I’m Still ‘Feeling’ CRS 2023 … Are You?

It’s been a couple of weeks since a large group of us in Country music and Country radio, converged on the Omni Hotel in Nashville for Country Radio Seminar (CRS 2023), the first fully attended post-pandemic CRS. CRS 2022 happened just as COVID was winding down, but was still on our minds … and faces (masks!).

There was an amazing amount of new registrants this year at over 200! That is just incredible when you think of the state of our economy. The walk-up for full registrations was also astonishingly high. In addition, by virtue of a small “one-man” survey I did at the seminar, about 75% of the radio attendees I polled had their stations/bosses foot the bill to get to the seminar. This paragraph, alone, is enough to get excited about what’s happening with Country radio, but there are more positives. It’s my belief that CRS 2023 will be considered a turning point for the format and the genre.

The panel setup for the seminar was a bit streamlined this year, by design. You may have noticed fewer competing sessions each day – down to just a couple – thanks to the handy work of the CRS Agenda Committee. The panels were very well attended, averaging 75-80% capacity for the most part. From my experience attending, the panels were consistently the largest I’d seen in a while. That was another surprise, considering CRS-sanctioned evening events ended close to midnight each night.

The subject matter dealt with some very hot and relevant topics in the industry right now – ChatGPT, DSPs vs. terrestrial radio and the radio and records relationship (sans the finger-pointing from the past), among others.

The various music showcases had their share of special moments, and the conversations in the hallways, the lobby, Kitchen Notes and at Barlines all were positive and constructive.

This was my 20th CRS, and I can tell you with no reservation that the energy at CRS 2023 was the highest I’ve seen in about five years, maybe more. I sensed an openness to share and a desire to learn, no matter the experience level or the position in the industry.

Where do we go from here? First, let’s come to terms with the fact that Country radio is much different than it was even five years ago. I felt a sense of rejuvenation and renewal at CRS 2023. Everyone in attendance appeared to be “all in.” Now it’s time, if you haven’t already, to take this energy and enthusiasm and use it. We have a lot to prove with this format. Use that sense of the “we’ll address what we can control” attitude at the seminar, and apply it to your situation.

The CRS research project had some useable, actionable information, but make sure that you are NOT the only one interpreting what you see. This is where extra eyes will be a huge advantage to find what works well, musically, for your station.

Really dig into the AI technology and how it can be used as a programming tool. As Zena Burns of Futuri Media said at CRS, “The technology is inevitable, so don’t be left behind.” I have one talent, whom I coach right now, using ChatGPT to help him write liners and promos.

Find those creative, memorable ways to set your station apart. One great quote from KYGO/Denver’s Brian Michel on a CRS panel: “If your radio station turned off tomorrow, would the community miss it?” Think about that one for a bit.

Lots of ideas came from several panels, and they all focused on one thing – your talent. More than one panelist referred to talent being the one, big difference between radio and streaming. Coach them as often as possible. Brainstorm ideas with them. Get them totally involved and allow them to be creative.

Ironically, there was not a lot of discussion about ratings, directly. It may have been on our minds, but it was refreshing to hear everyone talking about how they can make their stations better, which, as we know, will eventually affect those ratings.

Consider this your little Country radio “pep talk” from a guy who has asked a lot of questions about the industry over the past year. I can feel the answers coming. I cannot wait to see and hear what’s in store for the format and the genre in the coming months. Onward and, most definitely, upward!

“Taking Your Radio Presence To The Next Level. Be it an artist, radio programmer or on-air talent. Coaching and mentoring down to your foundational level”

Contact me:
John Shomby
Owner/CEO Country’s Radio Coach
jshomby@countrysradiocoach.com
757-323-1460
https://countrysradiocoach.com