Former BMLG EVP/A&R Allison Jones has joined Big Machine Records/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment in the same role. "Big Machine simply would not be what it is today without Allison by my side, and I’m so thrilled that we get to continue together in this new season," says Founder/Chairman/CEO Scott Borchetta. Adds Jones, "I’m incredibly excited and proud to do it all over again as we rebuild the new Big Machine!" Jones joined Big Machine in 2008 and rose to EVP in 2020 (CAT 9/23/20). 

Veteran programming executive Christopher "Boomer" Layfield has been named VP/Programming for the iHeartMedia/Louisville eight-station cluster, which includes Country WAMZ. The market was most recently led by Rachel Elliot, who exited her Dir./Country Programming role for the Kentucky/West Virginia division earlier this month (CAT 4/13). Layfield departed his position as Vox AM/FM/Digital Burlington, VT OM, which included PD oversight of Country WCPV, last year (CAT 9/22/25). Prior to Vox, he was Cumulus/Indianapolis SVPP, with programming oversight of WFMS. 

“Christopher brings an exceptional track record of leadership, creativity and strategic vision, and will be a tremendous asset to our teams and listeners,” says Area President Kristy Beebee. Adds Layfield, "We have a dynamic collection of brands in Louisville that engage, inform and entertain audiences, while also serving and supporting our advertising partners with unrivaled content and capabilities. I feel fortunate to join such a talented team driving ongoing success."

Country nominees for the Radio Hall of Fame class of 2026 are WXTU/Philadelphia's Andie Summers, Silverfish's Big D & Bubba and WHN/New York's Lee Arnold. Voting by more than 1,000 radio industry pros begins Friday (4/24) and closes May 8. The induction ceremony will be held Oct. 8 at Chicago's Fairmont Hotel.

Also announced this morning, Shania Twain will host the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards May 17 in Las Vegas. The show streams live at 7pm CT on Prime Video from the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Previously announced performers are Cody Johnson, Kacey Musgraves, Lainey Wilson, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert and Riley Green.

iHeartMedia/Nashville SVPP & WSIX PD Gator Harrison has joined national Christian AC "K-LOVE" as Chief Media Officer on the Ministry Leadership Team, where he'll oversee the K-LOVE and Air1 radio networks, live events and partnerships. “I dedicated my life to Jesus in 1995 and prayed that He would allow me to do what I love, where I love, all for His glory,” says Harrison. “Through years of growth and preparation, He has faithfully answered that prayer. I am deeply grateful to iHeartMedia for their support and investment in my journey, and I am honored to join the K-LOVE and Air1 family.” Harrison joined the company's Chattanooga cluster in 2010 (CAT 7/9/10) and rose to Nashville SVPP and WSIX PD in 2016 (CAT 9/1/16). Previous stops include WGSQ/Cookeville, TN, Top 40 WYHY/Nashville and Classic Rock WSMT/Sparta, TN. No word on whether Harrison will be replaced at iHeartMedia or if his duties will be absorbed internally. His first day with K-LOVE is May 11.

Miranda Lambert has aligned with MCA to support future music releases. Lambert signed with Republic/Big Loud two years ago (Breaking News 4/23/2024) after 20 years with Sony Music Nashville. She will continue her role as a founder of Big Loud Texas, which launched in 2023.

"Miranda is a generational artist whose influence and artistry continue to shape modern music," says MCA President/CEO Mike Harris. "We are honored to work alongside her as she enters this next chapter and we look forward to building something truly special together." Adds Lambert, "Throughout my life and career, I have found that the common thread in every chapter is finding the right people – songwriters, musicians, collaborators, and team members – to match the moment. I am honored to join a roster and a team with such a rich history of championing artistry."

Lambert sold her publishing catalog to Sony Music Publishing Nashville and Domain Capital Group earlier this year.

'DRM-pressive: Here are select Nielsen Audio Continuous Diary Measurement (CDM) ratings for February 2026 (three-month rolling average, 12/10/25-3/4/26) compared with December and January. Ranks (in parentheses) are among subscribers. Unless otherwise noted, all figures are Persons 12+, Monday-Sunday, 6am-midnight.

Rocky Mountain Glow: Here are select Nielsen Audio Continuous Diary Measurement (CDM) ratings for February 2026 (three-month rolling average, 12/10/25-3/4/26) compared with December and January. Ranks (in parentheses) are among subscribers. Unless otherwise noted, all figures are Persons 12+, Monday-Sunday, 6am-midnight.