Country Radio Hall of Fame Honors Seven Leaders

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, August 4, 2026 | 10:52am CT

Country Radio Hall of Fame

Seven influential country radio broadcasters and programmers were inducted into the Country Radio Hall of Fame on Monday during the 2026 Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) induction ceremony at the Virgin Hotel Nashville.

The event recognized air personalities Chris Carr, Michael J. and Rick Jackson, along with radio executives Marci Braun, Phil Hunt, Bruce Logan and John Marks for their lasting contributions to country radio through broadcasting, programming, leadership and industry service.

CRB also presented the 2026 President's Award to veteran broadcaster and journalist Lon Helton, recognizing his more than 50 years of service to country radio and his leadership through Country Countdown USA, the founding of Country Aircheck, and his ongoing support of the Country Radio Seminar. Helton is a member of both the Country Radio Hall of Fame and the Radio Hall of Fame.

The evening was dedicated to the memory of the late Bill Cody, the longtime WSM announcer and Country Radio Hall of Fame member, honoring his enduring impact on country radio, artists and listeners.

Among the on-air inductees, Chris Carr was recognized for nearly three decades in country radio, including 24 years at K102/Minneapolis, where he has earned six CMA Personality of the Year awards and helped raise more than $25 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Michael J. was honored for his long-running work at WPOC/Baltimore and WMZQ/Washington, D.C., as well as his national programming roles and extensive charitable fundraising. Rick Jackson was recognized for a career spanning more than 50 years, highlighted by his role in launching KYGO/Denver, creating the syndicated Rick Jackson's Country Classics, and serving as General Manager of KSON/San Diego.

In the Radio category, Marci Braun was honored for her leadership of Audacy's country brands in Chicago and Minneapolis and her award-winning programming career. Phil Hunt was recognized for five decades of influence as a programmer, executive and consultant whose guidance has shaped numerous successful country stations and broadcasters.

Bruce Logan was honored for more than 30 years of programming leadership, including his current role overseeing KILT-FM/Houston and previous executive positions with Audacy and iHeartMedia. John Marks was recognized for a 51-year career that has included leadership positions at Spotify, SiriusXM and numerous major-market country stations, along with extensive service to the Country Music Association, Academy of Country Music and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.