CRS In Action: Opening Ceremonies

CRS 2017

COUNTRY RADIO SEMINAR (CRS) 2017 Opening Ceremonies took place TODAY (2/22) and started off on a high note as TRISHA YEARWOOD performed her rendition of the NATIONAL ANTHEM as the U.S. MARINE COLOR GUARD presented the AMERICAN flag (NET NEWS 2/10).

COUNTRY RADIO BROADCASTERS Pres. CHARLIE MORGAN said a few words and introduced NASHVILLE Mayor MEGAN BARRY, who addressed the crowd immediately following. Mayor BARRY shared her appreciation for the support the Country music community showed during a recent loss when METRO NASHVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT Officer MUMAW died on duty earlier this MONTH. "VINCE GILL called and asked to play," said Mayor BARRY. "JAMEY JOHNSON called...BILLY RAY CYRUS called." Mayor BARRY expressed her appreciation for all that Country radio does to support not only the format, but the entire city of NASHVILLE, even offering a personal recommendation to check out the local Pedal Taverns while in town.

Scholarships Aplenty

The ceremony continued with the acknowledgement of the three RUSTY WALKER SCHOLARSHIP winners for 2017 (NET NEWS 11/21). Named for the late RUSTY WALKER, the scholarships are designed to develop opportunities for young radio talent to attend CRS free of charge. This YEAR’s winners include: TOMLINSON-LEIS COMMUNICATIONS/PALESTINE, TX GM ALEXANDRIA HARDY; CUMULUS/APPLETON-OSHKOSH-GREEN BAY, WI’s JOSEPH PITT; and CUMULUS Country KUBL/SALT LAKE CITY afternoon personality MATT RAMONE, who are each attending CRS for the first time.

Hall Of Fame 2017 Class Announced

CAPITOL NASHVILLE trio LADY ANTEBELLUM was on hand to officially unveil the COUNTRY RADIO HALL OF FAME Class Of 2017. This YEAR’s honorees include: retired programmer TIM CLOSSON; OCHS MEDIA founder and BEASLEY MEDIA/TAMPA day-to-day programmer CHARLIE OCHS; and BUCK OWENS PRODUCTION COMPANY President/Owner MEL OWENS in the Radio Category; and former WWWW/DETROIT and WYCD/DETROIT personality JOE WADE FORMICOLA; current WYCD/DETROIT morning show host LINDA LEE; WRNS/GREENVILLE, NC morning host JIM MANTEL; and KUAD/FT. COLLINS, CO. morning teamers BRIAN GARY, TODD HARDING, and SUSAN MOORE in the On-Air Category (NET NEWS 2/22).

Honorees will be celebrated at the COUNTRY RADIO HALL OF FAME Dinner and Induction Ceremony on WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21st in NASHVILLE. Information will be made available soon via the CRS website here.

Tom River Humanitarian Award

The COUNTRY RADIO BROADCASTER (CRB) selected former GREATER MEDIA Chairman/CEO PETER SMYTH to receive the CRS 2017 TOM RIVERS Humanitarian Award (NET NEWS 1/5). This Award was also presented during the opening ceremonies of CRS 2017 this AFTERNOON (2/22).

The TOM RIVERS Humanitarian Award is given at the discretion of the CRB Board of Directors to recognize an individual in the Country radio industry who has displayed a spirit of caring and generosity in service to their community. SMYTH serves on the Board of Directors of NEW ENGLAND BAPTIST HOSPITAL and the ONE HUNDRED CLUB of MASSACHUSETTS, an organization which enhances the welfare and safety of the families of public safety officers and firefighters. SMYTH also support the HOME BASE PROGRAM of BOSTON, which provides clinical care, education, research, and support services for military veterans and their families throughout NEW ENGLAND.

Artist Humanitarian Award

CAPITOL NASHVILLE artist KEITH URBAN, who was last YEAR’s recipient of the Artist Humanitarian Award (NET NEWS 12/14/15), made a presentation to honor SOUTHERN GROUND/VARVATOS/WAR artist ZAC BROWN with the CRS 2017 Artist Humanitarian Award (NET NEWS 1/5).

The CRB Artist Humanitarian Award honors Country music artists who have exhibited exceptional humanitarian efforts during their career. BROWN supports multiple philanthropic causes, including his own CAMP SOUTHERN GROUND, an inclusive camp that combines children with neuro-developmental disorders with mainstream children. BROWN also supports GRAMMYS ON THE HILL, GRAMMY U, MUSICARES, ROBIN HOOD FOUNDATION, and The USO.

BROWN welcomed his band to the stage with him, thanking them for being "in the trenches" with him. He also thanked his wife, as well as his partners at Country radio. "We've been blessed to have the rise we've had," BROWN said of ZBB, staying the he feels he has "created a legacy that will last well beyond my lifetime."

COUNTRY RADIO SEMINAR (CRS) 2017 continues TOMORROW (2/23) at the OMNI NASHVILLE.

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