Country Radio Seminar has announced three research presentations for CRS 2026, centering on original audience insights with studies designed to inform programming decisions, strategic planning, and long-term industry growth.
NuVoodoo will present findings from a 400-song Auditorium Music Test, screening country fans across key age demographics who consume music via both radio and streaming platforms. The study includes demographic and geographic breakouts across the US and analyzes listening preferences by audience segment.
Thursday, March 19, will feature CRS’s annual Perceptual Study, conducted by Strategic Solutions Research. The research examines how Country listeners feel about the genre, when and how they listen, and how behaviors are shifting.
The research slate concludes with a presentation from the Country Music Association, highlighting results from a newly completed teen-focused study. Following the data presentation, a panel of radio and streaming programmers, along with an artist to be announced, will discuss how younger listeners engage with music, the future audience pipeline for country, and how the genre fits into teens’ everyday lives.
CRB Research Committee Co-Chair Clay Hunnicutt said, “This year, CRS is working with three outstanding partners to bring a true trifecta of research to our constituents. CRS has never assembled or shared a research rollout this comprehensive. Whether you’re looking for music research to identify potential hits, perceptual data to guide strategic decisions, or insight into what the next generation of country fans is saying to help grow our business, CRS has you covered every day.”
Co-Chair Justin Chase added, “Knowledge is power, and the research coming out of CRS this year reflects that. By delivering three distinct research initiatives, CRS is providing the industry with a deeper, more complete understanding of listener behavior, music preferences, and where the future of country music is headed.”
