(Nashville, Tennessee – January 16, 2025) Country Radio Seminar (CRS) is proud to announce the full agenda at a glance for CRS 2025, scheduled for February 19-21, 2025.
This year’s event promises to deliver a dynamic array of educational sessions, networking opportunities, and live performances for country music radio professionals, industry leaders, and artists alike.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2025:
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Express Badge Pick Up Only
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2025:
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM: CRS Registration Open
8:00 - 8:50 AM: Y’all Means All: Diversity Breakfast
9:00 - 9:50 AM: Streaming 101: Everything You Want to Know / DMS
9:00 - 9:50 AM: Know All the Sales Angles as a PD
10:00 - 10:50 AM: Stop Trying So Hard: Become a Better Content Creator
10:00 - 10:50 AM: Teamwork Makes the Dreamwork: Capitalizing on the Country Moment in Streaming / DMS
11:00 - 11:50 AM: Cycle of a Song: Ella Langley "You Look Like You Love Me"/DMS
11:45 AM - 12:00 PM: Pre-Lunch Performance Featuring Remy Garrison
12:00 - 1:50 PM: Lunch and Performance Sponsored by Warner Music Nashville
2:00 - 2:50 PM: CRS Honors
3:00 - 3:50 PM: Why Can’t We Be Friends: The Label, Radio, and Streaming Relationship / DMS
3:00 - 3:50 PM: Are You AI Curious?
4:00 - 5:00 PM: Programming Networking Happy Hour
6:00 - 8:30 PM: Amazon Music Presents Country Heat at CRS 2025
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2025
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM: CRS Registration Open
8:30 - 9:20 AM: Sound Off: What Is "Mainstream" Country?
8:30 - 9:20 AM: Showcase Your Assets
9:30 - 10:30 AM: CRS Research Presentation
10:30 - 11:30 AM: Honky Tonk to TikTok: Country Music’s Wild Five-Year Ride by the Numbers
11:30 AM - 1:50 PM: Team UMG at the Ryman
2:30 - 3:20 PM: Cycle of a Song: Tucker Wetmore - "Wind Up Missin' You"/DMS
3:30 - 4:00 PM: Sustaining Momentum: How to Turn Moments Into a Career / DMS
4:00 - 4:50 PM: Artist Interview: Old Dominion
7:00 - 9:00 PM: Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley Featuring Sponsored by Country Top 40 with Fitz, Skyview Networks, and First Horizon Bank, with Bar Sponsored by ASCAP
9:00 PM - 11:00 PM: BBR Music Group Decades Party: Hits of the '70s, '80s, '90s & Beyond
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2025
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM: CRS Registration Open
7:30 - 8:45 AM: Women’s Networking Breakfast Sponsored by Nu VooDoo Media
8:00 - 9:00 AM / 9:00 - 10:00 AM / 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Workshop Alley: Skills That Kill/ Be an Extraterrestrial/AI
8:50 - 9:40 AM: Culture: The C Word You Should Say
8:50 - 9:40 AM: All Shook Up: AI’s Legal Impact on the Country Music Industry
10:00 - 11:00 AM: We’ve Got Some Help: How to Embrace Crossover Artists and the New Audience
10:00 - 11:00 AM: Artist Development: The Sparks Behind the Streams
11:10 - 11:40 AM: Evolving Your Playlist: F*#@ the Format
11:10 - 11:40 AM: 30 Sales Ideas in 30 Minutes
11:10 - 11:40 AM: Everyday I’m (Side) Hustling: Give Yourself a Raise
11:45 AM - 12:00 PM: Pre-Lunch Performance Featuring Robby Johnson
12:00 - 1:50 PM: Lunch and Performance Sponsored by BMLG
2:00 - 2:50 PM: Cycle of a Song: Dasha - “Austin”/DMS
3:00 - 3:50 PM: The Conversation: Eric Church and JellyRoll Get the Last Word at CRS 25
5:15 - 6:30 PM: New Faces Cocktail Reception
6:30 - 10:00 PM: New Faces of Country Music Dinner and Performance Sponsored by ACM and Charity Partner St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
(Nashville, Tennessee - January 22, 2025) Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) is proud to announce Eric Church and Luke Combs as co-recipients of the CRS 2025 Artist Humanitarian Award. This prestigious honor will be presented on Friday, February 21, 2025, during the annual Country Radio Seminar (CRS) in Nashville.
This year’s award recognizes the unparalleled efforts of Church and Combs, who raised over $24 million in under a month, driven by an October 26 stadium concert in Charlotte that drew a record-breaking 82,000 fans. Remarkably, this massive event, which typically requires over a year of planning, was mobilized by their collective teams in just 28 days.
Eric Church, through his nonprofit organization Chief Cares, announced plans to build 100 homes for hurricane victims, starting in Avery County, providing critical shelter to families affected by the devastating storms while also committing to helping address longer-term needs like creating jobs, rebuilding schools, and supporting local businesses. In addition, Eric signed over all publishing royalties from his latest release, "Darkest Hour," to the people of North Carolina.
Meanwhile, Luke Combs and his team are working directly with North Carolina-based relief efforts to ensure funds are distributed where they are needed most. Their contributions support organizations, including Samaritan’s Purse, Manna Food Bank, and Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina.
CRB Awards Committee Chair Beverlee Brannigan shared: “Eric Church and Luke Combs’ love for their home state has been nothing short of inspiring. Their dedication to helping North Carolina recover after Hurricane Helene and their ongoing efforts show just how much they care. This award is a heartfelt recognition of their commitment, hard work, and genuine compassion for the people of North Carolina. Eric and Luke, we’re proud to honor you.”
The CRB Artist Humanitarian Award was established in 1990 to recognize country artists whose philanthropic efforts have significantly improved the effectiveness and impact of the causes they support. Past recipients include Kane Brown, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, and more.
(Nashville, Tennessee — January 23, 2025) CRS 2025 is proud to honor Mark “Hawkeye” Louis, host of mornings on Cumulus KSCS/Dallas, as the recipient of the prestigious Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award. The award, named after the late Tom Rivers, recognizes individuals in country radio who exhibit outstanding public service and humanitarian efforts.
Hawkeye’s charitable work has made a significant impact over the past two decades. His involvement with Cook Children’s Hospital began in 2002, and he has served as a camp counselor for the hospital’s Camp Sanguinity for cancer patients and as a board member from 2004 to 2006. He led the launch of KSCS’s first radiothon in 2014, which, along with sister station KPLX, has raised nearly $4.5 million to date, including over $1 million in 2023 alone.
In 2023, Hawkeye auctioned his lifelong collection of more than 17,000 baseball cards, raising over $10,000 for Cook Children’s Hospital. Beyond his work with the hospital, Hawkeye supports numerous causes, including veterans’ initiatives such as the annual 10,000 For The Troops program, which collected over 152,000 handmade cards in 2023, and Pets For Vets, which raised $20,000 to train service dogs for disabled veterans.
As an avid runner and a long-time board member of the Dallas Marathon, Hawkeye also helps raise funds for Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. His enduring commitment to community service and public good exemplifies the spirit of the Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award.
The presentation of the Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award will take place during the New Faces of Country Music® Show, one of CRS’s most highly anticipated events. A limited number of tickets remain and can be secured by contacting Ashley Bourque at Ashley@crb.org. Any unsold tickets will be available for purchase on-site.
Adding to the excitement of CRS 2025, the event will feature the return of Elaina Smith, host of Westwood One's Nights with Elaina, as the emcee for the New Faces of Country Music® Show, sponsored by ACM and St. Jude Children's Research, for the fifth consecutive year. Known for her engaging personality and strong connection to the country music community, Elaina’s continued involvement highlights CRS’s dedication to creating a memorable and dynamic experience for attendees.
CRS 2025 will also introduce a new initiative, the Strings for Hope: The Unwind Experience, a hands-on activity designed to promote mindfulness, support survivors, and give back to the community. This meditative experience invites attendees to untangle recycled instrument strings, contributing to the creation of handcrafted jewelry by Strings for Hope, a nonprofit empowering survivors of trauma and adversity.
Aligned with CRS 2025’s focus on mental health and wellness, this calming activity fosters mindfulness and reduces stress amid the busy conference. Additionally, programs funded by Strings for Hope provide trauma survivors with creative outlets to rebuild confidence, find purpose, and improve mental well-being.
CRS 2025 promises to deliver an unforgettable event filled with meaningful programming, exciting performances, and opportunities to connect within the country music community.
For more information on CRS 2025, visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com.
(Nashville, Tennessee - January 27, 2025) Country Radio Seminar is excited to announce the return of the popular “Cycle of A Song” series as part of the Digital Music Summit during CRS 2025, set to take place from February 19-21, 2025. Following the success of last year’s inaugural panel, this series will once again offer an in-depth look at how a song evolves from creation to chart success.
The “Cycle of A Song” series gives a unique, behind-the-scenes exploration of the journey a song takes to become a hit, showcasing the vital roles social media, streaming platforms, radio play, and touring can play in building an artist’s audience. This year, DMS will focus on how these elements work together in the industry to create a chart-topping hit, offering attendees invaluable insights into the lifecycle of a song.
The Series Lineup:
Wednesday, Feb. 19 | 11:00 AM – 11:50 AM
Cycle of a Song: Ella Langley - "You Look Like You Love Me"
Thursday, Feb. 20 | 2:30 PM – 3:20 PM
Cycle of a Song: Tucker Wetmore - "Wind Up Missin' You"
Friday, Feb. 21 | 2:00 PM – 2:50 PM
Cycle of a Song: Dasha - "Austin"
This year’s panel builds upon the success of the “Cycle of A Song” segment from CRS 2024, which featured hits such as Bailey Zimmerman's “Fall in Love,” Megan Maroney's “Tennessee Orange,” and Jelly Roll’s “Son of a Sinner.” Additionally, the concept of “Cycle of A Song” originated from the Digital Music Summit’s highly acclaimed panel, "How They Built It: ‘Fancy Like’ and Its Path To #1," which focused on the breakout success of Walker Hayes.
The “Cycle of A Song” series provides attendees with invaluable insights into the collaborative nature of country music hits, giving them a deeper understanding of the key factors that led to the song’s success.
For more information on CRS 2025, visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com.
About Ella Langley: In 2024 alone, Ella’s Langley’s debut record hungover to hit #1 on iTunes and Top 50 on the Billboard 200. RIAA Certified Platinum and CMA Award-winning single “you look like you love me (feat. Riley Green)” peaked #30 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart (where it would spend over 20 weeks) and hit #1 at US Country Radio, ending the longest break – 51 weeks – between women topping the chart and became the first woman of 2024 to lead the Airplay chart. The song has over 300M global streams, 30M video views, 10M TikTok views, 6M TikTok UGC creates, and was named song of the year by Variety, Billboard, LA Times, Cosmopolitan, Holler, Wide Open Country and Country Wire.
About Tucker Wetmore: Tucker Wetmore made a splash in early 2024 with his back-to-back debut smashes “Wine Into Whiskey” and “Wind Up Missin’ You.” Both songs charted on the Billboard Hot 100, with “Wind Up Missin’ You” reaching No. 31 and spending 42 weeks on the chart. After heading to radio in June 2024, the song hit No.1 on the Mediabase Country Airplay chart in an impressive 30 weeks. The now RIAA-Platinum Certified track has racked up over 362M global streams, fueled by its virality on TikTok where it amassed 2.1 BILLION TikTok views and 557K UGC videos. Wetmore’s rapid rise caught the attention of Billboard who named him as part of their all-genre ‘Artists to Watch’ and earned him a nomination from the iHeart Music Awards.
About Dasha: Dasha’s first big break came in 2024 when her hit single “Austin” catapulted her into the spotlight and onto the global stage. The song introduced new audiences to country music, earning platinum and gold certifications in 17 countries. Her independently released anthem resonated with fans worldwide, fueled by a viral dance video that skyrocketed Spotify streams from 5k to 3.4M per day within six weeks. "Austin" became the most-streamed female country song of the year, making Dasha the first independent artist to earn Spotify’s Pop Rising cover. Following her rapid rise, Dasha signed to Warner Records, which helped elevate “Austin” into a global phenomenon. The single climbed U.S. radio charts across three formats, reaching the Top 5 at country radio, and her sold-out Dashville U.S.A tour further solidified her status as a powerhouse performer and a global ambassador for country music.
(Nashville, Tennessee - January 28, 2025) In partnership with CRS, NuVoodoo will present its latest research study on Country music and Country radio at CRS 2025, taking place on Thursday, February 20, 2025. The Country Fan - Reviewing, Retaining, and Recruiting Your Listeners will feature insights from a nationwide survey of 1,500 Country music fans, offering a deep dive into their perceptions, behaviors, and preferences related to the genre.
This year’s research will explore:
How Country music fans feel about the genre in its current for
Where and how they are listening to Country music
The sources they rely on to stay informed about the music they love
How they view Country radio in 2025
Additionally, NuVoodoo has conducted one-on-one interviews with Country fans to give a human face to the data. The presentation will also feature new music testing results on over 400 Country titles from a sample of more than 700 Country music fans, offering insights into the songs that resonate most with listeners and which tracks they identify as authentic Country music.
Carolyn Gilbert, CEO of NuVoodoo, shared, “What do they think? How do they feel? About Country radio? About Country music? We asked a lot of questions, and we have answers. We look forward to seeing you at CRS.”
Advance registration for CRS 2025 is now closed, but on-site registration will be available beginning Wednesday, February 19, for the walkup rate of $799. For more details, visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com.
(Nashville, Tenn. – December 11, 2024) - The Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) has unveiled the lineup for the New Faces of Country Music® Show at CRS 2025. This year's showcase will feature performances by Drew Baldridge (Lyric Ridge/BMG/Stoney Creek), Ashley Cooke (Big Loud/Back Blocks), Dasha (Warner Records), Zach Top (Leo33), and Warren Zeiders (Warner Records).
For over five decades, the New Faces of Country Music® Show has been a standout event at the Country Radio Seminar. It serves as a platform to showcase five emerging artists who have achieved notable success on Country Radio during the qualification period, which spans from November 1, 2023, to October 31, 2024, for the 2025 edition.
Co-partnered by the Academy of Country Music and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the New Faces of Country Music Show will take place during CRS 2025, to be held from February 19 to February 21, 2025.
The New Faces of Country Music® Show has played a pivotal role in the careers of nearly every major country star since its inception in 1970. It continues to be a must-attend event for industry insiders.
(Nashville, TN - December 12, 2024) — CRS announces the return of the Y’ALL MEANS ALL: DIVERSITY BREAKFAST at CRS 2025, featuring an inspiring panel dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion within the Country music industry. Taking place on the opening day, Wednesday, February 19, the event aims to encourage attendees to champion diversity in their organizations. The Y’ALL MEANS ALL: DIVERSITY BREAKFAST also seeks to show minority groups entering the Country music industry that there are leaders in positions of influence who reflect and represent them.
This year’s panel will be moderated by Tiffany Provenzano, Director at Equal Access/mtheory, and features an esteemed lineup of voices, including The War & Treaty, Brooke Eden, Sean Copeland (Program Director, Hank-FM, Indianapolis, Radio One), and Shannon Sanders (Executive Director, Creative, BMI).
The event will offer meaningful discussions on representation, breaking down barriers, and creating inclusive environments within Country Radio and beyond. Attendees will be equipped with insights and motivation to drive meaningful change in their professional spaces.
CRS 2025 will be held February 19-21, 2025. For more information and registration, visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com. Follow CRS on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
(Nashville, Tennessee - December 18, 2024) Tyler Hubbard is set to perform during Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley during CRS 2025. The highly anticipated event will occur on Thursday, February 20, 2025, and will be a celebration of country music’s songwriting craft.
With 22 No. 1 singles and two RIAA-certified Diamond songs under his belt as an artist, as well as 18 No. 1 hits as a songwriter, Tyler Hubbard is one of the genre's most accomplished artists. In addition to his own songs, Hubbard has written multiple #1 and multi-Platinum songs for other artists, including “You Make It Easy” and “Burnin’ It Down” by Jason Aldean, “Hope You Get Lonely Tonight” for Cole Swindell and many more. Attendees will have a rare opportunity to experience his distinctive sound and songwriting talent up close.
Hubbard’s debut solo album Tyler Hubbard (released January 2023) and sophomore album Strong (released April 2024) have already produced three chart-topping singles: ‘5 Foot 9,’ ‘Dancin’ In The Country’ and ‘Back Then Right Now.’ As a member of Florida Georgia Line, and now a solo artist, Hubbard’s hits have left a lasting imprint on the country music landscape. CRS 2025 attendees will experience his music in a personal, acoustic setting at Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley.
In addition to Hubbard’s performance, CRS and Loot8 are excited to announce an innovative virtual singer/songwriter competition aimed at discovering the next wave of country music talent. The winner of this competition will earn the prestigious opportunity to perform an original song at Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley during CRS 2025.
The competition will feature four live preliminary rounds, streamed online on January 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2025, with the Grand Finals scheduled for January 22, 2025. The grand prize includes a live performance at CRS 2025 alongside Tyler Hubbard, Rhett Akins, and Old Dominion. The competition will also offer cash prizes, a professional judging panel, and global exposure, providing emerging artists with an unprecedented platform to showcase their music.
To participate, singers and songwriters must perform original songs, hold full rights to their music, and be solo performers or duos. For more information about LOOT8, including registration details and competition guidelines, visit LOOT8.io.
Hosted by Fitz from Country Top 40, Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley celebrates the art of songwriting and offers an intimate space for top country artists to share the stories behind their biggest hits. The event will also feature the presentation of Radio Ink’s “Top Country PDs” awards.
Sponsored by Country Top 40 with Fitz, Skyview Networks, and First Horizon Bank, with a bar sponsored by ASCAP, Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley is a cornerstone event at CRS, highlighting the art of songwriting and offering a spotlight for new and established talent.
Registration for CRS 2025 is now open. For more information, visit CountryRadioSeminar.com.
(Nashville, Tennessee - January 8, 2025) CRS 2025 will conclude on a high note with “The Conversation: Eric Church & Jelly Roll,” a highly anticipated session bringing together two of country music’s most compelling voices for an intimate, unscripted discussion.
Taking place on Friday, February 21, 2025, this grand finale session will feature Eric Church, a modern-day icon of country music, and Grammy-nominated Jelly Roll, an artist whose boundary-pushing creativity spans multiple genres.
Known for their honesty and raw storytelling, Church and Jelly Roll will explore their personal journeys, artistic inspirations, and the future of country music, offering attendees a rare glimpse into their world.
“We are thrilled to have Eric Church and Jelly Roll close out CRS 2025,” said RJ Curtis, Executive Director of CRS. “Their ability to connect with fans and push the boundaries of the genre makes this session a perfect culmination of this year’s seminar.”
To register and learn more about the event, please visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com. Online registration for CRS 2025 will close on Friday, January 17, 2025, at which point the cost will increase to the walk-up rate of $799.
Attendees are encouraged to book their rooms at the Omni Hotel Nashville (here), home to CRS for 10 years now.
(Nashville, Tennessee - January 10, 2025) CRS 2025 is excited to announce the Women’s Mentoring Breakfast, a dynamic session designed to empower and connect women in the country radio industry. The breakfast will take place on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. and will be sponsored by Nuvoodoo Media.
The event will feature a curated group of influential women in country music and radio, providing a valuable opportunity for attendees to gain insight, guidance, and support in their careers. The following industry leaders will be in attendance:
Marci Braun (Audacy/WUSN/Chicago)
Raffaella Braun (Triple Tigers)
Christi Brooks (Cox/KCYY/San Antonio)
Casey Carter (iHeart/WNOE/New Orleans)
Melissa Chase (Audacy/KILT/Houston)
Heather Froglear (Audacy/KFRG/Riverside)
Stephanie Hagerty (Warner Music Nashville)
JoJamie Hahr (BBR Music Group/BMG)
Holly Hutton (Audacy/WYCD/Detroit)
Miranda McDonald (Universal Music)
Katie Neal (Audacy/Katie & Co.)
Brooks O'Brian (Cumulus/WFMS/Indianapolis)
Bev Rainey (Cumulus Nashville)
Dawn Santolucito (Beasley/WKLB/Boston)
Lo Sessions (Radio-One/KKBQ/Houston)
Lauren Thomas (Sony Music)
Angie Ward (iHeart/WUBL/Atlanta)
Ashley Wilson (iHeart/WKKT/Charlotte)
Nancy Wilson (Cox/WHKO/Dayton)
This exclusive event offers an invaluable opportunity for women to share experiences, build lasting connections, and foster the next generation of industry leaders.
To register and learn more about the event, please visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com. Online registration for CRS 2025 will close on Friday, January 17, 2025, at which point the cost will increase to the walk-up rate of $799.
Attendees are encouraged to book their rooms at the Omni Hotel Nashville (here), home to CRS for 10 years now.
About Country Radio Seminar (CRS): Country Radio Seminar is an annual convention designed to educate and promote the exchange of ideas and business practices in the Country music industry, with specific emphasis on issues relevant to Country radio. CRS 2025 is set for February 19-21, 2025 at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Registration for Country Radio Seminar is available for purchase at www.CountryRadioSeminar.com. For more information, visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com, and follow CRS on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Additional information can be obtained by calling 615-327-4487.
About Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.®: The Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.® is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization founded in 1969 to bring radio broadcasters from around the world together with the Country Music Industry to ensure the vitality and promote growth in the Country Radio format.