Coronavirus Resources & Reactions: Country radio, industry leaders and artists continue to find new ways to do business and support the country audience as the number of cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to rise.
iHeartMedia stations nationwide aired a version of the National Anthem today (3/23) at 11am CT. "In these challenging times, we want to take a moment of solidarity to celebrate our collective strength as a nation and recognize the heroic efforts of so many workers on the frontline – including our doctors, nurses, healthcare professionals, caregivers and other critical responders," a statement from the company explains.
Beasley is extending its We Are All In This Together initiative and has teamed with Borrell Associates to present five complimentary 30-minute webinars March 24-25 focused on crisis marketing for local businesses impacted by the pandemic. Beasley Chief Digital Officer Todd Handy and VP/Digital Sales Dan Frisbie will moderate the webinar series with Borrell Associates' Gordon Borrell, Jim Brown and Corey Elliott providing guidance for businesses. For a complete list of session times and to register, visit here.
Rockcastle Media Networks is donating 30% of its barter inventory to coronavirus education and response initiatives and has issued a challenge to other national radio networks to make similar efforts.
Creative Nation owners Luke Laird and Beth Laird are matching all donations to Nashville-area nonprofit Preston Taylor Ministries for the next 48 hours, up to $10,000. Funds raised will be used for Nashville tornado and coronavirus relief. Donate here, and view the nonprofit's Amazon wish list for affected families here.
Bandtwango, the country-focused fan-funding platform, is temporarily shifting its business model to ensure the country music community has a place to help them make a living. From now until the end of quarantine – or until normal activity resumes – Bandtwango is allowing artists to raise money from fans via donation-based campaigns. "If we are able to even help out one artist, we will be grateful to know that their career will still live on once we get back to whatever normal looks like after this," says Managing Dir. Nicole Hoglund. Additional information here.
iHeartMedia/Charlotte, including Country WKKT, has launched a Carolina Cares initiative highlighting local organizations and services necessary during times of crisis. "The most important responsibilities and rewards of our industry are the ability to make a connection, interact, share information and create companionship with our local communities, especially during these uncertain times," says SVPP Chadwick "AJ" Hausknecht. Local organizations spotlighted include Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, American Red Cross and Classroom Central.
WBWL/Boston afternoon personality Colton Bradford has launched a #10MinuteTalkShow airing weekdays on Instagram Live. The show airs across Bradford's personal Instagram here as well as the station's here. Artists including Jimmie Allen, Michael Ray, Lindsay Ell and Tenille Arts are joining Bradford's show, which he describes as "a quick break in your day to hang and get your mind off everything."
Cumulus KUBL/Salt Lake City PD/afternoon host Travis Moon has started Travis Moon Storytime. Each weekday at 4:30pm CT, Moon will take to Facebook Live to read to children. "Travis Moon Storytime will be interactive and a fun way for families to engage during a time where they are looking for something positive and helpful," Moon tells Country Aircheck. Watch here.
ZB Collective/BMG/Wheelhouse's Zac Brown Band has switched from postponing to cancelling the remaining dates for The Owl Tour and Roar With The Lions Tour through the end of the year. Originally announcing a postponement earlier this month (CAT 3/10), ZBB then elected to completely cancel all dates and refund ticketholders at the point of purchase. See the group's full statement here.
CMT and Tanya Tucker have rescheduled the Spring 2020 leg of the CMT Next Women Of Country: Bring My Flowers Now Tour. Erin Enderlin, Hailey Whitters and Walker County will still appear with Tucker at various stops, now kicking off Aug. 5 in Cleveland. Complete list of rescheduled dates here.
The Grand Ole Opry, in conjunction with industry partners, has unveiled a guide to help fans track and discover upcoming livestream events from country artists. "With an abundance of livestreamed events happening daily, the Opry is excited to offer this resource to help fans continue to engage with their favorite artists and discover new music," says Dir./Artist Relations & Programming Strategy Jordan Pettit. Submissions to be considered for inclusion can be made here; view the guide here.
Digital marketing agency BubbleUp has also created an online event listing supporting artist live streams and online performances. Submissions for inclusion can be made here; view the guide here.
Other artists migrating to social media platforms while practicing social distancing include:
- Big Loud's Morgan Wallen is taking to Facebook Live and Instagram Live today (3/23) at 6pm CT to talk to fans and perform.
- Reviver's Tenille Arts will take over Forever WXCY/Wilmington, DE's Facebook and Instagram platforms tonight (3/23) at 6pm CT.
- Charlie Worsham will perform via Instagram Live tonight (3/23) at 6pm CT.
- Brandy Clark will host her weekly book club tonight (3/23) at 6pm CT and "You Can't Come Over (But You Can Come In)," a live performance and conversation series, March 25 at 6pm CT via Instagram and Facebook.
- Pretty Damn Tough/Reviver's Josh Abbott Band will join Entercom KILT/Houston for a Facebook Live show tonight (3/23) at 8pm CT.
- EMI Nashville's Brandon Lay will perform as part of iHeartMedia KWNR/Las Vegas' Quarantined And Unplugged concert series on Instagram Live tonight (3/23) at 9pm CT here.
- The Whiskey Jam online substitute, Risky Jam, continues tonight (3/23) at 9pm CT with performances from Ashley McBryde, Larry Fleet and Jon Pardi. Watch on Instagram Live here.
- Big Machine's Noah Schnacky will perform tomorrow (3/24) at 5pm CT on Instagram Live and March 28 at 5pm CT via Twitter.
- Riser House's Dillon Carmichael will take requests on his "Whatcha Want Wednesday" show March 25 at 6pm CT. Tune in on Instagram Live here.
- Steve Wariner will host a live get together with fans via Instagram Live in his home studio March 25 at 7pm CT.
- Broken Bow's Everette will play a live acoustic show March 25 at 7pm CT via Instagram Live.
- Valory's Brantley Gilbert continues his Instagram Live series, Fire't Up Friday, March 27 at 8pm CT here.
- Singer/songwriter Lori McKenna is hosting a festival-style livestream concert March 28 at 9:30pm CT. Tickets are required but are being offered on a "pay what you can" basis; McKenna's portion of the proceeds will be donated to Nashville tornado relief efforts. Get tickets here.