Five all-star Country radio industry veterans to helm CRS panels, marking yet another first for Country Radio Seminar

(Nashville, TN – Aug. 23, 2010)  In an unprecedented move for Country Radio Seminar, a team of five Country Radio industry veterans has been selected to moderate all CRS 2011 panels, CRB, Inc.® announced today.

The five individuals chosen by the CRB Board of Directors as the inaugural class of CRS moderators are Charlie Cook (McVay Media), Erica Farber (The Farber Connection, LLC), Dan Halyburton (McVay Media), Lon Helton (Country Aircheck) and Charlie Morgan (Emmis Broadcasting).

“In making this unprecedented change in our seminar, the vision of Country Radio Broadcasters was to implement a team of moderators who possess the specialized skills to draw the best from our panelists and audience participants,” says CRB Executive Director Bill Mayne.  “We feel that this is the best way to encourage open dialogue and useful ‘take away’ information from each session.  Our goal is to provide each participant with the necessary tools to increase revenue, increase ratings and advance their career.”

The five Country Radio Seminar moderators will share the responsibility of overseeing and directing 17 different educational panels over three days at CRS 2011, to be held March 2-4, 2011, at the Nashville Convention Center.  CRB plans to recruit a pool of at least 20 individuals to choose from to assemble each year’s class of moderators.

In the past two years, Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. has implemented a number of new events and seminar modifications designed to enhance the overall CRS experience for attendees.  These changes include a digital liners program, the CRS 1 on 1 mentoring sessions, a $99 Unemployment registration rate, a completely redesigned official CRB.org website, lower rates at all registration tiers and a streamlined agenda that ensures participants can attend more panels and events during the seminar.

For more information about Country Radio Broadcasters or Country Radio Seminar 2011, visit the official CRB website at www.CRB.org.

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 will be held March 2-4, 2011, in Nashville, Tenn.  Limited time, $399 registration is currently available online at www.CRB.org or by contacting the Country Radio Broadcasters at (615) 327-4487.

(Nashville, TN – Feb. 26, 2010) On Friday, Feb. 26, Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. announced its 2010 Radio Promotion Award winners at CRS 2010.

Winners were awarded in three categories (Large, Medium and Small Markets) and are organized below with the following information: (Placement / Call Letters / Market / Promotion Title).

Large Market:
First Place: KSD / St. Louis, MO / The Bull Float Trip
Second Place: WYCD / Detroit, MI / Taylor Swift Fearless Experience
Third Place: HANK / Indianapolis, IN / Colts Blue House

Medium Market:
First Place: WQMX / Akron, OH / Welcome to the Future
Second Place: WQMX / Akron, OH / Charity Concert Series
Third Place: KIIM / Tucson, AZ / Penny Pitch

Small Market:
First Place: WCTY / Norwich, CT / MADD About Dancing
Second Place: WFRG / Utica/Rome, NY / Amazing Carnival Race
Third Place: KZPK / St. Cloud, MN / FireFest

The Radio Promotion Awards were presented to this year’s winners during the “Zero Promotional Budget=Doing More With Less” panel at Country Radio Seminar 2010 inside the Nashville Convention Center.

All stations were judged on the creativity and implementation of their promotions, held from November 1, 2008 – Dec 31, 2009. Winners were evaluated on promotion objective, presentation style, effect on cume and overall success. Radio Promotion Award winners received a free trip to this year’s Country Radio Seminar 2010, including airfare (up to $500 of actual cost), hotel accommodations and registration fees.

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 2010 is held Feb. 24-26, 2010 in downtown Nashville, Tenn.

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.

(Nashville, TN – March 4, 2010)  Moxy Records recording artist Chelsea Field has wrapped up her first Country Radio Seminar and will release her debut single, “Things I Should’ve Said,” in the coming weeks to Country radio.

Field attended CRS 2010 in Nashville last week (Feb. 24-26), where she spent several days doing interviews, networking and preparing for the release of her first single, “Things I Should’ve Said.”  She also helped to close out this year’s CRS with a performance at Digital Rodeo’s “Guilty Pleasures” show on Friday night alongside acts like Emily West, Love & Theft, Mark Wills, Steve Azar, Julie Roberts, Buddy Jewell, Mallary Hope, Bomshel and Laura Bell Bundy.

“The whole CRS experience for me was just amazing,” says Field.  “There is so much you can learn about the Country radio business at CRS, and the timing of it couldn’t have been better for me, personally.  We got feedback from so many people at the seminar, and I know it’s going to help us when we release ‘Things I Should’ve Said’ in the coming weeks.”

Award-winning songwriter and producer Trey Bruce (Trace Adkins, Chris Ledoux, Rebecca Lynn Howard) produced Field’s debut album and single.  In February, Field became the first artist to sign with new Nashville-based independent label, Moxy Records.

A video is currently being planned for “Things I Should’ve Said.”  Field’s debut album is scheduled for release in summer 2010.

For more information about Chelsea Field, visit www.ChelseaFieldOfficial.com.

Moxy Records recording artist Chelsea Field (r) poses with fellow Country newcomer Laura Bell Bundy after the Digital Rodeo “Guilty Pleasures” show.  The event closed out CRS 2010 in downtown Nashville on Friday, Feb. 26, 2010.   Photo: Randi Radcliff

Additional Panelists, Performance From Rodney Atkins Also Announced

(Nashville, TN – Feb. 9, 2010)  Radio stations from across the country will broadcast live from Country Radio Seminar 2010 in the exhibit hall area, beginning Wednesday, Feb. 24, and continuing through Friday, Feb. 26, 2010.

The Morris Radio Group, of parent company Morris Communications, will send crews from its following Country-format stations to CRS this year:  KGNC (Amarillo, TX), KBRJ (Anchorage, AK), KYEZ (Salina, KS), WIBW (Topeka, KS), KAYO (Wasilla, AK) and KKRV (Wenatchee, WA).

“It’s impressive to see the entire Morris Group of Country stations, from Kansas to Alaska and from the Texas Panhandle to Washington, making the most of CRS,” says radio consultant Jaye Albright.  “These broadcasts will give their listeners the ability to experience some of the entertaining and educational aspects of CRS and hopefully set a trend, as more stations take advantage of this opportunity at future Country Radio Seminars.”

John Windus, from KKRV in Wenatchee, WA, will facilitate interview requests for each of the stations.

Says Windus, “Nashville and CRS are so special because it’s the only time during the year that we can connect our listeners with so many of their favorite artists.  The accessibility to artists that the labels provide remains unique to our format and is one of our ‘secret weapons.’  What the Morris Group is doing is special too, because we’re not just attending seminars, we’re also bringing listeners to the party.”

Other station participants also expressed their excitement and appreciation at the opportunity to broadcast live at CRS 2010.

“97.9 KGNC-FM, Amarillo’s Country Leader, will be broadcasting mornings and afternoons from CRS,” said Tim Butler, KGNC Program Director.  “We are happy to be a part of this great opportunity afforded us by the CRB, AristoMedia and Morris Communications.  It will be great to bring a taste of Nashville and CRS live to our listeners in the Texas Panhandle.”

Eddie Maxwell of 100.9 FM/KAYO said, “It is an honor and a privilege to be able to broadcast from the home of Country music, Nashville, Tennessee.  We appreciate the CRB for being so gracious as to allow us the opportunity to broadcast from the greatest gathering of like-minded people, country programmers.”

Adds Chad Allen, KYEZ 93.7 Program Director, “Y93.7 will share the stories as we discover new artists and music, as well as reconnect with our favorites.  We’ll bring the CRS excitement to our listeners not only on the air, but through our website as well.”

Exhibitors already announced for CRS-2010 include Avid Path, Ad Mall, Country Fastball, Operation Troop Aid, Moby in the Morning and Radiolicious.

For more information about CRS, visit www.CRB.org.

About Morris Radio Group:
The Morris Radio broadcast operation originated with two stations in Amarillo, Texas, and two stations in Topeka, Kansas, which were acquired in 1995 with the purchase of Stauffer Communications. The Morris broadcast division came into its own in 1997 and 1998 with the respective purchases of the Desert Radio Group in Palm Springs, Calif., and Pioneer Broadcasting of Washington state. The seven California stations, 13 stations in Alaska and Washington state, and the 2004 purchase of six additional stations from EBC, Inc., of Salina, Kansas, grew the company’s total broadcast holdings to 33 stations and two networks.  Visit www.MorrisComm.com for more information.

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 2010 will be held Feb. 24-26, 2010 in Nashville, Tenn.  Registration is currently available online at www.CRB.org or by contacting the Country Radio Broadcasters 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.

Brooks & Dunn to Deliver Special Announcement

(Nashville, TN. – Jan. 28, 2010) Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.® has announced the talent lineup for the Sony Music Nashville luncheon at CRS 2010, to be held Feb. 24-26, 2010.

Thursday’s luncheon, held on Feb. 25 from 12:30 – 2:20 p.m in the CMA Performance Hall, will include performances from Alan Jackson and Danny Gokey, plus a special announcement from Brooks & Dunn.

“This is the ‘iLunch’,” laughs Sony Music Nashville VP Marketing and CRB Board member Tom Baldrica. “We have an Idol in Danny Gokey, an Icon in Alan Jackson, and the Intrigue of a special Brooks & Dunn announcement.  Sounds like the recipe for an unforgettable lunch!”

“Country Radio Broadcasters is extremely excited to announce such great talent at the Sony Music Nashville luncheon in our newly renovated CMA Performance Hall,” adds CRB President Becky Brenner.  “This update is just one of the numerous upgrades and special events that attendees will find memorable at CRS 2010 as we launch into a whole new decade!”

The $599 Regular Rate and $99 Unemployment Rate registrations for CRS 2010 expire Jan 31, 2010.  The full price On-Site Rate begins Feb. 1.

About Alan Jackson:
Arista Nashville superstar Alan Jackson has become one of the most awarded, respected, and successful artists of his generation, selling more than 50 million albums and amassing a whopping 34 #1 singles, 24 of which he wrote.  After adding another trio of chart-toppers to that tally with 2008’s acclaimed Good Time collection, the GRAMMY and 16-time ACM and CMA award-winner is set to release his 18th album, Freight Train, on March 30, featuring his new smash single, “It’s Just That Way.”  Visit www.AlanJackson.com for more information.

About Danny Gokey:
Danny Gokey became a favorite of millions of fans nationwide as a finalist on Season Eight of American Idol, and the Milwaukee native and 19 Recordings/RCA Nashville recording artist is now poised to release his debut album, My Best Days, on March 2.  Danny is already making new fans everywhere with the album’s feel-good first hit single, “My Best Days Are Ahead of Me.”  Danny credits his late wife, Sophia, with the inspiration to pursue his musical dreams on Idol, and he continues to honor her with the charitable work of the Sophia’s Heart Foundation, founded in her memory.  For more information, visit www.DannyGokey.com.

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 2010 will be held Feb. 24-26, 2010 in Nashville, Tenn.  Register at www.CRB.org or by contacting the Country Radio Broadcasters 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.

WHO: Country Radio Seminar 2010 Attendees

WHEN: Feb. 24-26, 2010

WHERE: Nashville Convention Center (601 Commerce St., Nashville, TN, 37203)

WHAT: Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.® would like to remind those planning to attend this year’s CRS 2010 that the discounted $599 Regular Rate and the $99 Unemployment Rate will end Sunday, Jan. 31.  CRB is offering its first ever Unemployment Rate for those who are currently unemployed and wanting to attend CRS.  This rate provides access to educational events only, including more than 20 seminars, panels and exhibits. Contact Kristen McCrary at 615-327-4487 or Kristen@CRB.org for registration materials.  Proof of unemployment will be subject to verification by CRB.

Replaces KCRS Live! event at this year’s Country Radio Seminar

(Nashville, TN – Jan. 11, 2010) – Capitol Records Nashville recording artist Darius Rucker will headline a special ASCAP-sponsored event at CRS 2010 called “Storytellers with Darius Rucker,” replacing Country Radio Seminar’s annual KCRS Live! showcase.

Rucker will be the featured performer at the event, to be held on Wednesday, Feb. 24, from 4 p.m. – 5:20 p.m. in the Nashville Convention Center during CRS 2010.  Co-writers Clay Mills, Frank Rogers, Chris DuBois, Ashley Gorley and Rivers Rutherford will join Rucker during his performance as they discuss the craft of songwriting and the collaborations behind the No. 1 hits, “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It” (Rucker/Mills), “It Won’t Be Like This For Long” (Rucker/DuBois/Gorley) and “Alright” (Rucker/Rogers), among others.

“With Darius having such incredible success with his first three Country singles going to No. 1, we thought it would be a unique and entertaining way to celebrate that by branding this year’s KCRS Live! as ‘Storytellers With Darius Rucker,’” says ASCAP Senior VP Connie Bradley.  “This year’s showcase will be a little bit different since Darius will be the only performer, but he’s going to be joined by some of the incredibly talented songwriters that helped him write such hits as ‘Alright’ and ‘It Won’t Be Like This For Long.’  It should be a very special event.”

Details and performers at Thursday’s BMI sponsored WCRS Live! showcase will be announced soon.

CRS 2010 is held Feb. 24-26, 2010 at the Nashville Convention Center in downtown Nashville, Tenn.  Visit www.CRB.org for more details.

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 2010 will be held Feb. 24-26, 2010 in Nashville, Tenn.  Regular Rate registration expires Jan. 31 and is currently available online at www.CRB.org or by contacting the Country Radio Broadcasters at 615-327-4487. Follow CRS 2010 on Facebook, or on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/OfficialCRS.

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.

Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert, Dierks Bentley, Zac Brown Band Among Recent Additions

(Nashville, TN – Dec. 3, 2009) CRB, Inc.® has announced the second round of artists scheduled to participate in the new digital liners system at CRS 2010, to be held Feb. 24-26, 2010, in Nashville, Tenn. The new program replaces the Artist Radio Taping Session that was previously held on site at Country Radio Seminar.

The deadline for artist registration for the digital liners system is Dec. 18. The most recent artist confirmations include: Dierks Bentley, Big Kenny, Eli Young Band, Gloriana, Jack Ingram, Jypsi, Miranda Lambert, Joe Nichols, Jonathan Singleton & The Grove, Taylor Swift and Zac Brown Band.

Previously announced artists include: Jason Aldean, Rodney Atkins, The Band Perry, Brooks & Dunn, Jason Michael Carroll, Carter’s Chord, Terri Clark, Whitney Duncan, Sara Evans, Fast Ryde, Pat Green, Jewel, Blaine Larsen, The Lost Trailers, Justin Moore, Craig Morgan, Mica Roberts, Steel Magnolia, Carrie Underwood, Jimmy Wayne, Chuck Wicks, Mark Wills, Gretchen Wilson and Darryl Worley.

The first 150 stations to sign up for the digital liners system by Dec. 18 (also the CRS 2010 Advance Rate deadline) will receive priority access and custom liner capability with all of the participating artists. Stations that have already registered for CRS 2010 are automatically included.

Registration is now open for the Artist/Attendee Welcome Reception, which returns to Country Radio Seminar for the first time in several years. The reception takes place Thursday, Feb. 25, at 6 p.m. in the Convention Center Exhibit Hall area, immediately prior to the ACM sponsored Music City Jam™. RSVPs must be received at rsvp@crb.org by Friday, February 12, 2010, to confirm an artist’s attendance at the Artist/Attendee Welcome Reception.

“The growing number of artists registering for our new digital liners system is impressive and certainly reflects the interest in this exciting change at Country Radio Seminar,” says CRB Board Member Clarence Spalding. “We also encourage all artists to attend the newly reinstated Artist/Attendee cocktail reception, which gives CRS registrants and artists a chance to mingle in a more laid back atmosphere. The Board has worked hard to create a vibe at this event that will be an enjoyable experience for everyone involved.”

For specific radio attendee inquiries, contact Kristen McCrary at 615-327-4487 or Kristen@CRB.org. For specific artist inquiries, contact Chasity Crouch at 615-327-4487 or Chasity@CRB.org. Additional information about the new digital liners system may be found here.

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 2010 will be held Feb. 24-26, 2010 in Nashville, Tenn. Advance Rate registration expires Dec. 18 and is currently available online at www.CRB.org or by contacting the Country Radio Broadcasters at 615-327-4487. Follow CRS 41 on Facebook, or on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/OfficialCRS.

Riders ipod Superstars Carrie Underwood, Brooks & Dunn Among Those Already Confirmed

(Nashville, TN – November 16, 2009)  In the latest evolution of the Country Radio Seminar experience, Country Radio Broadcasters has announced a new digital liners system that replaces the on-site Artist Radio Taping Session at CRS.

The new digital process enables radio stations to submit their custom liner requests directly to CRB, which will deliver the liners to a specific list of registered artists on the station’s behalf.  The artists will then record digital versions and return them to Country Radio Broadcasters.  Radio stations will pick up their disc of liners when they arrive at CRS registration.  Stations must register for the new system by Dec. 18, 2009 (the CRS 41 Advance Rate deadline) to submit custom requests.  Stations that have already registered for CRS are automatically included.

“With this new and improved digital system, Country Radio Broadcasters has used today’s technological advances to provide radio with liners of the highest possible quality.  At the same time, we are providing artists with an opportunity to record those liners in a manner that will work with their busy schedules,” says CRB Board Member John Zarling, who is overseeing the digital transition along with fellow Board Member Clarence Spalding.  “If the caliber and diversity of artists already confirmed is any indication, CRS 41 is poised to deliver an amazing package of liners for our registrants.”

Turner & Hooch divx

The first 150 stations to sign up for the new digital liners system will be given priority access to the participating artists.  Artists already confirmed include: Jason Aldean, Rodney Atkins, The Band Perry, Brooks & Dunn, Jason Michael Carroll, Carter’s Chord, Terri Clark, Whitney Duncan, Sara Evans, Fast Ryde, Pat Green, Jewel, Blaine Larsen, The Lost Trailers, Justin Moore, Craig Morgan, Mica Roberts, Steel Magnolia, Carrie Underwood, Jimmy Wayne, Chuck Wicks, Mark Wills, Gretchen Wilson and Darryl Worley.

For specific radio attendee inquiries, contact Kristen McCrary at 615-327-4487 or Kristen@CRB.org.  For specific artist inquiries, contact Chasity Crouch at 615-327-4487 or Chasity@CRB.org.  For more information about the new digital liners system, visit www.CRB.org/crs41/digitalliners/index.shtml.

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:
Abbott and Costello in Who Done It? movie
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 41 will be held Feb. 24-26, 2010 in Nashville, Tenn.  Advance Rate registration expires Dec. 18 and is currently available online at www.CRB.org or by contacting the Country Radio Broadcasters at 615-327-4487. Follow CRS 41 on Facebook, or on Twitter at
www.Twitter.com/OfficialCRS.