The latest installment of the CRS360 webinar series from Country Radio Seminar, titled “A Face For Radio? A Difference For Your Listeners,” continues the discussion started at CRS 2025 about how on-air personalities shape listener engagement. This new episode highlights actionable tips for radio hosts and programmers, grounded in recent research and data from the country radio audience.
Hosted by longtime country radio veteran and programming consultant Clay Hunnicutt, the episode features a panel of industry experts who bring both research and real-world insights. Panelists include Carolyn Gilbert, president of NuVoodoo Media, Leigh Jacobs, executive vice president of research analysis at NuVoodoo, and Gator Harrison, brand coordinator for iHeartCountry. Together, they examine how radio personalities can better understand and meet the expectations of modern listeners.
The panel identifies five key focus areas that on-air talent and their coaches should prioritize to strengthen their bond with audiences. These strategies go beyond traditional hosting techniques, emphasizing how authenticity, consistency, and relatability contribute to long-term listener loyalty. Using data from recent listener surveys, the panel shows that certain personality traits and behaviors consistently resonate with audiences, while others may have little impact or even create distance.
RJ Curtis, executive director of the Country Radio Broadcasters, says this CRS360 session builds naturally on insights from the CRS 2025 conference held in February. “This CRS360 episode continues the important conversation we began at CRS 2025, taking the research one step further by showing how personality truly drives connection on Country radio,” Curtis said. “It’s a valuable extension of our findings and offers meaningful, actionable insights for programmers and talent alike.”
The episode offers a unique mix of research and coaching strategies, helping radio professionals translate listener preferences into practical steps they can implement on-air. It emphasizes the importance of being more than just a voice—highlighting the role of personality in creating memorable, engaging radio experiences that stand out in today’s crowded media landscape.
Listeners and broadcasters interested in learning more can find the full webinar along with past CRS360 episodes on the Country Radio Seminar website. The series continues to be a leading resource for professionals looking to elevate their programming and better serve their audiences.