weekly February 27, 2023, Issue 847
Nashville’s Fab Four Stations
Ahead of next month’s annual CRS-driven Nashville pilgrimage Country Aircheck checks in on the market’s format battle. And what a battle it is. Cumulus WSM-FM topped the just-released January book in Persons 6+, while in the 25-54 demo, iHeartMedia WSIX has led the format every month for the past two years. In terms of reach, each of the three FM stations, including Cumulus WKDF, has taken a turn with the largest cume over the past three months (see pages 8, 11 & 13). And that’s not to mention Ryman Hospitality Gator Harrison WSM-AM, which as a Nielsen non-subscriber does not show in the ratings but is bringing its legacy into the 21st century. W-S-I-Xcellence: In October, WSIX brought home its seventh CMA Station of the Year. PD Gator Harrison says the win was special, but he prefers to focus on the big picture. “Our biggest accomplishment every year is simply to fight and do life with our Charlie Cook work family,” he says. “If you grind, give time, and take care of each other, positive results always follow. I’m always proudest of the people I’m blessed to work with.” An emphasis on personality starts with The Bobby Bones Show, for which WSIX is the flagship station. Harrison describes it as “a bunch of friends known for ‘pimpin’ J. Patrick joy,’ no fear, honesty, authenticity, and a Tinnell passion for people, as well as discovering new country.” Bones is followed by Brooke Taylor. “[She] is our at-work perk, obnoxiously optimistic with contagious positivity and an infectious smile you can hear,” Harrison says. WSIX utilizes iHeartCountry’s downtown studios adjacent to Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar on Broadway for its afternoon show, so artist visits are a common feature with Wayne D and Tay Hamilton. (continued on page 6)
Texit: KPLX & KSCS/Dallas host the second annual Texas Independence Jam at Billy Bob‘s. Pictured (standing, l-r) are the station‘s Mike Preston, Show Dog‘s Clay Walker, Riser House/Columbia’s Mitchell Tenpenny, RCA‘s Chris Young and Midland‘s Mark Wystrachand, Jess Carson; (kneeling, l-r) Midland‘s Cameron Duddy and guitar player Luke Cutchen.
Shelton’s Back To The Honky Tonk
Blake Shelton’s Back To The Honky Tonk Tour, with support from Carly Pearce and Jackson Dean, wrapped its first week with a show at Knoxville’s Thompson-Boling Arena Feb. 24. The 18-date run kicked of Feb. 16 in Lincoln, NE and will end March 25 in Buffalo, but despite the short run, Shelton is showing off new tricks and new staging for the tour. Center Stage Tour Promotions’ Keith Kaufman is handling radio winners’ fan experiences, complete with a pre-show tour of Shelton’s stage and dinner at catering. Meanwhile, the radio room is stocked with Shelton’s own Smithworks Vodka and has a photo backdrop of a tractor on fire. (No explanation was available.)
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