(Nashville, Tennessee — January 29, 2026) — Country Radio Seminar (CRS) has announced three research presentations scheduled for CRS 2026, underscoring its continued commitment to providing the country radio and music industry with meaningful, actionable insights. Taking place March 18–20, CRS 2026 will feature a distinct, in-depth research project each day, offering attendees an unprecedented breadth of audience intelligence.
As access to comprehensive research becomes increasingly limited across the industry, Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. (CRB) and CRS are prioritizing original, high-quality studies that inform programming, strategy, and long-term growth. Each presentation is uniquely designed to address a different dimension of the country music audience, from current music testing and listener perceptions to the next generation of fans.
This year’s planned research presentations are:
Wednesday, March 18: NuVoodoo will present results from a 400-song Auditorium Music Test (OMT), presented by Curb Records, screening country fans ages 18–54 who engage with both radio and streaming platforms. The study will provide detailed breakouts by demographic segments, geographic regions across the U.S., and listening preferences. This marks the third consecutive year CRS has delivered a full national music test conducted by NuVoodoo, with complete results made available to all CRS attendees.
Thursday, March 19: CRS will present its annual Perceptual Study, conducted this year by Strategic Solutions Research. This broad-format study explores how country music fans feel about the genre today, when and how they listen, and how listening behaviors are evolving. Key areas of focus include music perceptions — such as era balance and familiarity — artists listeners want to hear more or less of, and the ongoing impact of on-air personalities, local connection, and community engagement on the listening experience.
Friday, March 20: The Country Music Association (CMA) will present findings from its recently completed teen-focused research study, a custom project designed to better understand the next generation of country music listeners. Following the data presentation, a panel comprised of radio and streaming programmers, as well as an artist (to be announced), will discuss the future audience pipeline for the genre, how teens engage with music today, and how country fits into their lives.
“This year, CRS is working with three outstanding partners to bring a true trifecta of research to our constituents. CRS has never assembled or shared a research rollout this comprehensive,” says Clay Hunnicutt, CRB Research Committee Co-Chair. “Whether you’re looking for music research to identify potential hits, perceptual data to guide strategic decisions, or insight into what the next generation of country fans is saying to help grow our business, CRS has you covered every day.”
“Knowledge is power, and the research coming out of CRS this year reflects that. By delivering three distinct research initiatives, CRS is providing the industry with a deeper, more complete understanding of listener behavior, music preferences, and where the future of country music is headed,” adds Justin Chase, CRB Research Committee Co-Chair.
General registration for CRS 2026, taking place March 18–20, is $698 per person and is available at www.CountryRadioSeminar.com. Limited single-day passes are also available for $349 (maximum of two per person) and include access to panels, speakers, luncheons, and networking events for the selected day, excluding Friday’s New Faces of Country Music® Showcase. New Faces of Country Music® tickets are sold separately for $110 and are limited; early purchase is strongly encouraged.
For more information, visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com and follow CRS on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also call 615-327-4487 for additional information.
About Country Radio Seminar: Country Radio Seminar (CRS) is an annual convention meticulously designed to facilitate knowledge exchange and foster the exchange of business practices within the country music industry. With a specific focus on matters relevant to country radio, CRS serves as a vital platform for industry professionals to thrive and contribute. The dates for CRS 2026 are March 18–20.
About Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.®: Established in 1969, Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc ® is a 501 © 3 non-profit organization that serves as a unifying force, connecting radio broadcasters worldwide with the dynamic country music industry. Our mission is to ensure its vitality and foster growth within the industry.
