CMA honors two contributors

Wednesday, November 20, 2024 – The Country Music Association handed out a few honors in advance of tonight's CMA awards with its 2024 CMA Founding President's Award going to industry veteran and television executive Rob Mills and the Media Achievement Award to Jessica Nicholson of Billboard.

Nicholson was surprised with news of her win backstage at Bridgestone Arena during rehearsals for The 58th Annual CMA Awards by Thomas Rhett.

The CMA Media Achievement Award recognizes the outstanding achievements of print and online journalists, columnists, authors, editors, television writers, producers and bookers, and syndicated radio reporters in the media as they relate to country music. The award is voted on by publicist members of CMA.

Nicholson joined Billboard full time in 2021. Nicholson previously wrote for various publications including Country Standard Time, American Songwriter, CMT and Forbes. She also was managing editor for music industry trade publication MusicRow Magazine and as a staff writer for Country Music publication Country Weekly.

Also on Tuesday, this year's CMA Awards hosts - Luke Bryan, Peyton Manning and Lainey Wilson - joined CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern and CMA Awards Executive Producer Robert Deaton, to surprise Mills with the news. The CMA Founding President's Award is awarded in recognition of a person (or persons) for the most outstanding service to CMA. This award may be presented for services provided in the current year or over a course of years.

"The CMA Founding President's Award, determined by our Board of Directors, celebrates individuals who have shown exceptional dedication and service to CMA," said Trahern. "Over the past decade, Rob's outstanding leadership has been instrumental to the growth and success of CMA's television properties. As we look forward to our next decade of collaboration, we are grateful to have a partner who not only champions country music but also continuously seeks innovative opportunities within the network to elevate our genre."

Mills (Executive Vice President, Unscripted & Alternative Entertainment, Walt Disney Television) is involved in CMA's long-standing relationship with broadcast partner, ABC. That includes "CMA Fest," "CMA Country Christmas" and the CMA Awards.

The 58th Annual CMA Awards broadcasts live from Nashville's Bridgestone Arena at 8 p.m. eastern.