Dierks Bentley surprised Felicity Urquhart with the 2011 CMA International Country Broadcaster Award backstage before his performance at the CMC Rocks the Hunter Festival on March 17. Urquhart is the host of ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) Radio’s long-running “Saturday Night Country,” a top program among Country media outlets in Australia.
“I am truly shocked by this Award and consider it such an honor,” said Urquhart. “Thank you CMA for this acknowledgement. Presenting ‘Saturday Night Country’ nationally every week is a passion and brings me great enjoyment. The support of ABC local radio makes Country Music accessible and current from anywhere in Australia. It is wonderful to be part of their programming. I must importantly thank John Nutting who handed his show to me after 17 years. His faith in me is the reason I am in radio.”
(L-R): Rob Potts (CMA Board member), Storme Warren, Urquhart, and Bentley. Photo: Greg Sylvia.
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Condolences to Diane Richey of Diane Richey Promotions, following the passing of her father Elba Lee Richey on March 24 in Nashville. He was 86 years old. Memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, April 14 at Bellevue Baptist Church in Nashville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Gideon International or Bellevue Baptist Church Building Fund. Reach out to Richey here.
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Ron Allen
Former PD for Connoisseur Media’s KVWF (The Wolf) and KIBB (Bob-FM) Wichita, Ron Allen, has been named PD/Brand Manager for South Central Communications’ Adult Hits WCJK (Jack FM)/Nashville. He brings over 20 years experience to the job, which includes time with Tulsa’s Federated Media and national chain Entercom. KVWF is currently looking for candidates for Allen’s replacement.
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Bold Gold Media’s Thunder 102 WDNB/Liberty, NY is now featuring weekly segments with Billy Block of The Billy Block Show on Mondays and (shameless plug alert!) yours truly on Tuesdays. Calls take place at 8:30 am ET curing the Ciliberto & Friends morning show. Listen online here.
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Congrats to KQBA/Santa Fe, NM PD Chris Diestler (aka Uncle Jesse) on being named New Music Weekly’s “Country PD of the Year.”
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