For over 50 years, the annual Country Radio Seminar (CRS) held in Nashville, Tennessee and put on by the Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) has been the most important gathering of radio programmers from coast to coast in the Country format. The event provides an opportunity to learn the latest trends and tactics for ratings growth, a chance to network with the best in the business, showcases new and emerging artists, and recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the country radio/music industry. Plus, it includes a lot of live music and cold cocktails, too!
With Point-To-Point Marketing providing audience development to many companies and radio stations in the Country format, I’m always excited to learn from those in attendance and meet with old friends and new contacts. Here are the five things I'm most looking forward to seeing at CRS this year:
#1 - All the Singles, Ladies
Maybe the single hottest topic concerning the Country radio format over the past couple of years has been the disparity in airplay between male performers and female performers. Given such strong opinions about the subject, the panel titled "All the Singles, Ladies: Breaking Female Artists" should be one of the liveliest of the week. The CRB has even expanded this session to 90 minutes in anticipation of the discussion, and I'm surprised they didn't schedule it for early on day-one, as the topic will surely come up in so many conversations throughout the entire seminar.
#2 - 2020 Vision on Radios Future
As the radio industry launches into a new decade with both opportunities and headwinds, there will be insight from some of the best in the industry about what audio means to listeners, advertisers, and local communities during the "Radio in the New Decade: What's Next?" panel. Anytime you have President/CEO of the Radio Advertising Bureau Erica Farber, Chairperson/CEO of Hubbard Broadcasting Ginny Morris, Executive VP of Cox Media Group Bill Hendrich, and SVP of Programming for Townsquare Media Kurt Johnson on the panel, it truly is a can't-miss session.
#3 - An All-Star Team Takes the Stage
One of the marquee off-site events of CRS is a star-studded line-up of artists playing a lunch-time show at the historic Ryman Auditorium. While everyone in radio loves a free lunch, the desert at the "Team UMG at the Ryman" luncheon is having Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Sam Hunt, Little Big Town, Jon Pardi, Travis Denning, Caylee Hammack, Brandon Lay, Adam Hambrick, Parker McCollum, and Kylie Morgan all performing live at the Mother Church of Country Music! Plus, there is usually a surprise guest or two.
#4 - Putting the Power of Podcasting To Work
While streaming and social media have dominated the digital discussion at CRS in recent years, the potential of podcasting will be front and center this year as the industry explores the growth of on-demand audio with the session "InPod We Trust." Strategies for content creation, potential monetization, and marketing a podcast (something we know a lot about at Point-To-Point Marketing!) will be explained by the panel to help stations execute the quickest growing form of audio entertainment and content.
#5 - Nominees and New Faces
The "CRS 2020 New Faces of Country Music" show and dinner puts a wrap on the seminar each year, shining the spotlight on up-and-coming artists and industry award winners. The Class of 2020 who will perform live includes Ingrid Andress, Morgan Evans, Riley Green, Runaway June, and Mitchell Tenpenny. During the evening, CRB President Kurt Johnson and Country Aircheck Publisher Lon Helton will announce winners from nominees in 28 radio & records categories. Plus, this years ACM Awards Radio nominees will also be announced. It’s sure to be a memorable night recognizing both excellent achievement and the stars of the future.
What are you looking forward to this year at CRS? Want to catch up and discuss? Just shoot me an email, text, or call and we can grab a cup of coffee and a conversation.
Tim Satterfield is the Vice President of Digital at Point-To-Point Marketing
336-337-2499
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