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That statement from Entercom CEO David Field may rub some people the wrong way, but that's one of the reasons he believes radio doesn't get a higher share of ad spending. Field was detailing the new opportunity he says Entercom and the radio industry have with the Entercom-CBS merger.

They are some of the most important names in Nashville, and across the Country radio fruited plain. The relationship between country stars, Country PDs, Country radio stations, and the country music fans is like none in any other format. Here are Radio Ink's Best Program Directors in Country Radio...

And when radio's biggest company has a good quarter that's good news for the entire radio industry. iHeartMedia's Q4 2016 revenue increased $40.1 million, or 4.5% thanks to strong political revenue. Even when you back out political, iHeart's Q4 revenue was up $19.9 million, or 2.2%. And, with that, iHeartMedia has turned in 15 consecutive quarters of year-over-year revenue growth. iHeart also earned $106 million in the quarter after losing $93.3 million during the same period in 2015.

During his Q4 earnings call, Entercom CEO David Field said he looked at buying both ABC and Citadel but was discipline enough to pass on those deals due to price, leverage and asset composition issues. "CBS has always represented the best fit, the strongest brands, people and culture and the optimal combined platform for the future."

Overall revenue for the quarter was up 5% and CEO David Field said it was another solid quarter of strong organic growth for the company. October and November were strong months for Entercom, with December being softer. Excluding political, same-station revenue was flat for the quarter. Entercom took in $4.7 million in political in Q4 and $8 million for the year.

We love to find radio's superstars and tell you how they made it big and why they are passionate about the industry you all love. Kathy Byerly is a great example of how someone who starts out answering phones and handing out prizes can make it all the way to the corner office.

Former Greater Media CEO Peter Smyth was honored with the Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award Wednesday at the Country Radio Seminar in Nashville. While accepting the award, Smyth quoted a Boston philanthropist who told him, "You will not be judged by what you did or how much you made. You will be judged on what you gave."

In the radio category, Tim Closson, Charlie Ochs, and Mel Owens are headed to the Hall. And, in the on-air category, Joe Wade Formicola, Linda Lee, Jim Mantel, and The Good Morning Guys (KUAD/Ft. Collins, CO) receive the honor. The 2017 class was announced Wednesday at the Country Radio Seminar in Nashville by Lady Antebellum.

The Lubbock, TX, station raised $104,240 during their 19th Annual Children’s Miracle Network 36 Hours of Miracles Radiothon, which took place February 15-16. The KLLL team broadcasted live from the University Medical Center Children’s Hospital Playroom.

On Tuesday Cox Media Group Atlanta Radio named Jaleigh Long as its new Director of Sales. CMG has five stations in Atlanta (News 95.5 AM 750 WSB, B98.5 FM, 97.1 FM The River, KISS 104.1 FM, and Country 106.1/107.1). We spoke at length with Long about how she advanced to such an important position with CMG.