weekly November 17, 2025, Issue 987
Readying For Radiothons
After 35 consecutive years of the Country Cares for St. Jude Kids Seminar – including two virtual editions in the pandemic – the event has been paused this year as it moves to a biennial schedule (CAT 8/18). Nevertheless, ALSAC/St. Jude staff and the Country Cares Advisory Council have worked to shore up the connection and energy the event typically brings as radiothon season kicks into gear next month. “The industry has really come together across labels, managers and companies to bring artists Chris Schuler to the hospital and deliver more content to radio this year,” says Advisory Council Co-Chair Chris Schuler (MCA). From a St. Jude night at the Opry to the ongoing shirt campaign, efforts are being made across multiple channels. Artists and company staff brought in for hospital visits this year include AEG, Apple, Spotify, WME, Tucker Wetmore, Marcus King, Avery Anna and Brandon Lake. Artist performances for patients and Lauren Thomas families have been captured for an upcoming St. Jude Sessions YouTube series. Supporting St. Jude kids also has a presence during awards week. “There’s a setup at the CMA remotes so artists can get a professional photo made wearing the ‘Music Gives’ shirt,” says Advisory Council Co-Chair Lauren Thomas (Big Loud). Scott “We’re gathering more liners and other content for Hinshelwood the St. Jude staff to use this year.” Increased training has been a focus for the organization. “We brought in almost 70 folks and had three trainings around the country,” says ALSAC/ St. Jude Dir./Partner Support Scott Hinshelwood. “We really pushed them to visit their stations earlier.” Content upgrades have also been made. “The extra time has allowed us to create a few more story songs and tweak the older ones with updates and fresh voices,” Hinshelwood says. “We’ve been on the road all year visiting markets in person. And you’ll certainly see more activation at CRS than we’ve had in previous years. All of that’s being worked through right now.” (continued on page 5)
Photo: Ed Rode
Good News: ASCAP writer/artists Brandon Lake (l) and Shaboozey at Monday night’s (11/17) ASCAP Nashville Songwriters Celebration. Lake was honored as Christian Songwriter of the Year (CAT 11/11) and Shaboozey as Country Songwriter/Artist of the Year.
ASCAP Winners Celebrated Ashley Gorley was named Country Songwriter of the Year for the 12th time at the ASCAP Nashville Songwriters Celebration tonight (11/17). He’s been decorated by ASCAP more than any other songwriter in any genre. Shaboozey also had a big night, winning both Country Music Songwriter/ Artist of the Year and Country Music Song of the Year for “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” sharing the latter with his fellow writers Sean Cook, Jerrell “J-Kwon” Jones, Joe Capo Kent and Mark “Tarboy”
Ashley Gorley
(continued on page 3)
©2025 C o u n t r y A i rc he c k ™ — A l l r i g h t s re s e r v e d . S i g n u p f re e a t w w w. c o u n t r y a i rc h e c k . c o m . S e n d n e w s t o n e w s @ c o u n t r y a i rc he c k . c o m