Former Valory VP/Promotion & Marketing Chris Palmer has been named Triple Tigers Records/Akando Music VP/National Promotion. He succeeds Raffaella Braun, who rose to Co-President earlier this month (CAT 7/7). “[Chris] brings the experience and creative juices, but most of all, the passion and fun we all love about this job," says Braun. Palmer exited Valory when the imprint was shuttered by Hybe America in February (CAT 2/13). Before joining BMLG in 2018, he spent seven years at Warner Music Nashville (Breaking News 12/6/2017) and 12 at Lyric Street. Reach him here.

Anthem Sports & Entertainment President/Entertainment and Station Entertainment Co-Founder Andy Schuon has been named CEO of the Academy of Country Music, effective Sept. 1. Schuon fills the vacancy created by Damon Whiteside's departure earlier this year (Breaking News 3/3). Prior to Anthem, where he oversaw linear cable/satellite and FAST TV networks, Schuon ran Loop Media Studios, co-founded Spkr. (which was acquired by Loop), and served in executive roles for LiveXLive, Revolt TV, Live Nation, UMG, CBS Radio, Warner Records, MTV and KROQ/Los Angeles, among others.

"The most rewarding moments of my career have come from building for the future and embracing innovation while honoring the artists and creative communities that make music so powerful," Schuon says. "Throughout every chapter, from radio and television to streaming, digital media and the music business, the constant has been the transformative power of music to bring people together. As [country music] continues to reach new audiences around the world, I see an extraordinary opportunity to strengthen the Academy's impact, deepen engagement with our members, artists, partners and fans while ensuring the organization continues to lead the industry through its next era of growth and innovation and help shape an even brighter future for [the genre]." Read Schuon's bio here.

Connoisseur Country KBAY & Hot AC KEZR OM J. Love has departed after nearly a year on the job. He joined the company from the PD job at Audacy Hot AC KMXB/Las Vegas (Breaking News 7/24/25). "I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such a talented group of people and for everything we were able to accomplish together," he shared on social media. "I'm proud of the work we did, the relationships I built, and especially the progress we made with both brands ... I'm looking forward to what's next and excited to see where the next chapter takes me."

Love spent 11 years in Las Vegas, with previous stops in San Diego, Reno, Detroit and New Orleans. He started his radio career at then-Rhythmic Top 40 KHQT/San Jose. No word on plans for the position, but the move comes as KBAY is preparing to move to the 98.5 frequency Wedneday (CAT 7/17).

May-ssissippi: Here are select Nielsen Audio Continuous Diary Measurement (CDM) ratings for May 2026 (three-month rolling average, 3/5-5/27) compared with March and April. Ranks (in parentheses) are among subscribers. Unless otherwise noted, all figures are Persons 12+, Monday-Sunday, 6am-midnight.

High Q: Here are select Nielsen Audio Continuous Diary Measurement (CDM) ratings for May 2026 (three-month rolling average, 3/5-5/27) compared with March and April. Ranks (in parentheses) are among subscribers. Unless otherwise noted, all figures are Persons 12+, Monday-Sunday, 6am-midnight.

Shades Of May: Here are select Nielsen Audio Continuous Diary Measurement (CDM) ratings for May 2026 (three-month rolling average, 3/5-5/27) compared with March and April. Ranks (in parentheses) are among subscribers. Unless otherwise noted, all figures are Persons 12+, Monday-Sunday, 6am-midnight.