CRS 2026 Unveils Three-Day Research Lineup

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, January 30, 2026 | 4:43pm CT

CRS 2026

Country Radio Seminar (CRS) has announced a trio of research presentations set for CRS 2026, reinforcing its focus on delivering actionable audience insights to the country radio and music industry.

Taking place March 18-20, CRS 2026 will feature a different in-depth research project each day, offering attendees a broad view of listener behavior, music preferences, and future audience development. With access to comprehensive research becoming more limited industrywide, Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. and Country Radio Seminar said the studies are designed to support programming decisions, strategic planning, and long-term growth.

On Wednesday, March 18, NuVoodoo will present results from a 400-song national Auditorium Music Test, presented by Curb Records. The study surveys country fans ages 18-54 who use both radio and streaming platforms, with detailed breakouts by demographics, geography, and listening habits. It marks the third consecutive year CRS has partnered with NuVoodoo on a full national music test, with complete results available to all attendees.

Thursday, March 19 will feature CRS' annual Perceptual Study, conducted by Strategic Solutions Research. The research examines how fans feel about country music today, how and when they listen, and how those behaviors are changing. Topics include music era balance, familiarity, artists listeners want to hear more or less of, and the role of on-air personalities, localism, and community engagement.

The research slate concludes Friday, March 20, with the Country Music Association presenting findings from a new teen-focused study exploring the next generation of country fans. A follow-up panel of radio and streaming programmers, along with an artist to be announced, will discuss how teens engage with music and what it means for the genre's future audience pipeline.

"This year, CRS is working with three outstanding partners to bring a true trifecta of research to our constituents," said Clay Hunnicutt, CRB Research Committee co-chair. "CRS has never assembled or shared a research rollout this comprehensive."

CRB Research Committee co-chair Justin Chase added that the three studies together provide "a deeper, more complete understanding of listener behavior, music preferences, and where the future of country music is headed."

General registration for CRS 2026 is $698, with limited single-day passes available for $349. The event runs March 18-20. More information is available at CountryRadioSeminar.com.