Country radio and music’s best and brightest gathered in Nashville for day 1 of CRS 2025. The radio industry’s premiere country conference runs through Friday February 21st. Barrett Media’s Jason Barrett and Stephanie Eads are attending a number of sessions, and holding in-person conversations. Radio professionals are also active across social media, sharing insights, opinions, and valuable takeaways from the show.
Here are some of the notable items from the first day of the Country Radio Seminar.
Session Recaps:
Ashley Morrison, Sarah Frazier, JoJo Turnbeaugh, and Andrea Burtscher discussed the importance for programming in creating and helping to monetize unique events. JoJo shared that he aims to deliver a 3 to 1 return when taking risks with local events. Sarah added that it starts with understanding the client’s marketing objective to make sure the content and/or events sell.
The conversation included a conversation about added value. JoJo shared that the word ‘no’ is not an answer today when working with sales. Frazier added that sales are not just competing against radio anymore. They compete against all media, and impressions and engagement are needed. Both agreed that the term ‘added value’ should be obliterated since it suggests the created piece isn’t worth anything.
Burtscher talked about turning local opportunities into larger national ones. By involving other stations and programmers in your companies and talking to labels, things can be built that work across multiple cities.
Morrison added how important it is for programmers to be involved in the sales process. Taking part in sales calls, going on sales calls, and helping your cluster deliver dollars keeps everyone in a stronger position. Turnbeaugh followed up by adding how including talent in the process can close deals. Frazier followed by sharing how Sean Pendergast, in her building, takes the lead on building business and how it makes a major difference.
The session ended with the panel talking about different ideas involving QR codes, Meta glasses, cardboard cutouts at events, and more. Sarah Frazier got the entire room to pop with her idea of selling a ‘glitter shitter.’
- The Warner Music Nashville luncheon featured live performances by Chase Matthew, Tyler Braden, Hunter Westbrook, RedFerrin, Avery Anna, Sam Barber, and Gavin Adcock.
Immediately after the luncheon, CRS Honors took place. Following a spectacular rendition of the Star Spangled Banner by Tigirlily Gold, and opening remarks from RJ Curtis, Townsquare Media’s Kurt Johnson took the stage to recognize the Broadcasters Foundation of America.
Johnson soon paved way for RJ Curtis who explained the CES mission to Learn, Connect, and Advance. Curtis recognized the CRS crew that helps create the event, highlighting each individual with Fox Sports like football introductions.
Next up were John Shomby and Becky Brenner to announce this year’s Scholarship winners. Among those recognized were Sarah Weaver, Erin Bourque, Jahna Michal, Jessica McKenzie-Williams, Edward Cody Huddleston, Melanie Messer, and Ilana Epstein.
Recording artist Megan Moroney then performed a tasteful rendition of one of her songs to pay respect to those lost in the industry over the past year. A list of names were featured on screen throughout Moroney’s performance.
The CRS Honors ceremony culminated with Tim Roberts, Joel Raab, RJ Curtis, and Country Radio Hall of Famers introducing the newest members of the 2025 Country Radio Hall of Fame. Those earning induction included Gregg Swedberg, Ginny Rogers Brophey, Clay Hunnicut, Big D and Bubba, Mary McCoy, and Rowdy Yates.
Other sessions included Capitalizing on the Country Momentum in Streaming, Becoming a Better Content Creator, Everything You Want to Know About Streaming, The Cycle of a Song on Ella Langley’s “You Look Like You Love Me,” and the Label-Radio-Streaming Relationship.
Lastly, Sean Copeland, Shannon Sanders, Madeline Edwards, Brooke Eden, and Tiffany Provenzano had a wide ranging conversation to start the day on the industry’s diversity challenges. The panel each shared their personal experiences, and explained why a lack of featuring new, diverse voices is causing the radio industry to leave a lot of revenue on the table.
Looking Ahead
Scheduled for later this evening are a programming networking happy hour, a performance by rising star Nikki Sparks, Amateur Hour Scareoke, and an evening of entertainment courtesy of Amazon Music.
CRS 25’s day two agenda includes a CRS research presentation by Nuvoodoo Media, and sessions focused on mental health, turning moments into careers, the cycle of a song, and more. Also scheduled are live performances at the Ryman by Luke Bryan, Brothers Osbourne, Eric Church, Dierks Bentley, Tyler Hubbard, and more. More details about the show can be learned here.
