Like a lot of people who have never attended, KSCS & KPLX Dallas Dir./Promotions Jessica MacKenzie-Williams had heard about Country Radio Seminar for years, but “it was always a mystery to me what happened there.” Seeing it firsthand last month, she was overwhelmed.
“Everywhere you turned you saw someone you knew,” she says. MacKenzie-Williams and other firsttimers share their impressions and experiences with Country Aircheck below.
KKBQ/Houston APD/MD/afternoon host Lauren “Lo” Sessions “expected an incredible mix of industry connection, education and inspiration, and it delivered on every level. The energy in Nashville, the networking opportunities and the insightful discussions exceeded my expectations, reinforcing why Country radio is such a special community.”
For Sessions, the “human connection” was the most valuable part of CRS, especially “getting to build relationships with people from all sides of the industry – from artists and programmers to label reps and fellow radio talent. Being in the same room, sharing ideas and learning from each other reinforced the passion we all have for country music and its fans.” She also appreciated the event’s organization and variety. “I loved that I could come and go as needed, allowing me to focus on the discussions and panels that were most valuable to my learning,” she says. “The flexibility made it easy to maximize my time and get the most out of my experience.”
WJVL/Janesville, WI PD/afternoon host Justin Brown had long heard from radio friends and colleagues about how useful CRS is for networking. “It was exactly that and more,” he says. “At first, I felt a bit of FOMO, but once I settled in on day one and made a plan for each day, things fell into place.
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Country’s Three-For-All
The long wait to see the impact of Nielsen’s new three-minute quarter-hour credit methodology came to an end with the release of the January PPM books last week. Programmers contacted by Country Aircheck were mostly muted in their comments, and all preferred to remain off the record.
“At first blush it looked like the high cume stations benefitted the most –and spoken word formats too,” says one major market PD. Another answered more simply, “I’m not going to put any stock in anything until I see the Winter book.”
“Zero surprises,” says another PD. “Pop stations are doing better because their TSL is lower. We knew that would happen. It will make radio ‘look better,’ but the agencies know about the qualifier. They’re not going to spend more money. It’s making people obsessed with tactics rather than building great brands that activate.”
“Every market’s going to be different on this,” explains a multi-format OM. “There’s no doubt cume is up, we’re seeing it across the board. It looks
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Dirt Turns To Gold: Leo33’s Zach Top celebrates his first gold single, ”I Never Lie,” with his label team at Nashville Pictured (l-r) are Ailie Birchfield, Chris Fabiani, Tracy Gibson, Top, Katie Dean, Natalie Osborne Joseph Manzo and Daniel Lee
Lo Sessions
Jessica MacKenzieWilliams
Life With You: Curb’s Kelsey Hart with WJVL/Janesville, WI’s Justin Brown at CRS.
like we turned back the clock about two years with PUMM [Persons Using Measured Media].” The new methodology has not changed the basics for his stations. “We’re still playing the same game to win quarter hours. There’s more opportunity to win them, but the game hasn’t changed.”
“It looks like we have an increase in cume, and we have an increase in share in the important demos, so I was happy to see that,” shared another PD. “It seems like all of radio rose this first month. The stations that work hard and research their content are doing well and probably going to do better.
“We’re going to wait for the second month to come in, and then decide a few things: how are we sitting with our stopsets and will there be a way to get six minutes of listening in the right spot to qualify for 30?” the PD continued. “We haven’t changed anything yet, but we’re going to look at that very closely. It’s almost like the NASCAR handbook – how do you use the system to your advantage without breaking any rules? Do we change music? Do we change spotsets? Do we contest at different times? There’s going to be a lot of experimentation in the coming weeks.”
“There was no rhyme or reason to what we saw, you thought you could pull a narrative to start wrapping your head around things and then the next day you couldn’t,” says Albright & O’Malley & Brenner Consulting Partner Kenny Jay . “My general wake-up call for radio is, yes, we’ve drawn up a lot of strategy around this change, but programmers should still be focused on the five-plus minute crowd that will deliver three quarters of your audience. However, I’m also telling talent that the two, three and four-minute listening occasions are more valuable than they ever have been, and we should pick them up through strong teasing and compelling content.”
Jay further cautioned against rushing to make changes, “Looking at one month’s worth of data is like giving a CMA award to a song by only listening to the intro.” Reach Jay here
–Chris Huff
Blake Tour: We Can Be Heroes
Blake Shelton’s Friends & Heroes Tour kicked off this past weekend, including a stop in Knoxville (2/28), covered by WIVK’s Rich Bailey for Country Aircheck Knoxville native Emily Ann Roberts, who was Team Blake on season nine of The Voice, opened the show and brought UT mascot Smokey out for a performance of “Rocky Top.” “The crowd loved her,” says Bailey, adding she gave “Dolly Parton vibes.” Shelton’s entrance is preceded by an old truck radio scanning stations playing classic country songs that sparks then catches fire. The stage set-up includes a bar and a catwalk that goes past the halfway point of the arena. Keeping with the Friends & Heroes theme, the show featured mini-Shelton sets interspersed with performances by and collaborations with Craig Morgan, Deana Carter and Trace Adkins and lights … lots of lights. “Lights lining the [stage], lots of overhead lights, lasers, strobes, different videos and designs on the screen for each song,” describes Bailey.
Solo songs from Morgan included “Redneck Yacht Club” and “That’s What I Love About Sundays;” Carter sang “We Danced Anyway,” “How Do (continued on page 6)
Trace Adkins, Craig Morgan, Deana Carter, Blake Shelton and Emily Ann Roberts (l-r)
PPM: THREE FOR FIVE
Country Aircheck analyzed the ratings of the 20 most-listened-to Country stations to determine the effects of Nielsen’s new three-minute quarter hour credit rule. On a year-to-year basis, these PPM stations average a 9.9% increase in cume, with WUSN/Chicago leading with a 36.4% increase. Four stations were off from last January, though KKWF/ Seattle’s 20% decrease can largely be attributed to the sign-on of two
competitors in the past year. Going back five years, only two stations saw a larger cume this January than the same period in 2020.
In terms of AQH Persons by percentage (raw numbers which are not allowed to be published), the 20 PPM stations saw an average 19.8% increase year-to-year, with values ranging from an 84.8% increase for KMLE/Phoenix to a 31.6% decrease for KEEY/Minneapolis
We had a second record ready for release in 2020, but since we couldn’t go viral on TikTok, our label refused to put it out. After that deal ended, we took time to live life and essentially started over. That’s why there was a seven-year gap between our debut and sophomore albums.
BRANDON LANCASTER
Our first record was a true reflection of who we were at the time, which helped us build authentic relationships with our fans. Our only goal with We’re Gonna Make It was to do that again — capturing everything we’ve been through, the good, the bad and the ugly, and putting it all into the record.
The biggest impact becoming husbands and fathers has made is seeing our work as a craft to be taken more seriously. We still love to have fun, but when it’s time to create, we’re more focused. It has truly made us so much better.
The biggest pro of being in a group is accountability on all fronts, especially creatively. With five guys bringing a lifetime of influence, everything — from the record to the live show — gets enriched. The con? Knowing I’ll never have a star coach with a bedroom in the back.
I learned a lot losing a record deal, but most importantly, I realized that Lanco is the real deal. We lost it all and never stopped creating, touring and writing, because it’s who we are. Even when we had no idea how our music would be distributed, we kept making it, because turning our lived experiences into songs is all we know. Disclaimer: Riser House has been incredible, by the way!
Each song on the new album comes from a very real place. “We Grew Up Together” was written with Cory Asbury and came from the realization that, despite having kids at different ages, the experience still made us “grow up.” “Honey, I Lost My Job Today” was written the week we lost our previous record deal. And the title track, “We’re Going to Make It,” is the thread that ties everything together. After everything we’ve been through over the past seven years — both personally and as a band — one mantra has kept us going: if we’ve got each other, we’ll make it to the hilltop on the other side of this valley.
I Get There” and “Strawberry Wine;” and Adkins performed “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk,” among others, and was joined by Shelton for “Hell Right” and “Hillbilly Bone.”
Shelton opened with “Pour Me A Drink” and subsequently performed “Neon Light,” “Nobody But You,” featuring a virtual Gwen Stefani, “Austin,” “Texas” and covers of George Strait’s “All My Exes Live In Texas” and Alabama’s “Mountain Music.”
Ever the competitor, Shelton suggested the assembled artists determine who had the best as-yet unperformed song. He had regrets after hearing Adkins’ “Every Light in the House Is On.” “Music should never be a competition,” he corrected. An encore cover of Dave Barnes’ “God Gave Me You” closed the night. “The crowd stayed energized throughout the whole show,” says Bailey, whose favorite moments included a fan being pulled onstage for an autograph, and seeing “all four icons on the stage at the same time.”
The Friends & Heroes Tour continues this weekend in Newark, NJ, Boston and Albany; full schedule here. Reach Bailey here –Caitlin DeForest
Chart Chat
Congratulations to Jordan Davis, Damon Moberly, Miranda McDonald, David Friedman and the MCA promotion team on taking “I Ain’t Sayin’” to No. 1. This is Davis’ eighth trip to the top. Songwriters are Travis Wood, Steve Moakler, Mark Holman and Emily Reid Davis’ leap to the top keeps Jelly Roll’s “Liar” Jordan Davis
at No. 2 for a sixth consecutive week, making it just the sixth song in chart history to spend that many weeks at No. 2, and just the second to spend six consecutive weeks in the position (Jo Dee Messina’s “Lesson In Leavin’” spent six straight weeks at No. 2 in the summer of 1999).
Kudos to Michael Chase and the Warner/WAR crew on scoring 59 adds for Dan + Shay’s “Always Gonne Be.” This is the duo’s 12th time atop the CA/MB Add Board.
News & Notes
Hardy has launched the rock label Crow Records in partnership with Big Loud Rock. His first signing is Sikarus, who will join Hardy on 17 Jim Bob World Tour dates this year.
Leo33 artist Jenna Paulette will embark on the six-date spring Horseback Acoustic Tour across Texas and Oklahoma April 10 in Castroville, TX. Tickets here
Kane Brown received his second RIAA Diamond certification (marking 10 million units sold and streamed) for “What Ifs,” which features Lauren Alaina. It follows the previously certified “Heaven.”
Big Machine Records’ Brian Kelley has released a concert film, Surf Post Sessions Live, to accompany his new album of the same name. It was filmed over two nights last July in the backyard of his Tribe Kelley Surf Post in Grayton Beach, FL. Watch here
Fancy Hagood will receive the Human Rights Campaign’s Visibility Award at the organization’s March 8 Nashville dinner at the JW Marriott. Kacey Musgraves will present. Tickets here
Niko Moon will headline his inaugural, kid-friendly Good Time Charleston event May 24 at The Refinery in Charleston, SC, aimed at reinforcing “the importance of mental health through connection, positivity and giving back.” Tickets here
Warner Chappell Music Live Song Pitch Round featuring Lydia Vaughan, Summer Overstreet, Heath Warren, Jet Harvey, Josh Kerr and Chandler Brown will take place March 13 at The Listening Room Café in Nashville.
Kelly Orchard’s Dead Air: The Day The Music Died is available on Kindle Unlimited, Barnes and Noble and Amazon; details here
Bahnbrëcker, a spirits company co-founded in 2001 by the Randy Rogers Band’s frontman, has launched Tequila Infusion, an agave blanco tequila infused with orange and lime peel, agave nectar, Himalayan sea salt and habanero pepper. It is available in bars and restaurants throughout Texas, as well as for nationwide shipping
(continued from page 1)
I was able to attend the seminars I wanted and was lucky enough to catch a few private showcases as well. It also helped to ask some CRS veterans for advice. Most told me, ‘Just enjoy it and take in what you can, when you can.’”
Among the highlights for Brown were the session with Old Dominion and Shane McAnally, and the Q&A between Eric Church and Jelly Roll. Seeing the latter in person, “answering Eric’s questions and even turning the tables by interviewing him with no filter, full of heart, and getting emotional completely won me over as a Jelly Roll fan.”
WCCQ & WXLC/Chicago Asst. Content Dir./ MD Drew Walker says for his first CRS after more than 20 years in the industry, “I was eyes and ears wide open going in.” It lived up to the hype as “the place to collaborate, share, learn and connect” with “500+ of the brightest minds together in one spot,” which he found “truly rewarding and fulfilling.” Walker also cites the “camaraderie” among the attendees as a highlight,” noting, “Everyone in that space had something to offer.”
MacKenzie-Williams and WBYZ/Baxley, GA Production/News Dir. Edward “Cody North” Huddleston were among the CRS 2025 Rusty Walker Scholarship recipients.
“As an event planner, I thought the branding and organization were superb,” says MacKenzieWilliams, who took notes for putting on events in her market. She was also impressed with the CRS app, which reminded her of the Disney World app. Favorite panels included the social media session and one featuring Ella Langley.
Another highlight was “CRS Honors,” where her stations’ late GSM, Dean Canter, was included in the in memoriam tribute, and where her own scholarship was recognized. “I’ve been in the radio industry for 10 years, and always feel there is a lack of recognition for the promotions/marketing departments,”
MacKenzie-Williams says. “I was ecstatic when I got the news that I had been chosen for this.”
“I expected to meet all kinds of cool, creative people from the country music industry, and that’s exactly what happened,” Huddleston says of his first CRS. “The most valuable part of the experience was networking with great people in radio and music. Meeting iconic radio personalities, including B-Dub, Shawn Parr, Darlas [Rai] and Fitz, was awesome. I also met Lee Brice, and a picture of us standing together made the trades.
“One incredible experience I wasn’t expecting was seeing a Beatle in person at the Ryman,” he continues. “Ringo Starr only spoke for a moment, but it was a moment I’ll always cherish. The classes, especially those on voice tracking and social media branding, were enjoyable and insightful. Receiving a Rusty Walker Scholarship has meant so much to me, and I’ll always be grateful for it.”
Also attending her first CRS was JAWW Media + Marketing Dir./Events Sandy Corcoran . “I saw a ton of colleagues and friends I haven’t seen in a while,” she says. “I’ve been out of radio for several years now, but the panels were great refreshers and provided insight to where radio is going.” A highlight for Corcoran was the amount of live music she got to take in, saying, “Being able to see so many new artists during the lunches was phenomenal, and the suite parties were top notch as well.”
RCA Records’ New York-based Head/Promotion Keith Rothschild attended CRS for the second consecutive year, but was a first-time panelist. “I never imagined being asked to be part of a panel a year later,” alongside the label’s Chicago-based SVP Jeff “JR” Rizzo. “Many people who we didn’t even know came up to us afterwards praising how great the panel was,” Rothschild says. “I’m glad we made some sort of a difference.”
Based on his CRS experience last year, Rothschild learned to be “cognizant of time management and to not try and attend every panel. Last year I was completely wiped out by the time I got home. This year I was able to meet with who I wanted to and attend panels that I wanted to and not feel rushed.” Like MacKenzie-Williams, he was impressed with the CRS app, calling it, “an incredible tool to help plan out your days. I really got to see everything I wanted to this year. Last year, it was just a tornado of introductions and events.”
Overall, Rothschild says the most valuable part of CRS, especially as “someone new to working the format,” has been “making and building new relationships with programmers, artists and managers.”
Reach Brown here, Corcoran here, Huddleston here, MacKenzieWilliams here, Rothschild here, Sessions here and Walker here –Phyllis Stark
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
CRS: First Time’s The Charm
Drew Walker
Keith Rothschild
Sandy Corcoran
Edward Cody Huddleston
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
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
Morning Host
Hubbard WIL/St. Louis is seeking a full-time morning host. See post and apply here
VP/Market Manager
Midwest Communications is seeking a VP/MM for Central Wisconsin. Apply here
Operations Manager
Midwest Communications is seeking an OM for Country WDEZ, Top 40 WIFC and Rock WOZZ/Wausau, WI. Apply 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
this week
Account Executive
iHeartMedia is seeking an AE for its five-station Wilmington, DC cluster, including WDSD. Apply here by May 27.
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
Details on specific postings can be found searching call letters or company names in the archives at www.countryaircheck.com. Submit available jobs 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
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
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
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 cohost. 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
Digital Content Manager
SummitMedia is recruiting for a newly created Digital Content Manager position, based in Birmingham. See the job positing and apply here
PD/Afternoon Host
Saga KDXY/Jonesboro is seeking a PD/afternoon host. Send résumé, aircheck, and “anything else that’ll make your case” here
SOUTHWEST
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
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
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
Entertainment Producer
The USO is seeking an Entertainment Producer to develop and manage global entertainment tours. The position can be worked remotely from anywhere in the U.S., but requires “up to 75% travel, including frequent trips to isolated and dangerous locations.” Find more details and apply here
Digital Content Creator
The Country Thunder Music Festivals are recruiting for a suburban Nashville-based Digital Content Creator. Résumés 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
•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
• Lauren Bartlett
Former Columbia Sr. Dir./Promotion laurenlongbine@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
• 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
• Paige Elliott Former Columbia Dir./Promotion paige.eilenberg@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
• Tim “Skeeter Nash“ Goodrich Former KDXY/Jonesboro, AR PD/afternoon host SkeeterOnTheAir@gmail.com
• Paul Grosser
Former Sony/Nashville Assoc. Dir./Promotion & Artist Development paulanthonygrosser@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
• Clay Hunnicutt Former BMLG EVP/Label Operations clayhunnicutt615@gmail.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
• Jenny Matthews
Former KBEQ/Kansas City morning host jennymatthewsonair@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
• Lisa Owen Former Columbia Dir./Promotion Lisa.Owen@verizon.net
•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
• Chad Taylor Former OM/air personality Cumulus/Des Moines chadtaylorradio@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 “LT” Thomas Former Sony/Nashville SVP/Promotion lauren.leigh.thomas@gmail.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
• Liz Yount
Former Summit/Knoxville Dir./Promotions lizkrozengard@gmail.com
• “Nick Z“ Zambrano
Former KBAY/San Jose morning show producer Nickzeeradio@gmail.com
January 2025 PPM Scoreboard
The Nielsen PPM January 2025 Survey (1/92/5) saw Country rebound from 297.7 total shares in the Holiday survey to 334.4. That is up 12.3% month-to-month, but off 2.7% from last year. With Nielsen’s new three-minute quarter hour credit rule, cume was up 19.4% from 19 million to 22.6m. That’s an 8.9% increase from last January. With a 2.5-share leap, WQIK/ Jacksonville’s 8.5 share gives it the largest in the format for the first time since February 2023.
KKBQ/Houston retains the cume crown for the seventh consecutive month with 988,900, the largest cume for a Country station since March 2023 (see more on cume increases on page 5). 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
+ SHAY/Always Gonna Be (Warner/WAR)
BRICE/Cry (Curb)
RILEY GREEN/Worst Way (Nash. Harbor)
GEORGE BIRGE/It Won't Be Long (Records Nashville)
S. BARBER f/A. ANNA/Indigo (Lockeland Spr./Atlantic/Magnolia) 8
TIGIRLILY GOLD/Forever From Here (Monument)
LANCO f/C. ASBURY/We Grew Up Together (Riser House)
RUSSELL DICKERSON/Happen To Me (Triple Tigers)
THOMAS RHETT/After All The Bars Are Closed (Valory)
HUBBARD/Park (EMI Nashville)
VINCENT MASON/Wish You Well (Music Soup/MCA)
Country Aircheck Top Point Gainers
JORDAN DAVIS/I Ain't Sayin' (MCA)
/I Never Lie (Leo33)
MEGAN MORONEY/Am I Okay? (Columbia) 1241
4
JASON ALDEAN/Whiskey Drink (Macon Music/Broken Bow) 1057
THOMAS RHETT/After All The Bars Are Closed (Valory) 1015
OLD DOMINION/Coming Home (Columbia) 852
GEORGE BIRGE/It Won't Be Long (Records Nashville) 836
Country Aircheck Top Spin Gainers
JORDAN DAVIS/I Ain't Sayin' (MCA)
WALLEN/I'm The Problem (Big Loud)
TOP/I Never Lie (Leo33)
MORONEY/Am
OLD DOMINION/Coming Home (Columbia) 285
J. MORGAN f/J. ALDEAN/Friends Like That (Night Train/Broken Bow) 263
Activator Top Point Gainers
/Worst Way (Nash. Harbor)
LANGLEY/Weren't For The Wind (Sawgod/Col. NY/Triple Tigers)
Activator Top Spin Gainers
Country Aircheck Top Recurrents
MORGAN WALLEN/Love Somebody (Big Loud) 26139
K. WETZEL & J. MURPH/High Road (Col. NY/Records Nashville) 23925
SHABOOZEY/A Bar Song (Tipsy) (Empire/Magnolia) 19202
POST MALONE f/BLAKE SHELTON/Pour Me A Drink (Big Loud) 16896
D.
& D. SCOTT/Boys Back Home (Columbia/Curb) 15515
MALONE f/M. WALLEN/I Had Some Help (Big Loud) 13373 JELLY ROLL/I Am Not Okay (BMG/Republic/Stoney Creek) 12435
KANE BROWN & MARSHMELLO/Miles On It (RCA) 10899
NATE SMITH/World On Fire (RCA) 8312
MORGAN WALLEN f/ERNEST/Cowgirls (Big Loud) 8118
KNOXVILLE
COUNTRY AIRCHECK ACTIVITY
WARREN ZEIDERS/Relapse (Warner/WEA)
Moves 44-45*
2923 points, 936 spins; No adds
MEGHAN PATRICK/Golden Child (Riser House)
Moves 45-46*
2881 points, 865 spins; No adds
JUSTIN MOORE/Time’s Ticking (Valory) Moves 45-47*
2800 points, 829 spins 1 add: WOLF
PARMALEE/Cowgirl (Stoney Creek)
Remains at 48*
2713 points, 863 spins; No adds
BRAD PAISLEY/Truck Still Works (EMI Nashville) Moves 50-49*
GREYLAN JAMES/Wait Til You Have Kids (Nashville Harbor)
CRAIG CAMPBELL/Missing You (Grindstone)
MARCH 24
HUDSON WESTBROOK/House Again (Warner/WAR)
CHECK OUT
MARCH
7
Caylee Hammack Bed Of Roses (Capitol)
Sharing producer credits with Dann Huff and John Osborne, Hammack penned or co-penned 12 of the 13 tracks on her sophomore studio album alongside writers including Stephen Wilson Jr., Luke Dick, Benjy Davis and Jeff Hyde.
Mackenzie Carpenter Hey Country Queen (Valory)
“This album has been a long time coming, and I’m so excited to finally share these songs with you,” Carpenter says of her debut album. “I’ve lived with them for years, and now it’s time to set them free. Hey Country Queen captures the essence of girlhood, heartbreak and love, and I can’t wait for you to hear it.”
The Wiggles Wiggle Up, Giddy Up (ABC Music)
Dolly Parton, Lainey Wilson, Dasha, Jackson Dean and MacKenzie Porter are among the artists featured on the children’s group’s country collab album.
Tyler Rich Hello California (ONErpm)
“This album has been a long time coming, and it’s my first chance to release music straight from the heart, with no limits,” says Rich. “After 10 years in Nashville, I’m grateful for the lessons I’ve learned, the relationships I’ve built, and the success that came from navigating the industry. Now, as an independent artist, I finally get to take the reins and do things my way.”
Kelsea Ballerini Patterns (Deluxe) (Black River)
The new package adds five songs to Ballerini’s 2024 fifth LP, including “Future Tripping,” which she debuted live last week (2/26) during a show in Fort Worth, TX.
Hueston Huey (Young Hueston/Silver Wings)
“Huey is more than just an album; it’s a journey through the highs and lows that have defined my path so far,” he says. “Each track dives deep into everything from personal struggles and the clarity that comes with overcoming them, to love songs exploring the complexities of relationships. I hope this record resonates with anyone on their own path of self-discovery and authentic growth.”
Kat Luna That Girl (Sony Music Nashville)
Produced by Nathan Chapman, the Spanish and English EP includes eight tracks, all co-written by Luna.
