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In This Issue (3/23) 

“Obviously it’s rare to take somebody’s first-ever song to Country radio when they are out playing amphitheaters.”

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Radio Vision

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On-Aeration: Curb's Rodney Atkins plays Wilson Creek Winery. Pictured (l-r) are the label's Todd Thomas, KFRG/Riverside's Pepper McDonel, Atkins and the label's Lori Hartigan and Craig Powers.

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Indy Label: Leo33's Trey Pendley (c) with the label's Chris Fabiani and WFMS/Indianapolis' Matt Malone, Deborah Honeycutt and Brooks O’Brian (l-r).

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Slay, Belles: Deluge Records Nashville/East Music Row Records' Belles (l) with Big D & Bubba's Derek “Big D” Haskins, Jessica "Carsen" Humphreville and Sean “Bubba” Powell.

SONS-OF-HABIT32726.jpg Habit Forming: Sons of Habit sign with Lucille/MCA. Pictured (l-r) are the label's Stephanie Wright, Champ/Red Light's Matt Musacchio, the band's Mitchell Douglas, Jeffrey Parish and Dalton Daniels, MCA's Mike Harris, Sons' Noah Patrick, Champ/Red Light's Evan Miller, the band's Hagan Edge, and the label's Katie McCartney, Rob Femia and Dave Cobb.
Luke-Grimes32626.jpg Satellite Train Station: MCA's Luke Grimes visits SiriusXM's Highway Mornings with Cody Alan. Pictured (l-r) are Alan, the label's Houston Gaither, Grimes and SXM's Victoria Alfonso, Lauryn Snapp and Lexi Sidders.
The-Band-Perry32626.jpg KUZZ Feed: Big Machine's The Band Perry play a private show for KUZZ/Bakersfield. Pictured (l-r) are the duo's Johnny Costello, the station's Brent Michaels, the duo's Kimberly Perry and the label's Stella Prado.
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CMAn Of His Word: Big Loud's Kashus Culpepper (c) with the label's Rachel Heatherly, the CMA's Stephanie Shank, Left/Right Mgmt.'s Jay King, the CMA's Sarah Trahern, Tiffany Kerns and Kate Watson, the label's Nate Yetton and Left/Right Mgmt.'s Jay Harren (l-r) at CMA HQ.

Corey-Kent32526.jpg Kill Joy: RCA's Corey Kent (c) celebrates the platinum certification of "Something's Gonna Kill Me" with the label's Paige Altone, Triple 8's Chris Fox, the label's Ken Robold, Kent, Triple 8's George Couri and the label's Caryl Atwood and Jason McColl (l-r).
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Blue Cheese: Blue Highway's Preston Cooper and Jackson Dean with their label team at CRS. Pictured (l-r) are Jake Basden, Ashley Sidoti, Chris Waters, Cooper, Amy Staley, Dean, Claire Compton, Adam Burnes and Sally Green.

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Binnie & The Jets: Binnie/Portland, ME raises $371,043 during its Cares For Kids Radiothon (top) and $23,000 at its benefit concert for The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital at Maine Medical Center featuring Big Loud's Lauren Alaina. Pictured (top, l-r) are WTHT's Jadd Naamani, Amy Ryan and Michelle Taylor, WFNK's Holly Nunan, WHXR's Rick Johnson and WFNK's Leif Erickson; (bottom, l-r) Naamani, Alaina, the hospital's Meaghan McNamara, Ryan and Taylor.

Jelly-Roll32526.jpg Human Kind: Stoney Creek's Jelly Roll (c) with the label's Shelley Hargis, JoJamie Hahr, Jon Loba and Adrian Michaels (l-r) after accepting the CRS Artist Humanitarian Award Friday (3/20).
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The Mockingbird And The Bro: WJVL/Janesville, WI's Justin Brown with Big Loud's Hardy (l) and Nashville Harbor's Greylan James at CRS.

Cody-Johnson32426.jpg Dear Rodeo Houston: Warner/CoJo/WMN’s Cody Johnson celebrates making Rodeo Houston history. Pictured (l-r) are KILT's Nick Russo, guest Kevin Fogarty, KILT's Chris Huff and Bruce Logan, Johnson, KKBQ's Lauren "Lo" Sessions-Barker and Travis Moon and the label's James Marsh.
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Clay Station: RCA's Red Clay Strays with the Audacy team at CRS. Pictured (front, l-r) are Chad Fitzsimmons, Drew Bland, the group's Zach Rishel, Justin Cole, Tim Roberts, Holly Hutton, Sarah Frazier and Bruce Logan; (back, l-r) Mark Anderson, and the group's Andrew Bishop, Brandon Coleman, John Hall, Sevans Henderson and Drew Nix.

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'Roo-Mate: Music Soup/Darkroom's Waylon Wyatt is surprised by Santa Anna's Bayker Blankenship with a gold certification plaque for "Jailbreak" during CMC Rocks in Australia. Pictured (l-r) are management's Anna Kellam, The Team's Yitzi Peetluk, management's Marc Caceres, Wyatt, Blankenship and 7S' Jarrid Bell.

Top Stories

WRN Ups Five VPs, Adds One
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Warner Records Nashville has promoted Kristen Williams from SVP to EVP/Radio & Commercial Partnerships; SVP/Legal & Business Affairs Patrick Sabatini to EVP/Operations & Business & Legal Affairs; and SVP/Strategic Marketing Victoria Mason to EVP/Marketing. Additionally, VP/Interactive Marketing Brooke Hardesty rises to SVP/Digital Marketing and VP/A&R Rohan Kohli has been upped to SVP/A&R. Austin Jenkins has joined the label as SVP/A&R from his previous position as SVP/A&R for MCA and Head of Lucille Records.

Williams joined the label group in 2003, rose to VP in 2014 and SVP in 2016 (CAT 9/22/16); she broadened her role to include retail, streaming, catalog development and direct-to-consumer efforts oversight in 2024 (CAT 2/26/24). Former Global Music Rights Head/Business & Legal Affairs Sabatini joined the label in 2020 (CAT 6/29/20). His career has also included time with Arista, Capitol, Warner Bros. and private law firms. 

Mason joined Warner in 2011 and rose from VP to SVP in 2021 (CAT 8/31/21). Hardesty came aboard in 2012, rising from Sr. Dir./Interactive Marketing to VP in 2021 (CAT 8/31/21). Kohli was elevated from Sr. Dir. to VP in 2023 (CAT 8/1/23) after joining the label in 2018. Jenkins was Island VP/A&R until taking on roles with MCA and Lucille last year (CAT 4/24/25).

Mar 25, 2026 Share
January CDM Ratings
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It's A Mad, 'MAD World: Here are select Nielsen Audio Continuous Diary Measurement (CDM) ratings for January 2026 (three-month rolling average, 10/16/25-2/4/26) compared with November and December. Ranks (in parentheses) are among subscribers. Unless otherwise noted, all figures are Persons 12+, Monday-Sunday, 6am-midnight.

Chattanooga, TN
(Market 93)

WUSY Audacy
9.6 (1) - 11.5 (1) - 13.0 (1)
Largest share since May 2020.
WUUQ Bahakel Classic Country
3.6 (6t) - 3.3 (6) - 3.8 (5)
Largest share since Dec. 2024.
WOGT Cumulus 
2.4 (9t) - N/A - N/A
Does not subscribe.

Huntsville, AL
(99)          

WDRM iHeartMedia
6.5 (1) - 7.4 (1) - 8.3 (1)
WWFF Cumulus
1.6 (11t) - N/A - N/A
Does not subscribe.

Jackson, MS
(125)
WUSJ New South
4.8 (5) - 4.2 (6) - 3.8 (7)
WMSI iHeartMedia
2.5 (8) - 2.4 (9) - 2.8 (9)
WHJT New South Classic Country
1.0 (14t) - 1.4 (12) - 2.1 (11)
Madison, WI
(88)   
WMAD iHeartMedia
4.6 (3) - 4.7 (4t) - 6.5 (3)
Largest share in station's 20 years in the format.
WWQM Mid-West Family
2.0 (9t) - 1.9 (13t) - 1.7 (13)
Mar 17, 2026 Share
January CDM Ratings
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Twist-chita: Here are select Nielsen Audio Continuous Diary Measurement (CDM) ratings for January 2026 (three-month rolling average, 10/16/25-2/4/26) compared with November and December. Ranks (in parentheses) are among subscribers. Unless otherwise noted, all figures are Persons 12+, Monday-Sunday, 6am-midnight.

Colorado Springs, CO
(Market 91)

KCCY iHeartMedia
4.3 (6) - 4.0 (7) - 3.2 (8)
KATC Cumulus
4.1 (7t) - N/A - N/A
Does not subscribe.

Des Moines, IA
(70)       

KHKI Cumulus
7.4 (1) - N/A - N/A
KJJY Cumulus
5.3 (5) - N/A - N/A
Do not subscribe.

Mobile, AL
(100) 
WKSJ iHeartMedia
6.0 (3) - 5.6 (2) - 5.9 (2)
Spokane, WA
(90) 
KDRK Stephens
2.6 (7) - 2.6 (7t) - 2.2 (10t)
KICR 
Blue Sky
2.2 (9t) - 2.0 (12t) - 2.0 (12)
KXLY QueenB
Does not subscribe.
Wichita, KS
(104)
  
KFDI SummitMedia
5.9 (2) - 5.3 (4t) - 5.9 (2)
KZSN
 iHeartMedia
5.7 (3) - 5.3 (4t) - 5.4 (3t)
KVWF
 Murfin
3.2 (11t) - 2.5 (15t) - 3.7 (9t)
Largest share since entering the format in June 2023.
KFTI-AM SummitMedia Classic Country
0.9 (18) - 0.7 (19t) - 0.7 (19t)
Mar 16, 2026 Share
January CDM Ratings
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Rate And Hook: Here are select Nielsen Audio Continuous Diary Measurement (CDM) ratings for January 2026 (three-month rolling average, 10/16/25-2/4/26) compared with November and December. Ranks (in parentheses) are among subscribers. Unless otherwise noted, all figures are Persons 12+, Monday-Sunday, 6am-midnight.

Columbia, SC
(Market 89)

WCOS iHeartMedia
6.3 (3) - 7.5 (2) - 6.8 (2)

Little Rock, AR
(94)   
KSSN iHeartMedia
7.2 (4) - 7.6 (2) - 6.6 (2)
KMJX iHeartMedia Cl. Country
3.1 (10) - 3.0 (5) - 2.5 (5t)
Springfield, MA
(102)
WRNX iHeartMedia 
4.7 (4) - 4.2 (4) - 4.3 (4)
Toledo, OH
(108) 
WCKY iHeartMedia Classic Country
1.3 (12) - 1.3 (8) - 1.2 (7)
WKKO Cumulus
8.6 (2) - N/A - N/A
Does not subscribe.
Mar 13, 2026 Share
Recent Stories
Mar 27, 2026 Cruze Liner: Blue Highway National Dir./Radio Strategy Jay Cruze has joined the Big Machine/Nashville Harbor promotion team as National Dir.... Read full story
Mar 27, 2026 Audacy's Martin Departing: Audacy SVPP & Head/Music Initiatives Michael Martin is stepping down May 1 after 17 years with the company and its... Read full story
Mar 27, 2026 Mind The Gap: With Cumulus no longer subscribing to Nielsen during ongoing litigation, Eastlan has begun measuring two PPM markets with Cumulus ... Read full story
Mar 27, 2026 Work The Problem: Morgan Wallen was named Country Artist of the Year at last night's (3/26) 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards. Wallen's I'm The ... Read full story
Mar 27, 2026 Contact Update: Former WFMS/Indianapolis afternoon and midday host Jay Michaels is expanding his voice tracking business for Country and Contemporary ... Read full story
Mar 27, 2026 Bits & Pieces: Artist and former Trailblazers Radio host Fancy Hagood has returned to Apple Music Country as host of new weekly show, ... Read full story
Mar 26, 2026 Fly Zone: Connoisseur Media's Michigan-based SVP Zoe Burdine-Fly has retired after more than 40 years in the broadcasting industry, 35 of those ... Read full story
Mar 26, 2026 Stick Shift: Former 7 Mountains Media State College & Lewiston, PA MM Joe Wowk has joined Todd Nixon's Sticks Media in the new role... Read full story
Mar 26, 2026 Pool Shark: Opry NextStage Class of 2026 members Willow Avalon, Graham Barham, Tyler Braden, Alexandra Kay, Vincent Mason, Emily Ann Roberts and ... Read full story
Mar 26, 2026 Tour Support: Shenandoah's 40th Anniversary Tour kicks off tomorrow (3/27) in Wickenburg, AZ and continues through Dec. 5 in Thackerville, OK; ... Read full story
Mar 26, 2026 Nom Comm: Reminder that the nomination period for the national Radio Hall of Fame is open through March 31 at 11:59pm PT. Noms made by members of the ... Read full story
Mar 26, 2026 Bits & Pieces: The Florida Association of Broadcasters will induct Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley into its 2026 Florida ... Read full story
Mar 25, 2026 LinkedIn Park: Cumulus/Indianapolis VP/MM Darlene Park has been promoted to Regional VP/Central Indiana, adding WWKI/Kokomo & WMDH/Muncie to ... Read full story
Mar 25, 2026 Senior Class: “It’s a privilege to make music with such strong leaders who embody and uphold our core values," says Warner Records Nashville Chair/... Read full story
Mar 25, 2026 Hot Air: Details are forthcoming, but look for former Apple Music Global Head/Country Music Michael Bryan to launch an artist ... Read full story
Mar 25, 2026 Inside Job: Connoisseur Media is selling its five Brookings, SD stations, including KKQQ & Classic Country KJJQ, to Brookings Radio, locally ... Read full story
Mar 25, 2026 Bits & Pieces: LoCash will guest host Skyview Networks' Country Top 40 With Fitz this week. Audacy's Pittsburgh cluster, including WDSY, ... Read full story
Mar 25, 2026 Chronicle: Chip Taylor, a 2016 inductee into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, died March 23 at the age of 86. Among his best-known compositions are The ... Read full story
Mar 24, 2026 Orchard Road: Industry vet Heather Vassar has been named SVP/Nashville at The Orchard. She will continue to operate her company, Casual Media Partners... Read full story
Mar 24, 2026 Hey Day: “Together they create something more connected and more focused, allowing us to move with intention, operate with clarity and build real ... Read full story
Mar 24, 2026 Ms. Worldwide: Former Audacy COO Susan Larkin has been named CEO for RCS Worldwide, succeeding Philippe Generali, who retired last month ... Read full story
Mar 24, 2026 Business Class: Nashville-based entertainment business management firm FBMM has promoted Sr. Account Mgrs. Shelley Grayson and Chris Trump ... Read full story
Mar 24, 2026 Gig Alert: The Stephens Media Group cluster in Medford, OR, which includes KAKT and Classic Country KAKT-HD2, is seeking a PD, which will also include... Read full story
Mar 24, 2026 Hall Pass: Nominations for the national Radio Hall of Fame are open through March 31 at 11:59pm PT. Noms made by members of the radio industry and ... Read full story
Mar 24, 2026 Bits & Pieces: In the wake of deadly tornados that affected parts of Michigan earlier this month (CAT 3/10), Midwest Communications stations in ... Read full story
Mar 24, 2026 Reer View: Clint Black (l) is presented the 2026 CRB Career Achievement Award by the CRB's RJ Curtis during Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley at CRS '26 ... Read full story

 

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The CRS 2026
Print Special

featuring: Hey-Hi, AI: Emerging Uses

Best CRS Takeaways Ever

Label Contacts • New Faces

Travis Daily: The Interview



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Inside This Issue: 

MC-Yay At Ryman Lunch

Disruption Junction

You Look Like You Love Me

The Day Ahead



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The 2026 Grammy
Voter's Guide
A quick reference guide to the 2026 Grammy Nominees

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