(Nashville, Tenn. – Sept. 29, 2011) During a break from her ongoing radio and media tour, BigRide recording artist Marlee Scott stopped by the Country Music Association offices in Nashville this week to perform and visit with CMA staff.  Scott’s set included her current single, “Beautiful Maybe,” plus material from her forthcoming album, due out in early 2012.

Visit www.MarleeScott.com for more information.

Pictured below: Kim Leiske (President, BigRide Entertainment), Brandi Simms, (Sr. Manager of Membership & Balloting, CMA), Jeff Walker (President/CEO, AristoMedia), Gator Michaels (President, InstiGator Entertainment), Marlee Scott, Steve Moore (CEO, CMA), Betsy Walker (Sr. Coordinator of Member Relations & Services, CMA) and Gerry Leiske (Management, BigRide Entertainment).  Photo: AristoMedia.

View the complete study at CRB.org, ColemanInsights.com

(Nashville, Tenn. – March 9, 2011)  The complete results of the Country radio P1 research study presented at CRS 2011 are now available online at CRB.org and ColemanInsights.com.

Sponsored by Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. and the Country Music Association, the in-depth study polled 5,000 12- to 64-year-old P1 Country radio listeners about their music consumption habits, new media usage and the overall state of Country Music.  A parallel study, which polled music and radio executives, was also conducted to gauge industry perceptions versus those of the consumer.

North Carolina-based media research firm Coleman Insights conducted the research.  Results were trended against the last CRB-commissioned Country radio P1 study, presented at CRS in 2007.

The 2011 study suggests that consumers perceive the overall health and appeal of Country Music as significantly more positive than industry professionals do.  Eighty-three percent of Country P1s perceive that they are “listening more” to Country radio today than one year ago, with 51 percent suggesting the reason why is because “Country Music is better” now.

New media usage among Country radio consumers appears to be growing at a comparable rate to the rest of the population.  Seventy-five percent of Country radio P1s own an Internet-connected PC or Mac computer, two-thirds own a game console, half own an iPod or mp3 player and nearly 50 percent own a smartphone device.

Additionally, radio is still the medium that makes consumers feel “most connected” to Country Music and remains the most consistent means of new music discovery for them.  However, more than one-third of P1s have used new music discovery service, Pandora, and indicate that they are “likely” to use it in an automobile if available.

“We are pleased to present the complete findings of our 2011 Country radio listener P1 study to the public,” says Coleman Insights CEO Warren Kurtzman.  “We hope that the data collected from more than 5,000 core listeners helps the Country radio industry continue in its growth and encourages it to explore new opportunities, particularly in the new media marketplace.  Country radio remains healthy today, and its future looks bright.”

Adds CRB Executive Director Bill Mayne, “The results of this year’s study marks a positive step in our understanding of the Country radio consumer.  It also provides a wealth of information that we can use going forward to strengthen our relationships between Country radio and our listeners.”

Country Radio still king for consumers, new music discovery

(Nashville, Tenn. – March 3, 2011)  The results of the CRB Country radio research study presented today at CRS 2011 provided a wealth of encouraging news for Country radio and the Country Music industry.

The comprehensive study, sponsored through a partnership between Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. and the Country Music Association, polled 5,000 P1 Country radio listeners about their consumption habits and the state of Country Music in general.  Nearly 200 industry professionals were also polled to gauge their insight and perceptions about the Country format versus those of the consumer.

The “big picture” findings from the study, conducted by North Carolina-based media research firm Coleman Insights, concluded that consumers perceive the overall state of Country Music as significantly more positive than professionals in the industry do.  Additionally, radio is the medium which makes consumers feel “most connected” to Country Music and remains the most consistent means of new music discovery for them.  New media usage in Country Music continues to increase among all age demographics, showing growth patterns consistent with those in other formats.  Complete findings from the study will be available at CRB.org and ColemanInsights.com on Wednesday, March 9, at 10 a.m. CST.

“I was extremely excited about the research data presented at CRS this year,” says CRB Board member and Chair of the CMA Research Committee, Rusty Walker.  “As a result of the study’s innovative approach and its thorough questionnaire process, the findings by Coleman Insights will help all facets of the Country Music industry in better serving its customers, listeners and fans.”

The 2011 study surveyed a sample of 12- to 64-year-old P1 Country radio listeners across the U.S. and their usage of new media devices, including social media websites, smartphone applications and radio station and artist websites.  Data was trended against the findings from the last national Country radio P1 study presented at CRS, conducted in 2007.  Participants in this year’s study were polled between Feb. 7-18, 2011, via email and online questionnaires.

“This year’s study confirmed that the overall perception of Country Music by its core consumers was extremely positive, and the general health of Country radio is still strong,” says Coleman Insights President and COO Warren Kurtzman.  “Listeners are continuing to find new means of consuming Country Music through emerging technologies, but this study seems to indicate they are not undermining Country radio’s connection with its listeners.”

Findings from the study were presented March 3 at the CRB research panel during CRS 2011.  Coleman Insights VPs Chris Ackerman and Sam Milkman presented the data, and CMA Market Research Director Greg Fuson announced the study as a piece of CMA’s continuing research to help identify and define the Country Music consumer.

For more information about the 2011 CRB Country Radio P1 listener research study, visit www.CRB.org or www.ColemanInsights.com

Survey to measure realities of Country Music consumers’ new media usage vs. perceptions of Country Music industry

(Nashville, Tenn. – Jan. 3, 2011) Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.® and the Country Music Association have partnered to present a new research project at CRS 2011, emphasizing new media usage in today’s primary Country Music consumer demographic.

The comprehensive study surveys both Country Music consumers and professionals in the Country Music industry, making it unique from previous research projects presented at CRS.  The parallel study not only tracks the actual new media engagement and usage by the Country Music fan, but also the perception of those trends by programmers, managers, artists and other executives within the Country Music industry.

“I think one of the most interesting things about this year’s study is that it’s going to poll people within our industry, not just fans and radio listeners,” said Rusty Walker, president of Rusty Walker Programming.  “It will be interesting to see how accurate we are in predicting the popularity of new media in the daily lives of our listeners.  I’m betting there will be some surprises there.”

The 2011 study dissects the awareness, interest in and usage of new media devices, social media, smartphone applications and radio station and artist websites in the Country Music consumer’s daily life.  It also polls participants on topics including music consumption, interaction with and purchase of music via new media outlets, radio listening versus television and Internet usage, and adoption trends of services such as Netflix, Skype and standard texting.

“How Country Music consumers integrate new media into their daily lives seems to be changing at a rapid pace,” said Greg Fuson, CMA Market Research Director. “This research study is a great opportunity for us to truly gain insights on how today’s consumer is using the new media to interact with music.”

The study, conducted by North Carolina-based media research firm, Coleman Insights, covers a cross-section of 18- to 54-year-old Country radio listeners who will be polled via online interviews.  A significant sample of industry professionals will be contacted as well.  Surveying begins in January 2011 to ensure the most current findings are represented.  The CRB/CMA research presentation panel is to be held Thursday, March 3, 2011, at 11 a.m. in the Nashville Convention Center.

The annual CRB/CMA research presentation continues to be one of the premier panels offered at Country Radio Seminar and provides valuable insight into important issues facing the Country radio industry.  CRS 2011 is held March 2-4, 2011.  The $499 Regular Registration rate is currently available at www.CRB.org or through the Country Radio Broadcasters offices at (615) 327-4487.

About CRB:
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 vitality and promote growth in the Country Radio format.  More information may be obtained at: www.CRB.org or at the CRB office at (615) 327-4487.

About CRS:
The Country Radio Seminar is an annual convention designed to educate and promote the exchange of ideas in the Country music industry.  Country Radio Seminar is a registered trademark of Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.  CRS 2011 is held March 2-4, 2011, in Nashville, Tenn.  Registration is currently available online at www.CRB.org or by contacting the Country Radio Broadcasters at (615) 327-4487.

About CMA:
More than 6,000 music industry professionals and companies around the globe are members of the Country Music Association. Formed in 1958 as the first trade association for a single genre of music, the organization’s objectives are to serve as an educational and professional resource for the industry while advancing the growth of Country Music around the world. This is accomplished through CMA’s strategic imperatives – CMA Music Festival and the CMA Awards. For information about CMA visit www.CMAworld.com.

About Coleman Insights:

Coleman Insights, headquartered in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, with offices in Philadelphia and Hamburg, Germany, is a firm that has helped media properties build strong brands and develop great content since 1978. Its clients include hundreds of media properties in North America, South America, Europe and Asia, including those owned by CBS Corporation, Sony Corporation, Emmis Communications, The Walt Disney Company, Lincoln Financial Media, Clear Channel Communications, EMI, Radio One, Warner Music Group, NPR, Astral Media, Bonneville International Corporation, Vivendi SA, Citadel Communications, Grupo Radio Centro, Sandusky Radio, Lagardère International, Beasley Broadcast Group, Grupo Prisa, Mid-West Family Broadcast Group, Salem Communications, The Mondadori Group, Connoisseur Media, Corporación Radial del Perú, South Central Communications, SBS Broadcasting, Maverick Media and Hubbard Broadcasting. Additional information about Coleman Insights is available at www.ColemanInsights.com.

Study of Country Music Consumers is “Must Have” Information for Country Radio and Music Industry

(Nashville, TN – Oct. 19, 2009)  Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.® will once again present the much-anticipated CMA Research Presentation at CRS 41, including a follow-up panel to help attendees analyze the study’s findings.

This year’s CMA Research Presentation features key findings from the recently completed Prime Prospects Study, including a deeper examination of consumer trends related to radio and radio web sites.  The study also includes results from an upcoming fourth quarter Annual Tracking Study. The presentation will be held Thursday, Feb. 25, at 11 a.m. CST at Country Radio Seminar® 41.

“This kind of consumer research is invaluable, and we are thrilled that the CMA has chosen Country Radio Seminar as the platform to deliver the data,” says CRB President Becky Brenner.  “To insure that our registrants go home with actionable information, we have set aside time for a follow up session to discuss practical applications for the country music industry. These two sessions alone are worth the cost of registration.”

Following the presentation, a panel of industry leaders will discuss the findings and future applications of the data at the CMA Research Workshop.  The CMA’s timely research concludes just months before CRS 41 is held, Feb. 24-26, 2010, making it particularly relevant to the current Country Radio and Music industry.

“There’s never been a more thorough exploration of Country Music Consumers, or consumers of ANY genre of music, for that matter,” notes Rusty Walker, President of Rusty Walker Programming.  “This is a tremendous resource provided to our industry by the CMA, and there will be gems of data and information that is relevant to everybody and anybody in the business of Country Music.  It truly is an amazing collection of reliable data, useful information and powerful tools to increase your knowledge!”

Last year’s CMA Research Presentation surveyed more than 7,500 consumers in an effort to define key trending statistics for Country music fans, including listener and viewership habits, revenue drivers (“Core” and “Low-Funding”), economic factors and further profile studies of its “CountryPhiles” and “MusicPhiles.”

“The CMA research study provides an extensive look at the lifestyle habits of all segments of the country music fan, from P1s to Casuals.  Examining this data as a group, then having the opportunity to discuss its implications and action points together should be a high point for all CRS attendees,” adds Capitol Nashville President and CEO, Mike Dungan.

Dungan, Walker and Brennan continue to serve as long-standing members of the CMA and CRB Board of Directors.

The CMA Research Presentation is one of the premier panels offered at Country Radio Seminar and offers a wealth of valuable information for the Country Radio industry.  CRB, Inc.® is encouraging attendees to take advantage of the $499 early bird registration rate before it ends on Friday, Oct. 30, 2009.

Registration is currently available at the CRB website (www.crb.org) or by contacting the Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. offices at 615-327-4487.  CRS 41 will be held Feb. 24-26, 2010, at the Nashville Convention Center.