RVA and CRS Partner for “Radio Station of the Future” Bonus Content
Nashville, Tennessee — Mike McVay, who was recently announced as the Senior Strategic Advisor for the Radio Vendor Alliance (RVA), and Tracy Johnson, President of Tracy Johnson Media Group, will serve as moderators for “The Radio Station of the Future: CRS Pre-Show Seminar,” the RVA’s first-ever seminar event. The seminar will take place on Tuesday, March 17, from 1:45–5:00 p.m. (with breaks) in Nashville, immediately preceding the Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2026.
This groundbreaking seminar will explore critical topics shaping the future of radio broadcasting, including emerging technologies, audience engagement strategies, and innovative approaches to content delivery including the role of AI across multiple platforms. Industry professionals, station owners, programmers, and decision-makers will gain valuable insights to help position their stations for long-term success.
“Radio’s future is bright, but it requires adaptation, innovation, and a commitment to serving listeners wherever and however they consume content,” says McVay. “I’m honored to work with the Radio Vendor Alliance and to help facilitate meaningful conversations about where our industry is headed. The ‘CRS Pre-Show Seminar’ will be an opportunity to bring together forward-thinking professionals who are ready to embrace the radio station of the future.”
1. “Real Talk About Radio in 2026: Problems, Challenges, The Future”
Moderator: Mike McVay (President, McVay Media)
Panelists: Tracy Johnson (President, Tracy Johnson Media Group), Steve Smith (Country Programming Format Captain, Cox Media)
• Local Local Local: How important is it to connect with your community?
• The evolution of personalities in the age of AI and automation
• Programming for the audience or for Nielsen? There’s a difference. Is it killing your brands?
2. “On Being Digital: Driving Listener Interactions and New Revenue”
Moderator: Mike McVay (President, McVay Media)
Panelists: John Wanzung (CEO, RadioFX), Jackie Parks (President, Envisionwise), Tom Dobrez (President, Cool Radio Streaming)
• Mobile Apps: Learn to connect with your audience by boosting listener interactions and generating more revenue with your app
• Websites/Text/Skills: Enhance your digital presence and engagement
• Streaming – Audio/Video: Dive into the world of multi-platform content delivery
• Selling Digital Products: Unlock new revenue streams in the digital landscape
3. “It’s All About the Money”
Moderator: Tracy Johnson (President, Tracy Johnson Media Group)
Panelists: Scott Murray (President, Big Deals Media), Dennis Green (COO, Sun & Fun Media), Todd Roberts (Senior Business Development Manager, AdCellerant)
• Navigate high-value partnerships: smart e-commerce solutions to monetize trade
• Keep it Organized: Streamline your operations for financial efficiency
• Pay Your Bills: Discover innovative revenue generation strategies through trade
CRS, celebrating its 57th year, is the premier event for country music and radio professionals, drawing thousands of attendees from across the industry.
General registration for CRS 2026, taking place March 18–20, is $698 per person and is available at www.CountryRadioSeminar.com. Limited single-day passes are also available for $349 (maximum of two per person) and include access to panels, speakers, luncheons, and networking events for the selected day, excluding Friday’s New Faces of Country Music® Showcase. New Faces of Country Music® tickets are sold separately for $110 and are limited; early purchase is strongly encouraged.
For more information about the Radio Vendor Alliance, visit www.RadioVendorAlliance.com. Details about “The Radio Station of the Future: CRS Pre-Show Seminar” will be available at www.RadioVendorAlliance.com and www.CountryRadioSeminar.com.