Country Radio Seminar (CRS) is an annual convention meticulously designed to facilitate knowledge exchange and foster the exchange of business practices within the country music industry. With a specific focus on matters relevant to country radio, CRS serves as a vital platform for industry professionals to thrive and contribute.
CRS 2026 wrapped on Friday, March 20, after three days of live performances, informative panels, and insightful sessions.
Live from the Omni hotel in Nashville, this year’s event was a success, with attendees enjoying Digital Music Summit (DMS) content, productive conversations and CRS anchor events such as the Warner Records Nashville Luncheon; “Amazon Music Presents: Country Heat“; Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley; “Team MCA at the Ryman“; the Big Machine Records/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment Luncheon; BBR Music Group/BMG’s “A Night of Celebration”; and the New Faces of Country Music Show, co-presented by the Academy of Country Music and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
CRS has also released session videos from the 2026 event, now available for free on its website. All session videos are available to view at CountryRadioSeminar.com.
Among the featured sessions currently available are “The Conversation” with Ella Langley and Jo Dee Messina, sponsored by SPARC Media Hub; the CRS Research Series, including the CRS Annual Perceptual Study and The Music Test; the “Cycle of A Song” series featuring Chase Matthew, Josh Ross, and Koe Wetzel; DTS AutoStage; The Disruptors; CRS Honors; and Jelly Roll‘s Artist Humanitarian Award presentation.
Additionally, Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) proudly recognized country music icon Clint Black as the recipient of the 2026 CRB Career Achievement Award during Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley at Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2026. During his Thursday performance, Black was surprised with the honor by 2018 recipient Steve Wariner.
The CRB Career Achievement Award is presented to artists who have made significant contributions to the development and promotion of country radio and country music through leadership, engagement, and creativity. Other past honorees include Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, George Strait, Randy Travis, Vince Gill, The Judds, and Merle Haggard.
A trailblazer whose influence helped define the modern era of country music, Black’s contributions extend far beyond his chart-topping success. With 22 No. 1 singles, each of which he co-wrote, and more than 20 million albums sold, Black has spent over three decades not only entertaining audiences but also giving back in ways that reflect his enduring commitment to community and philanthropy.
There is a Media Room at CRS where artists can meet with journalists from digital and broadcast news. This year, I interviewed 43 artists.
Click on the name to learn more about each one.
Aaron Tippin, Alex Miller, Allie Colleen, Andrew Mitch, Angie K, Bella Lam, Belles, Ben Gallaher, Brandon Hull, Brooks Herring, Carrie Brockwell, Chandler Dozier, Clark Hill, Dani-elle Kleha, Emma Grace Glover, Garrett Bradford, Greg Pratt, Harper Grace, Jenny Tolman, Jesse and Noah Bellamy, Jet Jurgensmeyer, John Berry, Juna N Joey, Kelly Lang, Ken Domash, Kimberly Kelly, Lewis Brice, Madden Metcalf, Madison Olivia, Magnolia Rising, Matt Cooper, Matt Rogers, Paige King Johnson, Randy Cobb, Robert Bacon, Savanna Dean Reaves, Shenandoah, Sheyna Gee, Spencer Hatch, T. Graham Brown, Tori Rose, Trey Calloway, Walker Montgomery
CRS 2027 will take place March 17-19. Registration for the event will be later this year.
Bethany Bowman is a freelance entertainment writer. You can follow her blog, Instagram, and TikTok.
Established in 1969, Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.® is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that serves as a unifying force, connecting radio broadcasters worldwide with the dynamic country music industry. Their mission is to ensure its vitality and foster growth within the industry.
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