CRS Launches Whitney Allen "Hot Mic" Scholarship

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | 3:03pm CT

Country Radio Seminar (CRS)

Country Radio Seminar (CRS), in partnership with recently retired Country Radio Hall of Fame air personality Whitney Allen, has launched the Whitney Allen "Hot Mic" Scholarship to support emerging female on-air talent in country radio.

The scholarship will award one recipient a complimentary full registration to CRS 2026, along with round-trip airfare to Nashville and hotel accommodations at the Omni Nashville Hotel, providing access to the industry's annual educational and networking event.

The initiative is designed to identify female on-air personalities early in their careers who are seeking to make an impact at their stations, in their communities, and within the country format. Eligible applicants must have one to five years of radio experience, serve in a primary on-air role, and be first-time attendees of CRS. Applications are due by February 2.

Allen said attending CRS in person offers a perspective that can't be replicated through secondhand reports from station leadership, noting that firsthand exposure to presentations and conversations often leads to new ideas and professional growth.

Allen began her radio career in 1979, transitioning to country radio in 1982. Her career includes roles at KCBQ/San Diego, Pirate Radio and KIIS/Los Angeles, and syndicated "After Midnite." She later hosted afternoons at KZLA/Los Angeles and created and hosted "America's Hot List," "The Big Time," and "Big Time Saturday Night."

Allen earned multiple CMA and ACM Personality of the Year nominations, received a Gracie Award in 2018, and was inducted into the Country Radio Hall of Fame in 2022.

CRS 2026 will take place March 18-20 in Nashville. Additional information is available through Country Radio Seminar.