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Lon Helton Exits Radio & Records After 23 Years
August 15, 2006 at 5:26 PM (PT)
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SHOCKER!!! As first hinted on NET NEWS (8/14) rumors have become reality as R&R's Country Editor LON HELTON has resigned after 23 years to start his own standalone company. He'll be putting out a daily Country news publication, and weekly Country update powered by MEDIABASE, via email. Joining HELTON is Associate Country Editor, CHUCK ALLY who also exits R&R, immediately. HELTON is replaced at R&R by Dir./Country Charts WADE JESSEN.
HELTON told ALL ACCESS: "I've worked at a lot of great places in my career and R&R is certainly one them. The people have been the best. I've spent half my life, more than two thirds of R&R's life as its Country Editor, so it's a very hard thing to walk away from.
with all the changes that are going on it's time for me to move on
"In the beginning with R&R Founder BOB WILSON, and for the last 12 years with Publisher ERICA FARBER, they have supported me and Country in every way possible. And I can't thank them enough for that. But with all the changes that are going on it's time for me to move on and pursue my own dream. I'm looking forward to working with MEDIABASE, as I have for the past 8 years, using the data based on the criteria and reporters I have set up."
HELTON is also the host of the WESTWOOD ONE syndicated "CMT's Country Countdown USA" and prior to joining R&R spent 11 years in Country radio LOS ANGELES, CHICAGO, and DENVER. Reach HELTON at (615) 491-3671 or lonhelton@earthlink.net.

