Last week’s Country Radio Seminar (CRS)—as it does every year—turned Nashville into the epicenter of the country music business. Programmers, labels, artists, and air talent met in Tennessee for three packed days. The time was filled with idea sharing, networking with new and old friends, and mingling with artists in an unprecedented setting.
Before the 2025 CRS last year, we offered suggestions for prepping for the seminar, or any industry event. Have a plan and a clear goal for what you want to bring home with you.
This year, CRS felt like a temperature check on where country radio stands today. A few sessions offered a roadmap for how country radio can adapt to impending A.I. threats. How to build connections away from the microphone, and maximize outstanding networking opportunities.
I spoke with a few veteran CRS attendees to get their take on this year’s event. Along with suggestions for the Country Radio Seminar next March.
The ask was simple: Tell us about your 2026 Country Radio experience. Also what suggestions would you offer the 2027 CRS Agenda Committee?
Responses came from country radio programmers, as well as those closely connected to the Country Radio Seminar process.
Ron Allen is a brand manager and format captain for Midwest Communications in Nashville. He’s been an attendee of the Country Radio Seminar for fifteen years.
“I always have a great time at CRS and find something useful in every panel I attend. For me it’s more about the conversations I have with other industry professionals discussing ideas and opportunities,” said Allen. “The music discovery aspect is also a crucial part of the event. I’m not only discovering new songs, but I’m meeting and learning about the artists who will impact the music charts over the next few years.”
As for Allen’s suggestions for next year’s event, he stated he would love to see a panel on classic country stations.
“One of the stations I program focuses on the ’90s. We interact frequently with artists from that era, but we also connect with current artists,” said Allen. “It would be great to discuss how other ’90s-based brands stay current and how record labels collaborate with those brands.”
Reach Ron Allen from Midwest Communications here.
Kevin Callahan is the executive director of operations and programming for Pamal Broadcasting in Albany, New York. He’s also a fifteen year attendee of the CRS and Agenda Committee co-chair.
“The artist performances were fantastic—Kassi Ashton and Ella Langley absolutely delivered,” said Callahan. “While the music is the heartbeat of what we do, I want to zero in on where the game is actually won: the workshops. These aren’t theoretical discussions. They are tools you take home and put to work on Monday morning.”
Callahan specifically pointed to how useful the workshops he attended were, and also the range of discussions each held.
“From optimizing our daily execution to navigating the realities of AI. The sessions and workshops this year delivered an A+ experience across the board. The great news? If you missed any of them, they will be available on-demand on the CRS site. Don’t leave that knowledge on the table,” said Callahan.
He also noted that the talent development focus was exactly what the industry needs at the current time.
“Air talent is the ultimate difference-maker in our environment. Period. Teaching skills that save time and elevate content isn’t a luxury; it’s how we stay the envy of the industry,” said Callahan.
There also was a sense of challenge being made by the panels in which he attended. Many of which sparked enthusiasm about the landscape of the industry and how to navigate the hurdles presented.
“Panels like Lead Me Like You Mean It and Why Playing It Safe is the Death of Your Career challenged us to step up. Lead with purpose, and take calculated risks,” said Callahan. “They even held a workshop to help talent understand contract negotiations and legal realities. I think about how valuable that kind of transparent insight would have been earlier in my career.”
Callahan’s role as Agenda Committee co-chair also allows him a front row seat on the development of these panels.
“Getting to collaborate with energized, talented colleagues at every stage of their careers is incredibly invigorating. When we share what we know, we all get better,” said Callahan. “We are already looking ahead. I’ll be bringing feedback back to the committee so we can continue to encourage and elevate our air talent. If you have takeaways, thoughts, or feedback from this year, send it my way. Let’s own the growth of this industry together and keep moving the ball forward.”
Reach Kevin Callahan of Pamal Broadcasting here.
Tom Oakes is a retired country radio veteran who’s been attending the CRS since the mid 1980s. Following his decision to step away from the industry last year, he says he wasn’t sure if he would plan on attending the CRS this year.
“I’m glad I spent the week on the road heading to Nashville,” said Oakes. “The one thing that doesn’t change is the opportunity to see and hear new artists who are embarking on their career path. Plus, having a chance to hear forthcoming music from Kenny Chesney made me wish I still had a station to program.”
When it came to what Oakes saw in the sessions this year, the research panels stood out among the rest.
“One was the CMA’s panel on teens and country. Today’s teens will be tomorrow’s radio listeners,” said Oakes. “Knowing usage patterns, what appeals to them, and how they consume music is important information as we look to the future. The one thing that wasn’t fully answered was the regional differences, especially in the music study. While I’m sure I’ll be able to figure it out by reviewing the data, it would have been nice to hear some of the differences the researchers identified.”
When it came to suggestions for next year’s CRS, the veteran attendee says condensing the event could prove beneficial.
“The one thing I would ask is whether three days are necessary or if two days would work better,” stated Oakes. “It’s an expensive proposition once you add up registration, hotel, airfare, or gas and parking if you drive. Plus those daily expenses. Nashville, while one of my favorite cities to visit, is not an inexpensive place to visit. There hasn’t been one I haven’t left without learning new information, being reminded of things I have lost track of, and making new friends while renewing old friendships.”
You can reach Tom Oakes here.
Brian Thomas is the president and lead consultant for BT Radio Waves. He’s attended the annual CRS since 1994.
“I felt a lot of excitement by attending this year’s CRS. The doors to our format are open, and that’s a good thing. Thanks to Morgan Wallen, Post Malone, Lainey Wilson, Ella Langley, Riley Green, and even Beyonce bringing in some curiosity cume,” said Thomas. “I really enjoyed the DTS info and the big sample size of 16+. I would love to compare this data to Nielsen on a big country concert night in Tampa. In the ratings, country will be number one or two. Will DTS show the same, with cars tuned to local country radio stations while tailgating in close proximity to Raymond James Stadium?”
Thomas shared his happiness with the panels he sat in on housed by various different companies. However, he did have several suggestions for improvement into 2027.
“Strategic Solutions mentioned country radio listening seems to be higher during summer, but they didn’t know why. That answer is summer concerts. I didn’t experience that phenomenon until working in New York City. Before that, all of my country radio experience was in warm-weather markets with a 12-month concert calendar,” said Thomas. “Music Test from NuVooDoo. I loved the music test with Carolyn Gilbert and Leigh Jacobs. Great stuff.”
That was one of many aspects that Thomas also hopes to be considered for next year’s CRS.
“Is there a way for CRS to be more than just panels and showcases? What can attendees walk away with that will impact their station the week after the convention,” questioned Thomas. “Is there a way to create more networking instead of relying on hallways and parties? Can we do a “Find Your Next Job” matchmaking session, where the heads of top radio companies meet prospective talent and PDs for future openings? Can we embrace digital instead of just talking about it?”
In the end, Thomas felt like this year’s experience at the CRS set an overall positive tone and showcased a bright future.
“I texted CRS Executive Director RJ Curtis during New Faces on Friday night. I told him yhis may be the best energy to start New Faces EVER,” said Thomas. “Chase Matthew set the tone, and Ella Langley brought it home. What a great way to end a great week at CRS.”
You can reach Brian Thomas here. We also profiled Brian’s overseas journey a couple of weeks ago as well. Check that column here.
John Shomby is the CEO of Country Radio Coach based out of Nashville. He also serves at the vice president of the Country Radio Seminar board of directors, and is a 23-year CRS veteran.
“I’ve been coming to CRS since 2003. That being said, I can tell you that, no BS, the experience gets better every year because everyone here is absolutely intentional. From panels to the music to those discussions in the hallways. Getting to see and meet a bunch of first-timers there. I’m feeling really good about the future of this format,” said Shomby
As for suggestions on how to make the CRS experience better heading into next year, Shomby would like to center conversation on more diversity in the industry.
“We need to continue to explore diversity and disruption. We’re missing a big audience by not tapping into African-American, Hispanic, and LGBTQ+ music communities,” said Shomby. “We need to pursue that area more in the future, which leads to the ‘disruptor’ side. I’m seeing and talking to more of these folks (disruptors) within both small and large companies. In country, at least, the keys are starting to go back to the local station—little by little. More creativity than disruption, in a sense.”
You can reach John Shomby here.
Steve Wall is the vice president of radio for Alpha Libraries / Source Audio and chief creative officer for TalentFarm.net. Wall made his tenth appearance at the CRS last week in Nashville.
“CRS is still one of the most important weeks of the year. Not just for country radio, but for the entire business,” said Wall. “For me, it always comes back to the people. Seeing old friends, making new ones, and getting real face time with our growing Alpha Libraries partners. That’s where the good stuff happens. You hear what stations need, what’s working, what’s not, and what we can do to improve Alpha Libraries. A lot of what we’ve built with Alpha comes straight out of those conversations and what’s happening every day in production rooms and on the air.”
Wall noted that the stations that are winning in the industry now are not just playing great sound. They’re uniquely owning the moments between songs, where he says t he goosebumps are made. As for suggestions on what he’d like to see moving into CRS 2027.
“One small but mighty upgrade—the badges. Better this year, but let’s go big next time. Double or triple the name size. If I can read your name from 10+ feet away, that’s one more conversation that probably wouldn’t have happened otherwise,” said Wall. “Oh, and keep it mid-March. Much better weather.”
The networking conversations are wrapped. Showcases provided lasting memories as the CRS energy have faded. No one does a gathering for radio like the Country Radio Seminar.
It’s a world-class event that deserves to last for another five decades. If CRS is the industry’s annual compass, this year’s gathering pointed squarely toward purposeful growth.
For CRS ’27—March 17–19—I suggest the agenda committee ask about every piece of programming.
Why?
What can CRS offer that would be worth the price of admission for those in Springfield, Fargo, and Boise? Give attendees a compelling reason to ask their boss for $3,000 toward a three-day trip to Nashville. The next industry gathering promises to rival what CRS has built.
The Barrett Media Audio Summit gathers in New York City June 30–July 2. See you there!
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
