Parker McCollum helped shine a spotlight on country radio’s impact, revealing the local-market winners of the ACM Radio Awards during Country Radio Seminar, while also offering a reminder of the format’s role in shaping artists’ careers and sustaining their connection with fans across the country.
The Academy of Country Music’s radio honors recognize excellence across multiple market sizes. They highlight personalities and stations with strong audience engagement and brand identity. The awards also honor a commitment to serving local communities with compelling content beyond music.
“Country radio holds such a special place in my heart,” McCollum said from the stage at CRS, where industry leaders, programmers and on-air talent gathered for one of the format’s most visible annual events. “Without all of you guys and gals, I would not have the career that I have,” he added, reinforcing a sentiment that continues to resonate in an era increasingly driven by streaming metrics and social media reach.
In the Major Market category, Chris Carr & Company on iHeartMedia’s K102 in Minneapolis earned Personality of the Year honors. Cumulus Media’s New Country 96.3 KSCS in Dallas secured Station of the Year recognition. The station continues its long-standing reputation as an influential brand with deep ties to listeners and the Nashville music community.
Large Market winners included Heather Froglear of Audacy’s K-FROG 95.1 in Riverside, California. Her on-air presence and community involvement set her apart in a competitive field. Hubbard Broadcasting’s B-105 WUBE in Cincinnati won Station of the Year, cementing its status as a dominant Midwest force
Meanwhile, the Medium Market category recognized Mo & Styckman of Audacy’s US101 in Chattanooga as Personality of the Year. Their chemistry and listener connection continue to drive strong ratings. Audacy’s 99.7 The Wolf WLFP in Memphis earned Station of the Year honors for consistent performance and audience loyalty.
In the Small Market division, The Eddie Foxx Show on iHeartMedia’s 99 Kiss Country WKSF in Asheville, North Carolina, claimed Personality of the Year, reflecting the importance of local voices in building meaningful relationships with listeners, while ADX Communications’ Cat Country 98.7 WYCT in Pensacola, Florida, was named Station of the Year.
Although the local-market winners were unveiled at CRS, the ACM will continue the celebration later this week, with National Daily and Weekly Personality of the Year honors scheduled to be announced Friday during the New Faces of Country Music showcase, one of the seminar’s marquee events.
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