/Marketing Vanessa.Wojtusiak@gmail.com

• Andy Woods

Former WCOS/Columbia, SC APD/MD/afternoon host Andrewwoods@icloud.com

• Liz Yount

Former Summit/Knoxville Dir./Promotions lizkrozengard@gmail.com

• “Nick Z“ Zambrano

Former KBAY/San Jose morning show producer Nickzeeradio@gmail.com

Holiday 2024 PPM Scoreboard

The Nielsen PPM Holiday 2024 Survey (12/5/24-1/8/25) saw Country slip 10.5% in total shares to 297.7. That is off 2.9% from last year and the third-lowest total since PPM measurement began. Total cume was down 10.7% from last month at 18.96 million, which is the first time the format total has ever fallen below 20 million. WCTK/Providence claimed the largest share in the format with an

7.7, while KKBQ/Houston retains the cume crown for the sixth consecutive month. Legend: A “+” indicates a Classic Country outlet; a “^” designates co-owned Country stations in the metro; a “t” indicates a tie; and a “*” indicates a station that is a recent subscriber for which ratings were not currently available. Ranks are among subscribers.

Country Aircheck Add Leaders Adds

R. FLATTS w/J. BROTHERS/I Dare You (Republic/Big Machine) 138

WALLEN/ I'm The Problem (Big Loud) 83 MAX MCNOWN/Better Me For You (Fugitive/The Orchard/Magnolia) 16

SHABOOZEY/Good News (Empire/Magnolia) 15

ELLA LANGLEY/Weren't For The Wind (Sawgod/Col. NY/Triple Tigers) 13 RILEY GREEN/Worst Way (Nash. Harbor) 12

COREY KENT/This Heart (Combustion/RCA) 11 GEORGE BIRGE/It Won't Be Long (Records Nashville) 11

KEITH URBAN/Straight Line (Capitol) 9

S. BARBER f/A. ANNA/Indigo (Lockeland Spr./Atlantic/Magnolia) 8

Country Aircheck Top Point Gainers

RASCAL FLATTS w/JONAS BROTHERS/I Dare You (Republic/Big Machine) 5068 4

MORGAN WALLEN/I'm The Problem (Big Loud) 3963 4

JELLY ROLL/Liar (BMG/Republic/Stoney Creek) 2050 4

LOCASH/Hometown Home (Galaxy) 1409 4

BAILEY ZIMMERMAN/Holy Smokes (Elektra/Warner/WEA) 1320 4

COLE SWINDELL/Forever To Me (Warner/WMN) 1316

JORDAN DAVIS/I Ain't Sayin' (MCA) 1283

C. JOHNSON w/C. UNDERWOOD/I'm Gonna... (CoJo/Warner/WMN/Capitol) 1218

E. LANGLEY/Weren't For The Wind (Sawgod/Col. NY/Triple Tigers) 1042

COREY KENT/This Heart (Combustion/RCA) 912

Country Aircheck Top Spin Gainers

RASCAL FLATTS w/JONAS BROTHERS/I Dare You (Republic/Big Machine) 1720

MORGAN WALLEN/I'm The Problem (Big Loud) 1388

JELLY ROLL/Liar (BMG/Republic/Stoney Creek) 658

LOCASH/Hometown Home (Galaxy) 531

BAILEY ZIMMERMAN/Holy Smokes (Elektra/Warner/WEA) 498 COLE SWINDELL/Forever To Me (Warner/WMN) 441

C. JOHNSON w/C. UNDERWOOD/I'm Gonna... (CoJo/Warner/WMN/Capitol) 421

JORDAN DAVIS/I Ain't Sayin' (MCA) 389 BLAKE SHELTON/Texas (Wheelhouse) 310 LAINEY WILSON/4X4XU (Broken Bow) 302

Activator Top Point Gainers

JELLY ROLL/Liar (BMG/Republic/Stoney Creek) 1674

(Big

w/JONAS BROTHERS/I Dare You (Republic/Big Machine) 1419

/Backseat Driver (RCA) 973

ZIMMERMAN/Holy Smokes (Elektra/Warner/WEA) 926

C. JOHNSON w/C. UNDERWOOD/I'm Gonna... (CoJo/Warner/WMN/Capitol) 690

Activator Top Spin Gainers

JELLY ROLL/Liar (BMG/Republic/Stoney Creek)

LAINEY WILSON/4X4XU (Broken Bow) 280

WALLEN/I'm The Problem (Big Loud)

RASCAL FLATTS w/JONAS BROTHERS/I Dare You (Republic/Big Machine)

/Backseat

ZIMMERMAN/Holy Smokes (Elektra/Warner/WEA)

JOHNSON w/C. UNDERWOOD/I'm Gonna... (CoJo/Warner/WMN/Capitol) 148

Country Aircheck Top Recurrents Points

K. WETZEL & J. MURPH/High Road (Col. NY/Records Nashville) 23024

D. MARLOWE & D. SCOTT/Boys Back Home (Columbia/Curb) 17992

SHABOOZEY/A Bar Song (Tipsy) (Empire/Magnolia) 16440

POST MALONE f/BLAKE SHELTON/Pour Me A Drink (Big Loud) 15260

JELLY ROLL/I Am Not Okay (BMG/Republic/Stoney Creek) 12082

POST MALONE f/M. WALLEN/I Had Some Help (Big Loud) 11428

KANE BROWN & MARSHMELLO/Miles On It (RCA Nashville) 10048

GEORGE BIRGE/Cowboy Songs (Records Nashville) 10369

T. WETMORE/Wind Up Missin' You (Back Blocks/EMI Nashville) 9681

MORGAN WALLEN/Lies Lies Lies (Big Loud) 9489

MARKET AIRPLAY PROFILE - INDIANAPOLIS

COUNTRY AIRCHECK ACTIVITY

BRAD PAISLEY/Truck Still Works (EMI Nashville)

Remains at 45*

2602 points, 829 spins; No adds

JOE NICHOLS & ANNIE BOSKO/Better Than You (Quartz Hill)

Moves 43-46*

2596 points, 879 spins

3 adds: KWEN, WCOS, WEZL

KEITH URBAN/Straight Line (Capitol)

Moves 48-47*

2569 points, 853 spins

9 adds: KAWO, KMDL, KNCI, KUAD, WBWL, WCKT, WITL, WKSJ, WOKQ

MEGHAN PATRICK/Golden Child (Riser House)

Moves 46-48

2377 points, 813 spins

2 adds: KFRG, WBEE

WARREN ZEIDERS/Relapse (Warner/WEA)

Moves 47-49*

2363 points, 874 spins

5 adds: KMDL, KUAD, WGTY, WITL, WYRK

PARMALEE/Cowgirl (Stoney Creek)

Re-enters 50*

2059 points, 658 spins

7 adds: KAWO, KBEQ, KMDL, KUAD, WITL, WOKQ, WYRK

CHASE MATTHEW/Darlin’ (Warner/WAR)

1895 points, 653 spins

1 add: KHEY

JUSTIN MOORE/Time’s Ticking (Valory)

1785 points, 596 spins

1 add: KNCI

MUSCADINE BLOODLINE/10-90 (Stancaster/Big Machine)

1759 points, 581 spins

6 adds: KBEQ, KPLM, KSCS*, WGKX*, WXBQ, WYRK

ADD DATES

FEBRUARY 10

RILEY GREEN/Worst Way (Nashville Harbor)

BROOKE GRAHAM/Rollin’ On (Flying C)

FEBRUARY 18

THOMAS RHETT/After All The Bars Are Closed (Valory)

FEBRUARY 24

MIRANDA LAMBERT/Run (Big Loud/Republic)

TIGIRLILY GOLD/ Forever From Here(Monument)

KARLY C/Dreaming About You (Quirky Cowgirl)

LANCO f/CORY ASBURY/We Grew Up Together (Riser House)

CHECK OUT

FEBRUARY 7

Hardy (Live From Red Rocks) (Big Loud)

The 20-song set was recorded live during back-to-back shows at the amphitheater in Oct. 2024. It features “Rockstar,” “One Beer,” “Rednecker,” “Wait In The Truck” and the Hardy-penned “God’s Country.”

Angie K (–)

Angie K has co-writing credits on all six tracks on her Stephony Smith-produced, self-titled EP. “Thank you for giving us a place and a platform to do what we love so, so much,” she shared on social media. “These songs are so personal, [and] it means the world that you all give them such a soft place to land.”