NASHVILLE – When Hunter Hayes was in London last week for the first of a series of UK shows, he stopped by the BBC to present Bob Shennan, Controller Radio 2, 6 Music, Asian Network and Director, BBC Music with the CMA Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award, which had been announced earlier in the year.
“Bob is a tremendous ambassador for Country Music and the international growth of the format,” said Sarah Trahern, Chief Executive Officer of CMA. “And as a CMA Board member, he is a trusted and valued resource as we continue to explore and develop new ways to expand the format abroad.”
The Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award recognizes outstanding achievements in the media, which contribute to the development of Country Music outside the United States. Radio, TV, print journalists, authors, editors, television writers, producers and PR companies who reside outside the United States are eligible to win this award.
Since Shennan took over as Controller of BBC Radio 2 in 2009, he has driven exposure opportunities and was instrumental in bringing Country Music into the mainstream arena. In his capacity of CMA Board member, Shennan also chairs the newly formed CMA U.K. Task Force.
Shennan said on being presented with the trophy, “” it is a great privilege to serve on the Board of the CMA and this award is a wonderful honour. Country Music is enjoying a golden age in the UK. The BBC is here to support great music, and I am proud to do my bit.”
