The Academy of Country Music (ACM) has unveiled the initial set of winners for the ACM Radio Awards, preceding the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards ceremony slated for May 17, 2026. These accolades recognize outstanding achievements in country radio, highlighting both on-air personalities and radio stations across different market tiers. The announcement was made during the Country Radio Seminar (CRS) Honors, with country artist Parker McCollum presenting some of the awards. Winners for National Daily and Weekly On-Air Personality of the Year categories are slated to be revealed at the CRS New Faces of Country Music Show on March 20th, with Lauren Alaina set to present.
ACM Radio Award Honorees Announced
The first round of winners showcases a mix of first-time recipients and repeat honorees, underscoring the consistent quality and impact of these radio professionals and stations. Several individuals and stations have achieved multiple wins, demonstrating their sustained success and popularity within the country music landscape.
Key highlights from the announced winners include:
- Major Market On-Air Personality of the Year: Chris Carr & Company (Chris Carr, Sam Sansevere, Dubs) from KEEY-FM in Minneapolis, MN, secured this prestigious award. This marks Chris Carr’s fourth overall win and his first collective win with Sam Sansevere and Dubs.
- Large Market On-Air Personality of the Year: Heather Froglear from KFRG-FM in Riverside, CA, earned this honor for the first time.
- Medium Market On-Air Personality of the Year: Mo & StyckMan from WUSY-FM in Chattanooga, TN, received their third collective win in this category, with StyckMan achieving his sixth overall win.
- Small Market On-Air Personality of the Year: The Eddie Foxx Show, featuring Eddie Foxx and Amanda Foxx from WKSF-FM in Asheville, NC, are recognized as first-time winners in this category.
- Major Market Radio Station of the Year: KSCS-FM in Dallas, TX, has been awarded this title for the second time.
- Large Market Radio Station of the Year: WUBE-FM in Cincinnati, OH, received its fifth win in this category.
- Medium Market Radio Station of the Year: WLFP-FM in Memphis, TN, celebrates its first win in this category.
- Small Market Radio Station of the Year: WYCT-FM in Pensacola, FL, has earned this award for the fifth time.
The Significance of Country Radio
Parker McCollum emphasized the vital role country radio plays in shaping artists’ careers and maintaining connections with fans. He expressed gratitude for the support of radio professionals, stating, “Country radio holds such a special place in my heart… Without all of you guys and gals, I would not have the career that I have”. This sentiment resonates strongly in an era where streaming and social media metrics are increasingly prevalent, highlighting the enduring power of terrestrial radio in the music industry. The ACM Radio Awards aim to honor this enduring impact and excellence in broadcasting.
Road to the 61st ACM Awards
These radio award winners are being celebrated as anticipation builds for the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards, which will take place on May 17, 2026, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will stream exclusively on Prime Video. The show promises a night of celebration for country music, featuring performances by artists like Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson, and Riley Green. The ACM Radio Awards serve as a crucial component of the larger awards festivities, recognizing the foundational platform that country radio provides for artists and the genre as a whole.
FAQ: People Also Ask
Who announced the ACM Radio Award winners?
Parker McCollum announced the first round of ACM Radio Award winners at the Country Radio Seminar (CRS) Honors. The winners for National Daily and Weekly On-Air Personality of the Year will be revealed by Lauren Alaina at the CRS New Faces of Country Music Show.
When will the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards take place?
The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards are scheduled for Sunday, May 17, 2026. The ceremony will be held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will stream exclusively on Prime Video.
What are the main categories for the ACM Radio Awards?
The ACM Radio Awards recognize winners in two main categories: On-Air Personality of the Year and Radio Station of the Year. These awards are further divided by market size (Major, Large, Medium, and Small Market).
