(Nashville, Tenn. – Dec. 3, 2012) CRS has announced this year’s Rusty Walker Scholarship winners, who receive an expense-paid trip and complimentary registration to Country Radio Seminar 2013, held Feb. 27 – March 1, in Nashville, Tenn.

The three inaugural winners are: Jeff Harju (GM, WHKB/Houghton, MI), Cynthia Hayward (Air Personality/MD/Asst. PD, KMOK-FM/Lewiston, ID) and Courtney Smith (Promotions Director, WOLF/Syracuse, NY).

“The Rusty Walker Scholarship program stands not only to honor the legacy of one of the Country radio community’s most respected and influential members, but also to extend a helping hand to those coming up through the ranks,” says CRS Executive Director Bill Mayne.  “What better way to pay tribute to Rusty, who helped so many people throughout his long and prolific career?  We are proud and excited to welcome Jeff, Cynthia and Courtney to their first CRS!”

The Rusty Walker Scholarship program was created in 2012 to honor Country Radio Hall of Fame member Rusty Walker, who passed away in May 2012.  Each scholarship provides one full CRS 2013 registration, one ticket to the Country Radio Hall of Fame Dinner and covers airfare and hotel room expenses for four nights in Nashville.  Scholars will be recognized at the CRS 2013 opening ceremonies and will have the opportunity to meet and interact with CRS board members during the three-day event.  All scholarship applications were reviewed for consideration by a CRS selection committee.

CRS 2013 is held Feb. 27-March 1, 2013, at the Nashville Convention Center in downtown Nashville, Tenn.

About Country Radio Seminar:
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 2013 will be held Feb. 27 – March 1, 2013, in downtown Nashville, Tenn., at the Nashville Convention Center.  $499 Registration is now available.  Visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com for more information.

(Nashville, Tenn. – Oct. 25, 2012) Only one week remains to take advantage of Country Radio Seminar’s $399 Early Bird Rate.  The specially reduced rate expires at midnight on Wednesday, Oct. 31.

CRS 2013 agenda highlights include two major research presentations (sponsored by CMA and CRS), three label luncheons and performances (UMG, Capitol/EMI, Black River Entertainment) the WCRS Live! (sponsored by BMI/Country Aircheck) and KCRS Live! (sponsored by ASCAP/City National) showcases, more than 20 educational panels and industry-leading speakers, the CRS keynote address, the popular New Faces of Country Music Dinner and Performance (co-sponsored by MDA and ACM) and a special, unprecedented gift to the Country music industry.

Also announced this week was a special offer from the Cleveland HeartLab, which has agreed to administer “IT” (Inflammation Testing) on-site for up to 500 CRS 2013 attendees for free.

CRS 2013 is held Feb. 27 – March 1, 2013 in downtown, Nashville, Tenn. New items on the CRS agenda include a daily, featured speaker every morning and a programmer’s breakfast, in addition to the seminar’s already established manager’s breakfast.

Previously announced presentation speakers include broadcast consultant and talent coach Valerie Geller (Geller Media International), brand management and social media marketing pro Jeff James and talent experts from The Center For Sales Strategy, Beth and Matt Sunshine.  The previously announced CRS core moderators are Ken Boesen (Operations Manager, WKIS/Miami), Beverlee Brannigan (Operations Manager, Journal Broadcast Group/Milwaukee), Dan Halyburton (Business Development at Texas State Network, CBS Radio/Dallas), Todd Schumacher (VP/Market Manager, Cox Media Group/Louisville) and Matt Sunshine (Executive VP, The Center For Sales Strategy/Plano).

The CRS 2013 agenda is available online at www.CountryRadioSeminar.com.  More agenda and event details will be announced in the coming weeks.

About Country Radio Seminar:
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 2013 will be held Feb. 27 – March 1, 2013, in downtown Nashville, Tenn., at the Nashville Convention Center.  $399 Early Bird Registration is now available through Oct. 31.  Visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com for more information.

(Nashville, Tenn. – July 23, 2012)  Nearly all of the specially priced $349 CRS 2013 registrations are gone, Country Radio Seminar officials announced today.  With just over a week to go, the limited time “Crazy Days of Summer” promotion will expire on July 31 if the last of the $349 registrations don’t sell out first.  This discounted price represents a savings of $150 from the $499 Regular rate.  A New Faces of Country Music Show ticket is included with the registration.

Following the expiration of the “Crazy Days” promotion, the CRS $399 Early Bird Rate will be offered through Nov. 30.  The $499 Regular Rate takes effect Dec. 1 and remains open until CRS begins on Feb. 27, 2013.

Register now for CRS 2013 at www.CountryRadioSeminar.com.

About Country Radio Seminar:
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 2013 will be held Feb. 27 – March 1, 2013, in downtown Nashville, Tenn., at the Nashville Convention Center.  Visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com for more information.  Country Radio Seminar is a property of Country Radio Broadcasters.

(Nashville, Tenn. – June 21, 2012) 19/Columbia artist and former American Idol contestant Casey James performed for a gathering of industry executives and Country Radio Broadcasters board members at The Rutledge on Wednesday, June 20.  James appeared in conjunction with the June 20-22 CRB board and CRS agenda committee meetings, held at the downtown Renaissance Hotel to help plan Country Radio Seminar 2013.  CRS 2013 is held Feb. 27 – March 1, 2013.

Pictured below, l to r:  Norbert Nix (Columbia Nashville), Johnny Chiang (KKBQ), Bill Mayne (CRB Executive Director), Becky Brenner (Albright & O’Malley), 19/Columbia artist Casey James, Mike Culotta (CRB President/WQYK), John Shomby (WGH-FM/Max Media of Hampton Roads), Joel Raab (Joel Raab Consulting).

About Country Radio Seminar:
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 2013 will be held Feb. 27 – March 1, 2013, in downtown Nashville, Tenn., at the Nashville Convention Center.  Visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com for more information.  Country Radio Seminar is a property of Country Radio Broadcasters.

Media Alert: Effective immediately, Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc., will officially continue its organizational operations under the brand and name Country Radio Seminar.  The CRB Board of Directors proposed and approved the change this summer.  “Country Radio Broadcasters is refocusing and reemphasizing its branding under the name Country Radio Seminar and its popular acronym, CRS,” says CRS Executive Director Bill Mayne.  “Our organization and its efforts are largely CRS-centric, and that is why we decided to officially designate Country Radio Seminar as our brand moving forward.  CRB, Inc. continues as the registered name of our nonprofit organization, but the website, stationery, correspondence and other affiliated brand messaging will implement the CRS logo and brand from now on.”

About Country Radio Seminar:
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 2012 will be held Feb. 22-24, 2012, in downtown Nashville, Tenn., at the Nashville Convention Center.  Visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com for more information.  Country Radio Seminar is a property of Country Radio Broadcasters.

*Hi-Res logos available upon request*

Deadline for nominees to return applications to CRS offices is Sept. 9

Radio experts, research, panels, music, networking, awards, Early Bird registration offer unparalleled value at CRS 2012

(Nashville, Tenn. – Aug. 1, 2011) Country Radio Seminar has highlighted several can’t-miss elements from its agenda for CRS 2012, to be held Feb. 22-24, 2012, at the downtown Nashville Convention Center.

Each year, Country Radio Seminar offers an outstanding and exclusive mix of expert panelists, speakers, research, music and networking to its attendees.  An early look at the three-day CRS 2012 agenda includes the following educational and entertainment opportunities.

Keynote Address: Bob Pittman, Clear Channel’s Chairman of Media and Entertainment Platforms, kicks off CRS 2012 with the keynote address on Wednesday, Feb. 22, at 9:30 a.m. CDT.  Among other positions, Pittman has served as CEO at AOL Networks, Quantum Media, Time Warner Enterprises and MTV Networks, where he led the team that created MTV.

Research: CRS has commissioned a far-reaching national Country radio study, which will debut exclusively at Country Radio Seminar 2012.

Panels: Social media, digital transition challenges, promotion strategies, branding and ratings are among the informative panel topics covered at CRS 2012, including the latest in PPM and radio diary technology.

Social Media: CRS 2012 has scheduled multiple panels on the growing importance of social media in Country radio, including a beginner and advanced session on today’s social media marketing applications.

Musical Performances: A special Wednesday night performance event is debuting at CRS 2012, along with Friday’s popular New Faces show and awards, the PRO songwriter showcases and three label luncheon concerts.  Additional surprise performances to be announced.

Networking and Socializing: CRS 2011 saw more than 2,600 industry professionals attend Country Radio Seminar, providing invaluable networking opportunities.  Additionally, the private CRS lounge is returning with a new design and a new name: The CRS Badge Bar.

Early Bird Registration Rate: Limited time, $399 registration is currently available for CRS 2012 at www.CountryRadioSeminar.com or by calling (615) 327-4487.

Awards: The Country Radio Hall of Fame dinner and induction ceremony unofficially kicks off CRS 2012 in the Nashville Convention Center on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012.  Artist and Humanitarian awards will be announced and the CRS/Country Aircheck awards will be presented during the New Faces of Country Music Show®.

For more information, an online version of the CRS 2012 agenda can be viewed at www.CountryRadioSeminar.com.   CRS reserves the right to modify or change the agenda at any time.

About Country Radio Seminar:
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 2012 will be held Feb. 22-24, 2012, in downtown Nashville, Tenn., at the Nashville Convention Center.  Visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com for more information.  Country Radio Seminar is a property of Country Radio Broadcasters.

MTV co-founder to kick off Country Radio Seminar with keynote address Wednesday, Feb. 22

(Nashville, Tenn. – July 25, 2011)  Country Radio Seminar has announced Clear Channel’s Chairman of Media and Entertainment Platforms and MTV co-founder Bob Pittman as the CRS 2012 keynote speaker.

Pittman was appointed Chairman of Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Platforms in Nov. 2010, where he, alongside Clear Channel Radio’s CEO John Hogan and team, lead the development of a comprehensive, integrated digital strategy for Clear Channel in the radio business.  A 35-year entertainment industry veteran and founding member of New York-based private investment firm Pilot Group, LLC, he will deliver the keynote address to officially kick off Country Radio Seminar at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22.  CRS will be held Feb. 22-24, 2012, at the Nashville Convention Center in downtown Nashville, Tenn.

Pittman’s extensive background in radio and television includes CEO positions at AOL Networks, Quantum Media, Time Warner Enterprises and MTV Networks, where he led the team that created MTV.  He has also served as COO of America Online, Inc. and AOL Time Warner.  Among other recognition, Pittman was named one of Advertising Age’s “10 Marketers Who Changed American Culture” and “50 Pioneers and Visionaries of TV” and one of Life magazine’s “Five Original Thinkers of the ’80s” and “50 Most Influential Boomers.”

“Bob Pittman’s resume speaks for itself,” says CRS President Mike Culotta.  “His experience in radio, television and marketing will undoubtedly provide our CRS attendees with unique insight into the issues the Country radio industry is facing today.  We are once again anticipating another informative keynote address at Country Radio Seminar, and we encourage everyone to do themselves a favor and attend.”

Pittman began his career programming radio stations in Pittsburgh, Chicago and eventually WNBC in New York City.  In 1999, he was inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame, and in 2002 he received the International Radio and Television Society’s Gold Medal.  He has also served as CEO of Six Flags Theme Parks and Century 21 Real Estate.

Past Country Radio Seminar keynote speakers have included Scripps Networks’ CEO Ken Lowe, money management expert Dave Ramsey, marketing guru Seth Godin, retired U.S. General Tommy Franks and recording artist Bon Jovi.

CRS 2012’s limited-time, $399 Early Bird registration is now available.  To register, visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com.

About Country Radio Seminar:
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 2012 will be held Feb. 22-24, 2012, in downtown Nashville, Tenn., at the Nashville Convention Center.  Visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com for more information.  Country Radio Seminar is a property of Country Radio Broadcasters.

Chairman of Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Platforms
Bob Pittman

Warner Music Nashville hosted CRB board members for Thursday’s Pickin’ On The Patio performance by Brett Eldredge, Hunter Hayes and Jason Jones.

Pictured (l-r) are WAR’s Chris Palmer, WMN’s Peter Strickland, WQYK/Tampa’s Mike Culotta, Clear Channel’s Clay Hunnicutt, KMPS/Seattle’s Becky Brenner, Jones, Eldredge, WMN’S John Esposito and Chris Stacey, Hayes, WMN’S Bob Reeves and CRB’s Bill Mayne.

(Nashville, Tenn. – June 23, 2011) In conjunction with the CRB/CRS agenda and board committee meetings at the downtown Renaissance Hotel, Columbia Nashville artist Bradley Gaskin performed for a gathering of industry executives and CRB agenda and board members on Wednesday, June 22, at John Rich’s Mt. Richmore residence in Nashville, Tenn.  Rich produced Gaskin’s current single, “Mr. Bartender.”

Pictured below, l to r:  CRB board member/Sony Music Nashville’s Skip Bishop, artist/producer John Rich, Sony Music Nashville CEO Gary Overton, Columbia Nashville artist Bradley Gaskin, CRB President Mike Culotta, CRB Executive Director Bill Mayne, Columbia Nashville’s Jimmy Rector.  Photo: Kristen England.