Lon Helton to Launch Industry Trade Publication

Lon Helton to Launch Industry Trade Publication

Helton to Oversee Mediabase Country Charts

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominent Nashville-based trade journalist and award winning radio host Lon Helton is launching a new publication that will focus on the country radio and recorded music industries.

Helton's company will bring the same widely respected news, analysis and chart information to its readers and clients that he was known for during a 23-year career as Country Editor for Radio & Records. The company has also reached an agreement for Helton to oversee Mediabase country charts in conjunction with Mediabase President Rich Meyer.

"The country radio and label communities have been well-served by having two distinct voices for news and charts, which made this a perfect time for me to step out with my own company," says Helton, who will be President/CEO of the new venture. "I have worked closely with Mediabase and Rich Meyer for the past eight years to develop an industry leading country singles chart, and I look forward to continuing that relationship well into the future."

"Lon Helton writes the definitive word in country music and Mediabase is the preferred airplay data service in Nashville," says Mediabase President Rich Meyer. "Together, Lon and Mediabase have worked hand-in-hand over the past several years to develop charts and panels of America's finest country radio stations. This new arrangement allows us to continue that successful tradition, while developing exciting new ways to showcase country music."

Joining the new company as VP/Editorial & Operations is respected Nashville trade writer Chuck Aly. Previously R&R Associate Country Editor for the past three years, Aly's background includes six years at Music Row Publications where he rose to GM, and three years in publicity with FORCE/Shock Ink.

Helton, in addition to his long tenure as R&R/Nashville Bureau Chief, is the CMA Award-winning host of Westwood One's CMT's Country Countdown USA. Prior to joining R&R, his radio career included air talent and programming stops in Denver, Chicago and Los Angeles. Helton has previously served as president and chairman of the Country Music Association board of directors. He was recently inducted into the Country DJ Hall of Fame.

Source: Alliance

CONTACT: Jennifer Bohler of Alliance, +1-615-292-5804,
jenny@jb-alliance.com

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