(NASHVILLE, Tenn. — July 7, 2026) Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. (CRB) is proud to announce that legendary broadcaster, industry leader, Country Radio Hall of Fame member, and Radio Hall of Fame inductee Lon Helton will receive the 2026 CRB President’s Award.
The CRB President’s Award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and played a vital role in shaping the success of the Country Radio Seminar (CRS) and its mission to advance the country radio format.
CRB/CRS Board President Kurt Johnson shares, “Few people in this industry have given more to country radio than Lon Helton. This recognition has never been more earned, or more obvious. Presenting this award to Lon is one of the privileges of my career.”
Over a career spanning more than five decades, Helton has served as a trusted voice, advocate, mentor, journalist, and innovator whose contributions have helped shape the landscape of country radio and the broader music industry.
His broadcasting career began in Monmouth, Illinois, at WVPC-FM and WRAM before notable stops at WGIL-AM and WGIL-FM in Galesburg, Illinois; KLAK in Denver, Colorado; WMAQ, WJJD, and WJEZ in Chicago; and KHJ and KLAC in Los Angeles. Since 1984, Helton has hosted nationally syndicated country music radio programming, most notably Country Countdown USA, which he launched in 1992 and continues to host today. Other programs include Country Close-Up, Nashville Live, Listen-In, Country Star Tracks, and over 100 world-premiere album broadcasts.
In addition to his on-air success, Helton has been one of country radio’s most influential journalists and industry observers. He joined Radio & Records as Country Editor in 1983 and launched Country Aircheck in 2006, which remains an indispensable resource serving country radio and the music industry.
A longtime supporter of CRS, Helton has helped foster meaningful dialogue between broadcasters, artists, labels, and industry leaders while mentoring generations of radio professionals. His commitment to the growth and vitality of the format has made him one of the most respected and trusted figures in country music.
A 2006 Country Radio Hall of Fame inductee and a 2022 Radio Hall of Fame inductee, Helton’s accomplishments are unmatched. He has been named the Country Music Association (CMA)’s National Broadcast Personality of the Year an unprecedented 13 times and the Academy of Country Music (ACM)’s National On-Air Personality of the Year five times. His numerous industry honors also include St. Jude’s Angels Among Us Award, the Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award, the CRB Humanitarian Award, and CMA’s J. William Denny Award.
Beyond broadcasting, Helton has dedicated countless hours to leadership and service across the country music industry. He served as CMA President and Chairman from 1999 to 2002 and has contributed his expertise to the boards of the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, the Country Music Foundation, the St. Jude Country Radio Advisory Council, and the Country Music Retirement Community.
The 2026 CRB President’s Award will be presented during the Country Radio Hall of Fame ceremony on Monday, Aug. 3, at Virgin Hotels Nashville. The evening will also recognize the distinguished members of the Country Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
For more information about the Country Radio Hall of Fame and to view past inductees, please visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com.
About Country Radio Hall of Fame: The Country Radio Hall of Fame was established to recognize those who have dedicated their careers to the advancement and success of country radio. Honorees represent the very best of the industry, with a commitment to excellence that continues to shape the landscape of country music radio.
About Country Radio Seminar: Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 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 2027 is scheduled for March 17–19.
About Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.®: Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1969 to bring radio broadcasters worldwide together with the country music industry to ensure vitality and promote growth in the country radio format.