Nashville, TN, October 8, 2025
News Summary
Several Tennessee radio stations received accolades at the latest CMA Broadcast Awards, including Audacy’s ‘US 101’ which celebrated its 30th win. WIVK from Knoxville and WXBQ from Johnson City were also recognized. In addition, notable personalities took home awards, with Lon Helton and the team from ‘The Rob and Holly Show’ achieving significant wins. The ceremony serves to highlight excellence in country music radio across various market sizes.
Nashville, TN – Three Tennessee radio stations were honored at the 2025 CMA Broadcast Awards held on October 7, with significant achievements in various categories. Audacy’s “US 101” WUSY Chattanooga notably claimed its 30th award, establishing itself as a continued leader in the country radio industry. Cumulus Media’s WIVK Knoxville (107.7) also received recognition, along with Bristol Broadcasting’s WXBQ Johnson City (96.9).
Tucker Wetmore announced the winners through on-air notifications, highlighting the local stations’ contributions to the country music scene. In addition to the station awards, several prominent personalities were recognized for their distinctive contributions. “Country Countdown USA with Lon Helton” won the award for weekly national Personality of the Year. Furthermore, Rob Stone and Holly Hutton from Audacy’s “The Rob and Holly Show” won the daily national Personality of the Year, marking their first CMA win.
In addition to the Tennessee winners, Sparta-Tomah Broadcasting’s “Cow 97” WCOW La Crosse, WI, received its first CMA award for small-market Personality of the Year. The major-market Station of the Year title went to Radio One’s “93Q” KKBQ Houston, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s “B-105” WUBE Cincinnati claimed the large-market Station of the Year award, achieving a commendable total of eight CMA awards in its history.
The recognition ceremony is set for November 19, prior to the 59th Annual CMA Awards. The primetime CMA Awards will be broadcast live from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT on ABC.
The CMA Broadcast Awards categorize winners by market size, including major, large, medium, and small classifications, determined by Nielsen population rankings. Winners are evaluated based on a combination of airchecks, ratings, community involvement, and overall impact.
The full list of the 2025 CMA Broadcast Awards includes:
- Weekly National: “Country Countdown USA with Lon Helton”
- Daily National: “The Rob and Holly Show”
- Major Market: “Chris Carr & Company” at iHeartMedia “K102” KEEY Minneapolis-St. Paul
- Large Market: “The Q Morning Crew w/ Mike & Amanda” at Curtis Media Group “94.7 QDR” Raleigh-Durham
- Medium Market: “Mo & StyckMan” at Audacy “US 101” Chattanooga
- Small Market: “Ben & Arnie” at Sparta-Tomah Broadcasting “Cow 97” WCOW La Crosse
Winners of the CMA Broadcast Awards are not eligible for the same award category in consecutive years, promoting a diverse range of talent and recognition across the radio industry.
FAQ
What are the CMA Broadcast Awards?
The CMA Broadcast Awards are annual awards honoring excellence in country music radio broadcasting, segmented by market size based on Nielsen population rankings.
When were the 2025 CMA Broadcast Awards held?
The 2025 CMA Broadcast Awards were held on October 7, 2025.
Which Tennessee stations won at the 2025 CMA Broadcast Awards?
Audacy “US 101” WUSY Chattanooga, Cumulus Media WIVK Knoxville (107.7), and Bristol Broadcasting WXBQ Johnson City (96.9) were the Tennessee stations that won awards.
What significant awards did “US 101” and other Tennessee stations receive?
Audacy “US 101” WUSY Chattanooga won its 30th award, and WIVK Knoxville and WXBQ Johnson City also earned recognition. Additionally, “Mo & StyckMan” at “US 101” was recognized in the medium market category.
When is the ceremony for the recognition of these awards?
The recognition ceremony is scheduled for November 19, prior to the 59th Annual CMA Awards.
Who won the Personality of the Year awards?
“Country Countdown USA with Lon Helton” won the weekly national Personality of the Year, while Rob Stone and Holly Hutton from “The Rob and Holly Show” won the daily national Personality of the Year, marking their first CMA win.
Key Features of the 2025 CMA Broadcast Awards
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Ceremony | October 7, 2025 |
| Tennessee Winners | US 101 WUSY Chattanooga, WIVK Knoxville, WXBQ Johnson City |
| Major Awards | Weekly National Personality, Daily National Personality |
| Broadcast Date | November 19, 2025 |
| Market Categories | Major, Large, Medium, Small |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Country Insider: Tennessee Stations 2025 CMA Broadcast Awards
- Wikipedia: Country Music Association Awards
- Billboard: 2025 CMA Broadcast Awards Winners
- Google Search: CMA Broadcast Awards 2025
- Radio Online: 2025 Broadcast Award Winners
- Google Scholar: CMA Broadcast Awards impact
- Barrett Media: CMA Broadcast Awards 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Country Music Association Awards
- Just Jared: 2025 CMA Awards Nominees
- Google News: Country Music Association Awards 2025
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
