Full Breakdown
ACM Announces 2025 Radio Award Nominations
3/3/2026, 11:49:49 AM
Overview of the Nominations
The Academy of Country Music (ACM) has revealed the nominees for the 61st ACM Radio Awards, celebrating outstanding contributions in country music radio. The winners will be announced during the Country Radio Seminar (CRS) taking place from March 18-20, 2026, ahead of the ACM Awards scheduled for May 17, 2026, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Notable Nominees
KFRG-FM in Riverside, California, leads the nominations with three, while KILT-FM in Houston, KSCS-FM in Dallas, WBEE-FM in Rochester, New York, WCKK-FM in Walnut Grove, Mississippi, and WUBE-FM in Cincinnati each received two nominations. The nominees span various categories, including National Daily On-Air Personality of the Year, with contenders such as B-Dub from "B-Dub Radio," Cody Alan from "Highway Mornings with Cody Alan," and Katie Neal from "Katie & Company."
Key Categories and Nominees
- National Daily On-Air Personality of the Year:
- B-Dub – "B-Dub Radio"
- Cody Alan – "Highway Mornings with Cody Alan"
- Katie Neal – "Katie & Company"
- National Weekly On-Air Personality of the Year:
- B-Dub – "B-Dub Radio Saturday Night"
- Big D, Bubba, Shaffer – "Honky Tonkin' with Big D & Bubba"
- Heather Froglear – "90's Country with Heather"
- On-Air Personality of the Year (Major Market):
- Angie Ward – WUBL-FM, Atlanta
- Chris Carr & Company – KEEY-FM, Minneapolis
- Frito & Katy – KILT-FM, Houston
- Radio Station of the Year (Large Market):
- KFRG-FM – Riverside, California
- WUBE-FM – Cincinnati
- WMIL-FM – Milwaukee
Importance of the ACM Radio Awards
The ACM Radio Awards play a crucial role in recognizing the influence of radio in the country music industry. They honor not only individual personalities but also the stations that contribute significantly to the genre's growth and popularity. The awards highlight the collaborative efforts of artists, radio hosts, and stations in shaping the landscape of country music.
Official Statements & Responses
The ACM emphasized the importance of these awards in acknowledging the hard work and dedication of radio professionals in the country music community. The organization stated, "These nominations reflect the incredible talent and commitment of those who bring country music to life on the airwaves."
Criticism & Opposition
While the ACM Radio Awards celebrate achievements in country music, some critics argue that the selection process may favor larger stations and personalities over smaller, local entities. This perspective raises questions about representation and diversity within the nominations.
What's Next
As the ACM prepares for the upcoming awards, anticipation builds for the full list of ACM Awards nominations, including categories for artists and performances, which will be announced in the coming weeks. The ACM Radio Awards will set the stage for the larger ACM Awards, highlighting the ongoing evolution of country music.
