Edison At CRS: Understanding Country’s Parental Influence

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NASHVILLE — It’s the 50th anniversary of the Country Radio Seminar (CRS), and radio station owners, managers, and industry C-Suite executives are ready to celebrating Valentine’s Day in the shrine of country and western music: Music City USA.


A wide range of events start today (2/13), including a Sound Royalties Session, and opening ceremonies set for 3pm CT. An “intimate” solo acoustic performance with Garth Brooks is on tap for tonight at Bridgestone Arena, a block north of the host Omni hotel; Sun Broadcast Group is hosting a “tailgate” party from 9pm at the Omni’s level one Barlines.

At 3:30pm CT on Thursday (2/14), new research that puts a magnifying glass on the present and future of Country radio will be presented by Edison Research.

The study, “Understanding Parents, Teens, and Country Music,” was commissioned by CRS for its 50th anniversary and looks at how music gets passed down — and up.

Edison’s research is based on both a national survey of parents and teens, and a video ethnography of how these two groups interact with music, the radio, and each other.

Among the highlights from the study:

  1. Nearly half of teenagers say that music is a “bonding activity” with their parents.
  2. Some 60% of teens who listen to Country Music say their parents have gotten them to listen more to Country Music.
  3. According to Edison’s Share of Ear study, AM/FM radio remains the top platform for teens — despite the growth of audio streaming and Sirius XM Satellite Radio. The report shows 63% of 13-19 year-olds listening to radio every day; how “listening” is defined will be shared at the session.

The session is sure to bring good news to a friendly crowd, as Country shares have waned of late in several markets as the genre struggles to balance traditional sounds with more contemporary pop influences.

Actionable insights and recommendations will come from Edison Research President Larry Rosin, VP Megan Lazovick and Director of Research Laura Ivey.

Edison’s CRS session will be held in room “Legends D-G” at the Nashville Omni Hotel. 


For the first time in many years, “significant turnover” was seen on Radio Ink‘s list of The Best Program Directors in Country Radio, released Wednesday ahead of CRS50.

As a result of the Entercom/CBS merger, Shelly Easton, who was No. 2 in 2018, is no longer in the Country format. Bruce Logan, last year’s No. 5, has exited KILT-FM in Houston. Also impacting this year’s list is the death of WQDR-FM in Raleigh’s Lisa McKay, who passed away just as the 2018 list was released.

Who are the Best Program Directors in Country Radio for 2019?

Find out here, and read Radio Ink for more coverage from CRS50 in Nashville from Editor-in-Chief Ed Ryan. 

In Nashville? Radio Ink will be crowning the 2019 Best PDs in Country Radio tonight at Amazon.com’s opening night event.