CMA Presents Justin Thomson With International Country Broadcaster Award

The Country Music Association (CMA), the leading trade organization in the Country Music industry, wrapped up its time abroad this past weekend, making its return as a sponsor at the CMC Rocks in Australia. During the event, the CMA also presented its final International Award for 2024, the International Country Broadcaster Award.

At CMC Rocks, the CMA hosted a backstage reception at the CMA Bar on Saturday, March 22, for industry professionals from Australia, New Zealand, and North America. At the event, Natalie Waller (Head of ABC Music and Events, Chair of ARIA, and CMA Board member) presented Justin Thomson (National Content Director, KIX Country Radio and iHeart Radio Australia) with the 2024 CMA International Country Broadcaster Award. 

This prestigious award honours a radio broadcaster or syndicated radio reporter outside the United States who has made significant contributions to the growth of Country Music in their respective country. Up to three recipients may be named each year, and for 2024, Joakim Richardson (Station Manager, Go Country Sweden) and Wimpie van der Sandt (CEO, Bok Radio) were also recognized with the award.

Thomson has been hailed by the global Country Music community as a driving force in extending the genre’s reach in Australia. In 2023, he brought KIX Country to Nashville for CMA Fest, providing 30 hours of coverage and featuring over 50 artists. He also played a key role in broadcasting the CMA Awards and CMA Country Christmas on KIX. 

Thomson returned to CMA Fest in 2024, offering additional content opportunities for U.S. artists expanding into the Australian market. He has also travelled to Canada to cover the CCMA Awards and the U.K. to report on C2C.