Research Engine: Edison Research's Larry Rosin and Megan Lazovick delivered this year's CRS Research Presentation, "Wake Me Up," which focused on Country mornings. The study suggested broadcasters are in danger of starting the morning at a disadvantage as only 36% of Country listeners have a radio in their bedroom, compared to 59% who have a television instead. "Radio needs to make sure it stays competitive in those first moments of the day and adjust its strategy if necessary to do so," Rosin explained. Other takeaways included:

• Peak listening happens during the commute and from 7-8am.
• The average commute is 26 minutes.
• Most listeners are at work well before morning shows usually end.
• Just one in six wake up to a radio.
• Peak time for checking Facebook is 6-6:30am.

Preferred radio content in morning drive included news of the day (88%), service elements including traffic and weather (86%), laughs (82%), "water cooler" topics/interesting stories (81%) and a local connection (70%). Referring to the importance of local content, "It's interesting how many country fans agree with me on what's important," Rosin remarked. See the entire presentation here.