Mike Moore is the Program Director of Cumulus’ New Country 101-Five WKHX Atlanta.
His peers recently voted him to the seventh spot on Barrett Media’s Top 20 Country Programmers. As a long-time CRS attendee, I talked with him about his experiences and what he looks forward to each year.
“I wouldn’t have enjoyed the success that I have and got to do the things that I have done over the course of my career had it not been frankly for CRS.”
“The networking that takes place there. I interviewed there for my first big break. One of the best jobs I’ve ever had in my life. I interviewed for the program director job in Orlando at CRS.”
“I just can’t say enough about it. This year, I’m excited because I always like to go and reconnect with old friends and folks I haven’t seen or talked to on a regular basis. I always find at least a few of the panels interesting.”
Like many AI sits near the top of his interest level this year.
“There’s a heavy emphasis this year on AI, which is top of mind for everybody. So I think the more we can find out about that and how it can be a tool and helpful to us is good.
“I think the research panel is always interesting, and then I would say that you usually end up discovering or finding an artist or two that you really feel good about. Somebody stands out and raises their hand as the next exciting thing coming down the pike.”
The comradery of CRS blends the seasoned vets with the newcomers in an effortless and family-type way.
“I’ve always kind of thought to myself there were so many people who were kind to me as a young programmer. I mean, it’s a long list. Rusty Walker, I’m sure he’s probably on everybody’s list, and Gregg Swedberg, some folks that frankly aren’t a lot older than I am, but they are doing it longer.”
“I always really enjoyed that time because you learn a lot in the hallways. Not to mention just the networking and the connections that you make.”
“I think that’s one of the special things about CRS versus maybe some of the other conventions that have existed over the years, and I also think it’s one of the things that makes this format special. I believe it’s probably a more family environment than some of the other formats, which I think is good.”
Music is a massive part of the experience, and I wondered if a couple of performances stood out.
“One that stands out because I remember it was absolutely the talk of that CRS was Gretchen Wilson back in the day. People saw her perform, and then very shortly thereafter, she just exploded like a rocket ship onto the scene.”
“I think Rascal Flatts was kind of that same way. We went to a listening party with a very small group of folks. It was pre-Clear Channel gobbling everything up. I was in Hartford, Connecticut, at the time.”
“There were a handful of us in the room for this listening session. Greg Swedberg was there, and I think Mike Kennedy and Tim Clausen. We all walked out of there blown away after listening to a new Rascal Flatts project and hearing them play live. “We thought wow This is this is this is a monumental kind of a shift in the sound of the format.”
“I think there are always those kinds of events like that where somebody will literally stop the room. The Ryman lunches are good for that. There have been a number of things that have happened at that lunch where people have performed, and you walk out of there just going, wow, that person just literally flattened in that room I think that’s part of the magic.”
What advice does Moore have for a first-time attendee?
“Don’t spend all your time out late at night. While that can be fun, make sure you get up the next day to attend some of the panels. Do all you can to network with people. Reach out to them and stay in touch.”
“Bring along a business card or be able to share contacts on the phone. Business cards are probably a little old-school these days. You never know who you’re going to meet, and I think networking is key.”
“As I said, I interviewed for my first big break job there. But the contacts I have made there over the years and folks I have met and continue to deal with, you just never know how that might benefit your career.”
“Whether it be another radio person, somebody in syndication, a label person, or even an artist, the relationships you develop with those folks can be valuable down the line.
“I think my advice would be it’s a long race. Make sure you save enough to get you through Friday.”
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Jeff Lynn serves as Editor of Barrett Media’s Music Radio coverage. Prior to joining Barrett Media, Jeff spent time programming in Milwaukee, Omaha, Cleveland, Des Moines, and Madison for multiple radio groups, including iHeartMedia, Townsquare Media, NRG Media, and Entercom (now Audacy). He also worked as a Country Format Editor for All Access until the outlet shut down in August 2023.
To get in touch with Jeff by email, reach him at Jeff@BarrettMedia.com.
