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| Lon Helton |
Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) has named legendary broadcaster Lon Helton as the recipient of the 2026 CRB President’s Award.
The award recognizes individuals whose dedication and leadership have significantly shaped the Country Radio Seminar (CRS) and advanced the mission of country radio. “Few people in this industry have given more to country radio than Lon Helton,” said CRB/CRS Board President Kurt Johnson.
“This recognition has never been more earned, or more obvious. Presenting this award to Lon is one of the privileges of my career.”
Helton, a respected voice in country radio for more than 50 years, has worked as a broadcaster, journalist, mentor, and industry leader. His career started in Illinois and led to major stations in Denver, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Since 1984, he has hosted nationally syndicated programs, including the long-running Country Countdown USA, which he launched in 1992 and continues to host today.
Helton’s honors include induction into the Country Radio Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Radio Hall of Fame in 2022. He is the most-awarded national radio personality in Country Music Association (CMA) history, with 13 CMA National Broadcast Personality of the Year awards and five Academy of Country Music (ACM) National On-Air Personality of the Year honors.
Additional recognitions include the St. Jude Angels Among Us Award, Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award, CRB Humanitarian Award, and CMA’s J. William Denny Award.
Beyond broadcasting, Helton served as CMA President and Chairman from 1999 to 2002 and held board roles with the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, Country Music Foundation, St. Jude Country Radio Advisory Council, and Country Music Retirement Community.
The 2026 CRB President’s Award will be presented during the Country Radio Hall of Fame ceremony on Monday, Aug. 3, at Virgin Hotels Nashville. The event will also honor the Country Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2026