Billboard To Be Ranking Source For ACC

Westwood One and Billboard, the world’s largest voice in music, announced today that they have joined forces as American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks will utilize Billboard’s Country Airplay chart to run down the week’s top songs in the U.S., beginning the weekend of September 9-10.

Based on actual radio play as monitored by Nielsen Music, Billboard’s Country Airplay chart is the most authoritative ranking of the biggest hits being played on country radio across the nation.

The pairing of American Country Countdown (ACC) and Billboard is a return to the show’s roots as Billboard served as the chart source for the program for more than 35 years, beginning with ACC’s inception in 1973.

“We could not be more excited to have Billboard’s country radio chart back on the air, exclusively with American Country Countdown,” says Silvio Pietroluongo, Billboard’s vice president of Charts and Data Development. “Our partnership with Kix Brooks, a chart-topping legend himself, and the Westwood One team, will give country fans everywhere unparalleled insight into the week’s biggest country songs.”

Brooks said, “Having ACC and Billboard back together is long overdue. American Country Countdown was established on the Billboard chart information in 1973, so I’m thrilled that we were able to reestablish that history and relationship.”

Bryan Switzer, Westwood One’s VP/GM Music & Entertainment/Country, added “We’re thrilled to have reunited two iconic brands with American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks and Billboard. Through the years, both have earned the trust and respect of the listening public and the industry. It will be great to hear them together again each and every weekend.”

Stations interested in American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks can contact Country@westwoodone.com.