An Industry Honor Lon Overdue
• Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. (CRB) is proud to announce that legendary broadcaster, industry leader, Country Radio Hall of Famer, Radio Hall of Fame inductee — and our former R&R colleague — Lon Helton will receive the 2026 CRB President’s Award, which is presented to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and played a vital role in shaping the success of the Country Radio Seminar (CRS) and its mission to advance the Country radio format.
CRB/CRS Board President Kurt Johnson commented, “Few people in this industry have given more to Country radio than Lon Helton. This recognition has never been more earned, or more obvious. Presenting this award to Lon is one of the privileges of my career.”
Over a career spanning more than five decades, Helton has served as a trusted voice, advocate, mentor, journalist, and innovator whose contributions have helped shape the landscape of Country radio and the broader music industry. His broadcasting career began in WVPC & WRAM/Monmouth, IL, leading to notable stops at WGIL-AM & FM/Galesburg, IL; KLAK/Denver; WMAQ, WJJD, & WJEZ/Chicago; and KHJ and KLAC/Los Angeles.
Since 1984, Helton has hosted nationally syndicated Country radio programming, most notably Country Countdown USA, which he launched in 1992 and continues to host today. Helton joined the late, legendary Radio & Records as Country Editor in 1983 and launched Country Aircheck in 2006, which remains an indispensable resource serving Country radio and the music industry.
Helton will receive his major award during the Country Radio Hall of Fame ceremony on Monday, August 3, at Virgin Hotels Nashville. The evening will also recognize the distinguished members of the Country Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
