Grand Ole Opry, ACM Win at Social Media Icon Awards

Pictured (L-R): Jenelle Scott (ACM), Dan Rogers (Grand Ole Opry), Jenny Driessen (ACM), Lauren Brauchli (ACM).

The Grand Ole Opry and the Academy of Country Music represented country music at the recent Social Media Icon Awards presented by PR News. The Grand Ole Opry won in the “Twitter: Best Use of Hashtags” category, while the Academy of Country Music won in the“Twitter: PR Campaign” category. Both were recognized for their 2012 marketing campaigns.

The Social Media Icon Awards, held in New York, honor the most outstanding social media campaigns in the communications and public relations arena.

“It’s an honor for the Opry to be recognized for this achievement in social media,” said Pete Fisher, Grand Ole Opry vice president and general manager. “Just as with the Opry itself, we have country music fans and great country artists to thank for our successes in social media. We’re particularly thrilled that our award comes in recognition of the country music community sharing its love for one of the Opry’s greatest treasures, Loretta Lynn.”

“We have a gifted team here at the Academy, and I’m proud that their collective creative vision and spot-on execution is being recognized,” said Bob Romeo, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “A lot of folks are under the impression that country music fans don’t necessarily embrace technology, but we’ve found that if you have an authentic daily dialogue with them, the response can be remarkable.”

The Opry went up against campaigns from Guthy-Renker, Neiman Labs and SAP. The Academy faced off with other finalists including Cathay Pacific Airways, Dixon Schwabl, Littelfuse, National Safe Boating Council, Smithsonian National Zoological Park, and Weber Shandwick + MilkPEP. For more information on PR News Social Media Icon Awards, visit www.prnewsonline.com.