Artist Career Achievement Award
The CRB Career Achievement Award is presented to an individual artist or act who has made a significant contribution to the development and promotion of country radio and country music through their leadership, engagement, and creativity.
For a full listing of past recipients, click here.
Artist Humanitarian Award
The Artist Humanitarian Award is given to a Country Artist whose philanthropic efforts have significantly improved the effectiveness and impact of the causes they support. This individual not only lends their name and influence but also dedicates their time, talent, and resources.
For a full listing of past recipients, click here.
Country Radio Hall of Fame
The Country Radio Hall of Fame (founded 1974) is dedicated to the recognition of those individuals who have made significant contributions to the country radio/music industry. Nominees must have worked at least 20 years in radio, with a minimum of 15 in the country format.
Country Radio Hall of Fame Nomination Form
For a full listing of past inductees, click here.
The annual finale to CRS, the New Faces of Country Music® showcases the performances of five rising artists who display promising success in his or her career. The artists are nominated by Country music employees across the country.
For qualification criteria and a full listing of past artists, click here.
New Faces of Country Music®
The CRB President's Award is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the marketing, production, growth and development of the Country Radio Seminar and the multiple services that Country Radio Broadcasters provides to the country radio and music communities.
For a full listing of past recepients, click here.
President's Award
Named after Rusty Walker, the Rusty Walker Scholarship Program enables three young individuals of our business to attend CRS. An iconic programmer and consultant, a valued CRS board member, and esteemed Country Radio Hall of Fame inductee, Walker's sudden passing in 2012 shocked and saddened the entire country community. Among his innumerable contributions to the industry, Walker mentored many of the brightest minds and strongest leaders our format boasts today.
Each scholarship includes a full CRS registration, airfare, and hotel room expenses for three nights. Scholars will be recognized at the opening ceremonies during CRS and will have the opportunity to meet and engage with CRS board members during the three-day seminar.
Apply for the Rusty Walker Scholarship, and view a full listing of past RW scholars here.
Rusty Walker Scholarship
Lisa McKay Women In Radio Scholarship
Honoring the late Lisa McKay, a 2018 Country Radio Hall of Fame inductee who famously mentored numerous young, female radio professionals during her 16 years of programming WQDR/Raleigh, this scholarship program awards three aspiring female radio programmers the opportunity to attend their first-ever CRS. Each scholarship package will include complimentary registration, hotel, and airfare for CRS. Scholars will be recognized at CRS 2023 during CRS Honors, which is the kick-off to the 3-day event.
Eligible applicants must be either a female College Senior broadcast communications student involved in radio programming or a female with1 to 3 years maximum experience in the radio business who is a Program Director, Assistant Program Director or Music Director. This person should be a first-time CRB attendee.
Each applicant must fill out an online application and submit, in 500 words or less, why she should be considered.
Past Award Recipients:
2024 - Annie Owens, WPAW/Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Emily Harlan, KBAY/San Jose
2023 - Liz Delgrosso (Morning Show Co-Host, KCLR/Columbia, MO)
Chelsea Lee (Morning Show Co-Host/Producer/Assistant PD, 100.7 KIK-FM/Alexandria, MN)
2022 - Paisley Dunn - PM Drive and APD, WCJC, Marion, IN
Presented in honor of former CRB board member Tom Rivers, the Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award recognizes an individual in the country radio industry who has displayed a magnanimous spirit of caring and generosity in service to his or her community. This individual should be fully invested through hands-on action, demonstrating a personal commitment of time, talent, and resources to community causes.
Greatly respected for his award-winning on-air and programming work at WQYK/Tampa/St. Petersburg and WUSN/Chicago, Tom Rivers was also a highly regarded industry leader who was well known for his magnanimous and unselfish public service. This is not an annual award, but given when the board feels an individual, through outstanding service, warrants the recognition. To nominate an individual click here
Past award recipients:
2024: Tim Leary
Storme Warren
2023: Brent Michaels
2022: Heather Froglear
2020 - Lon Helton 2015 - Jeff Smulyan 2007 - Larry Wilson
2019 - “Dollar” Bill Lawson 2011 - Mary Quaas 2006 - John Hines
2018 - Dan Halyburton 2010 - George G. Beasley 2005 - Tom Rivers
2017 - Peter Smyth 2008 - Mick Anselmo, Sr.