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CMT Milestones

Important milestones in the history of America's most popular country music network

Dec. 8, 2012   Hosted by “Nashville” star Hayden Panettiere and country group Rascal Flatts, the “2012 CMT ARTISTS OF THE YEAR” were named at a star-packed ceremony. Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood took home the honors this year.

Nov. 10, 2012   The second season premiere of CMT’s “REDNECK ISLAND” becomes the highest rated season premiere in network history. REDNECK ISLAND earned a .75 among P18-49 with more than 1.4 million viewers P2+ tuning in, according to early Nielsen reporting.

Nov. 10, 2012   CMT premieres “BIG TEXAS HEAT” and “CHAINSAW GANG.” “CHAINSAW GANG” features chainsaw artist Stacy Poitras, who leads a rag-tag bunch of the country’s premier chainsaw artists at his Malibu-based company, Deadwood Tree Sculptures. “BIG TEXAS HEAT” brings the larger-than-life humor of one small-town Texas police force to TV.

Sept. 19, 2012   CMT launches a new pro-social education initiative, CMT EMPOWERING EDUCATION. The multi-faceted campaign challenges CMT viewers to pursue post-secondary education with the creation of the website, CMTEMPOWERINGEDUCATION.com—a one-stop resource providing information on schools, career paths, motivation and financial resources.

Sept. 10, 2012   CMT launches CMTEdge.com—a site dedicated to showcasing the best new music from a multitude of established, emerging and indie artists across genres. The site will feature exclusive music previews, world premieres and performances.

Sept. 7, 2012   CMT premieres “REDNECK REHAB.” Hosted by Tom Arnold, the one-hour, eight-episode series follows former rednecks as they are confronted by friends and family members who fear their loved one has forgotten their country roots.

Sept. 7, 2012   CMT premieres “CHEER”—a series produced by Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos. “CHEER” goes inside the high stakes, high pressure world of competitive cheerleading with tough-as-nails coach Patty Ann Romero.

July 27, 2012   Cumulus Media Networks and CMT host a special edition of CMT Radio Live with Cody Alan to benefit the Aurora, Colo., shooting victims. During this special broadcast, top country recording artists, including Reba, Kix Brooks, Sara Evans, Toby Keith, John Rich and Gloriana, called in and expressed their thoughts for the victims with Cody.

June 23, 2012   CMT premieres a first of its kind “CMT CROSSROADS,” where Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Sara Evans, Luke Bryan, Hunter Hayes and Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top joined rock legend Joe Walsh.

June 9, 2012   CMT premieres “REDNECK ISLAND,” hosted by WWE superstar Steve Austin. “REDNECK ISLAND” features 12 contestants competing in the ultimate redneck-style competition series. Austin will guide the men and women through a number of hilarious mental and physical challenges designed to celebrate the group’s strengths and limitations in a quest for $100,000. At the end of each episode, teammates will send one competitor packing.

June 6, 2012   Hosted by Toby Keith and Kristen Bell, the “2012 CMT MUSIC AWARDS” air live from Nashville. Carrie Underwood added two more CMT MUSIC AWARD buckles to her collection, winning the coveted VIDEO OF THE YEAR award for “Good Girl” and COLLABORATIVE VIDEO OF THE YEAR with Brad Paisley for “Remind Me.” The evening kicked off with humorous special messages from President Barack Obama and Republican frontrunner Mitt Romney. The show open also featured NBC’s Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford, Matthew McConaughey, Jon Bon Jovi, Steve Kroft, Maria Menunos and Mario Lopez and Robin Meade.

April 20, 2012   CMT premieres “JENNIE GARTH: A LITTLE BIT COUNTRY” and “MELISSA & TYE.” “JENNIE” follows actress and mother Jennie Garth as she decides to leave Hollywood behind in search of a simpler life. “MELISSA & TYE” follows one of America’s most-beloved bachelorettes and her husband as they balance a long distance relationship between Dallas and Hollywood.

April 7, 2012   CMT premieres “SOUTHERN NIGHTS”— a show that brings together well-known cast members from “SWEET HOME ALABAMA” to Savannah, Ga., where they will live together.

April 4, 2012   CMT has signed an order for 13 episodes of its first-ever animated project “BOUNTY HUNTERS.”

March 13, 2012   CMT.com launches a new online performance series, “CONCRETE COUNTRY,” giving a home to performances by alt-country and roots favorites such as Lydia Loveless and The Farewell Drifters.

Mar. 6, 2012   “CMT RADIO LIVE WITH CODY ALAN” announces direct distribution partnership with Cumulus Media.

Mar. 5, 2012   “CMT Insider” App debuts on iPad.

Jan. 23, 2012   CMT celebrates highest-rated original series telecast in history with “Bayou Billionaires” and “My Big Redneck Vacation.”

Sept. 28, 2011   CMT Expands Mobile Offerings with the launch of its Sprint ID Pack designed for Country Music fans.

Sept. 6, 2011   CMT’s “SWEET HOME ALABAMA” closes the season with record ratings.
Aug. 17, 2011   CMT’s first Original Movie, “To The Mat,” starring Ricky Schroder and Laura Bell Bundy premieres on the network.
June 28, 2011   “CMT RADIO LIVE WITH CODY ALAN” reaches 100 weeknight affiliates nationwide.
June 8, 2011   The 2011 CMT MUSIC AWARDS air live from Nashville, with Taylor Swift taking home the top honor of “Video of the Year.” The evening kicked off with an elaborate pre-taped segment starring Taylor Swift and Shania Twain as the iconic partners in crime, “Thelma and Louise.” The parody also featured “Glee’s” Chord Overstreet, Donald Trump, Ron White, Kenny Rogers and host Kid Rock.
May 12, 2011   CMT and its pro-social initiative CMT One Country air a live, 90-minute concert special featuring Hank Williams, Jr. and Alabama, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Ronnie Dunn, Sara Evans, Tim McGraw and many others to raise awareness and funds for those affected by the recent devastating storms, flooding and tornadoes.
March 15, 2011    CMT adds made-for-television movies to its development and programming slate with the creation of the CMT ORIGINAL MOVIES franchise. The newly-formed division will roll out television movies for the network, focusing primarily on romantic comedies, in addition to music-based films. The first two movies to be released include “To The Mat,” starring Ricky Schroder and Laura Bell Bundy; and “Reel Love,” starring LeAnn Rimes.
Feb. 5, 2011   CMT CROSSROADS airs live from Super Bowl XLV with The Pretenders and Faith Hill. Hill and The Pretenders’ Chrissie Hynde perform as part of the NFL Pepsi Super Bowl Fan Jam festivities.
Jan. 28, 2011   CMT premieres its first scripted series, WORKING CLASS, starring Melissa Peterman and Ed Asner. The show premieres as the highest rated and most watched series debut in CMT history.
Dec. 3, 2010   CMT airs its first ARTISTS OF THE YEAR special, honoring Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and Zac Brown Band. Hosted by Kevin Costner, the 90-minute special features special guest performances and an elegant sit-down dinner before the show.
Oct. 14, 2010   Viacom’s CMT, BET, Centric, MTV, mtvU and Tr3s air a one-hour, commercial-free town hall event with President Barack Obama. A CONVERSATION WITH PRESIDENT OBAMA airs live before 250 young people, featuring CMT’s Katie Cook as one of the hosts.
Sept. 11, 2010   CMT INSIDER celebrates its 300th episode. The milestone episode includes bloopers and outtakes from its 2004 launch to present.
Aug. 27, 2010   CMT, MTV, VH1 AND MTV INTERNATIONAL debut TAYLOR SWIFT’S “MINE” in global, cross-channel, cross-platform event. Reaching more than 160 countries around the world, the sister networks team up to present the global premiere of the superstar’s latest single, “Mine.”
July 11, 2010   CMT PRESENTS JIMMY BUFFETT & FRIENDS: LIVE FROM THE GULF COAST, a 90-minute special event concert airs live and commercial-free in Orange Beach, AL to show support of Gulf Coast residents impacted by the oil spill.
June 30, 2010   CMT RADIO LIVE WITH CODY ALAN launches CMT RADIO LIVE WITH CODY ALAN ON TOUR, a six market tour with its first stop in Dallas-Ft.Worth, Texas. In each selected market, Alan will broadcast live and host a free concert for fans featuring a hot country artist. The tour will kick-off in Ft. Worth, Texas and feature LeAnn Rimes and Lee Brice at the famous honky tonk, Billy Bob’s Texas.
June 9, 2010   The 2010 CMT MUSIC AWARDS becomes the most-watched awards premiere in channel history with over 3 million viewers. The show was hosted by Kid Rock and Carrie Underwood was the big winner of the night, taking home two buckle trophies.
March 8, 2010   CMT presents a week filled with laughter and comedy-inspired programming when BIG NEW COMEDY WEEK premieres on the channel. During the weeklong celebration, CMT will debut original programming and stand-up performances by some of the country’s hottest comedians and include two all-new specials featuring the original Blue Collar Comedy cast.
Jan. 25, 2010   The MTV Networks telethon, “Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief,” drew a cumulative audience of more than 83 million viewers and a gross average audience of more than 24 million viewers in the United States, according to Nielsen Media Research. The telethon has now raised more than $61 million in donations from the general public to date.
Jan. 15, 2010   CMT’s popular series, THE SINGING BEE, returns for a second season. Hosted by Melissa Peterman, the premiere episode features a cameo by country superstar Reba McEntire.
Nov. 4, 2009   Brad Johnson joins CMT as Senior Vice President, Comedy Development. In this newly-created position, Johnson will oversee all aspects of comedy development for the channel, including sitcoms and reality-based comedy.
Oct. 8, 2009   Taylor Swift’s brand new music video, “Fifteen,” makes its world premiere across multiple CMT platforms, including CMT and CMT.com. The video is also be featured in two brand new television specials highlighting Swift’s career, CMT FIFTEEN SWIFTLY-MADE VIDEOS and TAYLOR SWIFT – FIFTEEN.
Oct. 2, 2009   For the first time in CMT history, CMT, CMT PURE and CMT.com debut nine new music videos from superstar artists in one exclusive, world premiere event entitled CMT BIG NEW MUSIC WEEKEND. Brand new videos from Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney (featuring Dave Matthews), Keith Urban, Sugarland, Reba, Miranda Lambert, Billy Currington and Michelle Branch, are featured throughout CMT, CMT PURE and CMT.com all weekend long.
Sept. 21, 2009   ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5TH GRADER? launches on CMT with a special country music-themed week. In addition to syndicated episodes of the series airing weekdays in primetime, CMT will also collaborate with the program to produce themed episodes for the series.
Sept. 2, 2009   CMT joins all of Viacom's U.S. television properties to simultaneously air GET SCHOOLED: YOU HAVE THE RIGHT, featuring appearances by The President of the United States Barack Obama, pop superstar Kelly Clarkson, and NBA MVP LeBron James. This 30-minute special highlights education challenges and breakthroughs experienced by three professionals who provide critical support to these leading figures in politics, entertainment and sports. This is the first programming "roadblock" of any kind across all Viacom networks including BET, MTV, VH1, CMT, COMEDY CENTRAL, Spike TV and Nickelodeon.
Aug. 8, 2009   Meghan Linsey and Joshua Scott Jones become winners of the second season of CAN YOU DUET and walk away with a recording contract from Big Machine Records.
June 16, 2009   The 2009 CMT MUSIC AWARDS premieres live from the Sommet Center in Nashville and garners over 9.6 million total viewers for the premiere and repeat telecasts. The show sparks post-show physical and digital sales for every performer and winner following the live telecast. Taylor Swift’s collaboration with T-Pain on “Thug Story” becomes the most-streamed video premiere for CMT.com, with over 1 million single-day streams. Immediately following the live telecast, CMT’s new series THE SINGING BEE becomes the channel’s highest-rated series debut of all time.
June 3, 2009   CMT ONE COUNTRY announces its newest non-profit partner, Children’s Miracle Network, by joining forces with multi-platinum recording artist Dierks Bentley to bring his annual “Miles & Music For Kids” fundraiser nationwide.
May 6, 2009   CMT enters its busiest production week ever, taping CMT CROSSROADS: Bryan Adams and Jason Aldean, along with three episodes of INVITATION ONLY featuring Darius Rucker, Brad Paisley and Reba McEntire.
Mar. 3, 2009   MTV Networks Music Group promotes Brian Philips to President of CMT.

Feb. 20, 2009   Taylor Swift’s “White Horse” becomes the highest video debut in history on CMT TOP 20 COUNTDOWN.

Jan. 26, 2009   CMT RADIO LIVE WITH CODY ALAN, the new syndicated nightly radio show from the CMT Radio Network and Westwood One, debuts in over 50 markets nationwide. The show features the latest country music hits along with classic favorites, exclusive interviews and performances, on-location event coverage and live fan interaction.

Nov. 7, 2008   Taylor Swift fulfilled her “childhood dream” when she performed with Def Leppard in a new episode of CMT CROSSROADS on November 7. Taped in Nashville, the stars swapped lyrics on such hit songs as “Photograph,” “Hysteria,” “Pour Some Sugar On Me,” “Picture to Burn” and “Love Story.”

Nov. 2, 2008   CMT films and Toby Keith partner again for the film BEER FOR MY HORSES, which debuted on CMT November 2. The television premiere was CMT’s second highest-rated premiere of the year, only behind the CMT MUSIC AWARDS.

April 22, 2008   CAN YOU DUET became CMT’s highest-rated series debut ever following its Monday, April 14 premiere. From the producers of “American Idol,” CAN YOU DUET features thousands of hopefuls in a quest to become country music’s next great duo.

April 17, 2008   The 2008 CMT MUSIC AWARDS scores with more than 9.1 million viewers cumulative tuning in for premiere and repeat telecasts on Monday, April 14. In addition, traffic on CMT.com hit record highs the day after the awards show, breaking all previous records for page views, uniques and streams.

Mar. 11, 2008   CMT announces the seven-episode series, GONE COUNTRY, is the network’s highest-rated series in its history. GONE COUNTRY featured host John Rich, of the multi-platinum selling country duo Big & Rich, and a cast including Bobby Brown, Carnie Wilson, Dee Snider, Diana DeGarmo, Julio Iglesias Jr., Maureen McCormick and Sisqó.

Feb. 13, 2008   CMT partners with award-winning travel retailer Hudson Group for the network’s first ever retail store, CMT Loot, at Nashville International Airport.

Jan. 17, 2008   CMT and Horseshoe Casino and Hotel announce plans for the CMT Crossroads Bar in Bossier City, La. The $3.3 million project will encompass 3,300 square feet with a stage, dance floor and grandiose 27-foot circular bar. CMT Crossroads Bar is already under construction and scheduled to open in the spring of 2008.

Dec. 31, 2007   CMT.com streamed more than 100 million videos in 2007, with music videos accounting for 70 percent of those streams.

Dec. 11, 2007   CMT.com’s online talent search MUSIC CITY MADNESS announced 13-year-old Katelyn Jolley (“The Game”) as the winner of the second season of the online competition. More than 4 million votes were cast online to determine the winner, an increase of nearly 400 percent from last year. Chevrolet was the exclusive sponsor and Sony BMG Nashville also joined as the official record label partner for Season 2.

Nov. 17, 2007   More than 1.4 million viewers tuned in for the premiere of CMT GIANTS: HANK WILLIAMS JR.

Sept. 4, 2007   DALLAS COWBOYS CHEERLEADERS: MAKING THE TEAM 2 becomes the highest rated series premiere in CMT history.
Sept. 4, 2007   The CMT original film DALE became the most watched telecast in the network’s history with more than 3.1 million total viewers; Dale was also the most watched cable telecast for the day.

May 31, 2007   CMT, along with MTV and VH1, announces “Unplugged” specials to be taped by artists including Bon Jovi and Kenny Chesney. The first episode, featuring Bon Jovi, airs June 24, 2007 on CMT.

April 24, 2007   CMT signs on as an official sponsor for the first annual “Stagecoach Country Music Festival” in Indio, Calif.

April 23, 2007   CMT’s original series become available for download on multiple services including iTunes, Amazon Unbox, AOL Video, Wal-Mart Video Downloads and Xbox LIVE Marketplace for Xbox 360.

April 14, 2007   CMT.com celebrates its 10 year anniversary. Since its launch in 1997, the site has grown to become America’s No. 1 country music resource online.

April 3, 2007   CMT.com launched its first online user-generated talent search, MUSIC CITY MADNESS and receives over 600 entries. 1.2 million votes were cast to determine America’s favorite unpublished, unsigned act. The top 64 finalists were posted on CMT.com and fans voted for 6 weeks crowning Stephanie Beck Williams winner for her original song and video “D.R.U.N.K.”

Feb. 5, 2007   CMT Films and Nascar Images announce DALE, the only authorized documentary on racing legend Dale Earnhardt, will be showcased in movie theaters beginning in February, coinciding with the launch of the 2007 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series in Daytona Beach, Fla. The release of DALE includes private premieres hosted by presenting sponsor Chevrolet/GM Goodwrench, large-scale consumer event screenings, and through partner National CineMedia, limited showings in select AMC, Cinemark, Regal Entertainment Group and Georgia Theatre Company movie theaters nationwide.

Jan. 29, 2007   CMT.com announces the first ever winners of the CMT.COM LOADED AWARDS, a one-of-a kind celebration of Internet excellence. The CMT.COM LOADED AWARDS are created specifically for CMT’s broadband channel CMT Loaded. They feature hilarious “not for TV” antics with artists and hosts Adam Black, Lauren Rainey and Charla, along with music by Phil Lee from the lunch room, the freight elevator and even the bathroom. Highlights from the award festivities include an introduction by CMT’s own Loaded Girl 15, fun tips from Montgomery Gentry on how to watch Loaded at work and Two Foot Fred on a frantic search for Carrie Underwood.

Nov. 18, 2006   CMT GIANTS: REBA averages an impressive 1.7 million total viewers during its premiere telecast, up 387% over the quarter-to-date Primetime average. Among the network’s most-watched original telecasts of the year, the critically-acclaimed premiere garnered 4.5 million total viewers cumulative. The critically-acclaimed show featured stars of music, film and television as they paid tribute to their favorite redhead, Reba.

Nov. 6, 2006   CMT.com celebrates its best week ever following online coverage of the “40th Annual CMA Awards,” breaking multiple single day and week long records for unique visitors, streams and page views. CMT’s new broadband player Loaded garnered 2.6 million streams for the week, up 19% over the prior record.

Sept. 8, 2006   CMT Films and Paramount Classics premiere "Broken Bridges" starring Toby Keith to theaters nationwide.
July 18, 2006   CMT launches its new broadband network CMT LOADED at CMT.com.

April 10, 2006   CMT.com breaks multiple records during the week of the 2006 CMT MUSIC AWARDS. The Web site celebrated 1 million unique visitors during the week of the broadcast, and voting night of the show increased 451% over the previous year.

April 10, 2006   The 2006 CMT MUSIC AWARDS yielded winners in every category, with over 9.2 million viewers tuning in to the award show-related programming. In addition, the show pushed every performer to post-show album sales gains.

April 5, 2006   CMT reaches 82.2 million homes.

March 27, 2006   CMT announces new digital music channel, CMT PURE COUNTRY, and broadband initiative, LOADED, as part of the networks aggressive strategy to expand music content across multiple media platforms.

Feb. 7, 2006   CMT reaches a new distribution threshold with 80.9 million homes, increasing its reach over five percent from the year prior.

Feb. 1, 2006   CMT announces launch of gaming division, CMT Games, under which it will partner with leading game publishers to develop, produce and promote creative gaming experiences for the CMT audience.

Jan. 21, 2006   The 2006 MISS AMERICA PAGEANT scores a record 3.1 million total viewers, making it CMT’s most watched telecast ever.

Dec. 9, 2005   CMT programming becomes available on VOD on Comcast and Charter cable systems.

Oct. 31, 2005   CMT and Paramount Home Entertainment announce the creation of CMT Films. Slated for a 2006 theatrical release, “Broken Bridges” starring Toby Keith, is announced as the first title under the new studio partnership.

Sept. 28, 2005   CMT announces new suite of mobile services including ringtones, text message voting and mobile video as part of its new CMT Mobile division.

Sept. 21, 2005   CMT launches “One Country,” a pro-social campaign to promote civic participation and volunteerism on a local and national level by highlighting everyday heroes and raising awareness of non-profit organizations.

Sept. 10, 2005   CMT, along with sister nets MTV and VH1, simultaneously air a four-hour commercial free, multi-genre special, REACT NOW: MUSIC & RELIEF, to raise funds for hurricane victims.

June 27, 2005   CMT and the Miss America Organization announce a multi-year agreement.

April 11, 2005   The 2005 CMT MUSIC AWARDS set new viewing records at the network, making it CMT’s highest rated and most watched telecast in channel history. More than 9.9 million viewers P2+ watched the live awards show telecast and related programming on April 11.

March 4, 2005   CMT and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. join forces to promote music and entertainment products across multiple platforms which include in-store promotion and exclusive CMT content in Wal-Mart stores.

March 30, 2005   Anchored by the relaunch of THE DUKES OF HAZZARD and live music specials, CMT celebrates its most watched quarter in history among the target 18-29 demo, with a 28 percent increase in total day viewers.

Feb. 25, 2005   CMT launches the return of THE DUKES OF HAZZARD series, which registered a staggering 23 million viewers throughout the premiere weekend of February 25-27.

Jan. 31, 2005   CMT announces a new name for the annual video music awards, CMT MUSIC AWARDS, with comedy kingpin Jeff Foxworthy as the 2005 host.

Dec. 31, 2004   CMT reaches 76.5 million U.S. homes, making it one of the fastest growing cable networks with a 76 percent increase since December 2000.

Oct. 29, 2004   Rebels rule with the premiere of CMT OUTLAWS, which garnered more than 15 million viewers for related programming. The concert featured Hank Williams Jr., Kid Rock, Gretchen Wilson, Tanya Tucker, and Metallica’s James Hetfield among others.

April 12, 2004   Keith Urban credits CMT for 20 percent album sales increase following the premiere of his first television concert special, KEITH URBAN: WHO WOULDN’T WANNA BE HERE? CMT SPRING BREAK ’04.

Jan. 31, 2004   CMT goes to the Super Bowl with Toby Keith and friends for a special live CMT CROSSROADS from Houston. Performers include Willie Nelson, Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, Sammy Hagar, Run DMC’s Darryl McDaniels, the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith, Ted Nugent and jazz musician Wayman Tisdale.

Nov. 15, 2003   As music lovers mourn the passing of iconic legend Johnny Cash, CMT debuts the JOHNNY CASH MEMORIAL TRIBUTE: A CELEBRATION OF FRIENDS AND FAMILY featuring his close friends and family members. A record six million viewers tuned in for the premiere and encore presentations on Nov. 15.

July 30, 2003   CMT announces first ever tour sponsorship. The 2003 “CMT Tour” starred hitmaker Brad Paisley.

June 6, 2003   CMT debuts the first authorized biography of superstar Garth Brooks in a special episode of CMT INSIDE FAME.

June 2003   CMT Radio Network reaches a milestone of 100 partner stations.

April 7, 2003   Toby Keith and Pamela Anderson host the second annual CMT FLAMEWORTHY 2003 VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS, telecast live from Nashville.

March 28, 2003   CMT premieres an intimate interview with Johnny Cash from his Jamaican home in an exclusive CMT INSIDE FAME. The interview was his last in-depth television interview.

July 1, 2002   CMT launched CMT Radio Network in partnership with Westwood One, offering products and services tailored to country radio stations.

June 2002   CMT launches the first ever FLAMEWORTHY AWARDS, country music’s first and only fan-voted video awards.

Jan. 13, 2002   CMT debuts the first episode of its landmark series, CMT CROSSROADS, featuring Lucinda Williams and Elvis Costello.

Oct. 21, 2001   CMT and Clear Channel Entertainment present THE COUNTRY FREEDOM CONCERT, a live benefit to support the Salvation Army’s Disaster Relief Fund following September 11.

May 2001   Country.com gets a makeover as CMT.com. The redesign extends the CMT brand online, while continuing to offer the latest news and information on country music.
Aug. 21, 2001   Brian Philips joins CMT as General Manager from Dallas’ No. 1 country radio station, KPLX “The Wolf.” CMT was in 49.3 million households upon Philips’ arrival.

Aug. 18, 2001   CMT carries the first live telecasts of the Grand Ole Opry.

May 2000    Viacom and CBS merge, making CMT part of the MTV Network family. At the time of the merger, CMT was in approximately 39 million households.

April 14, 1997   CMT launches Country.com, the premiere source for country music news and information.

Feb. 10, 1997   CBS Corporation announces the merger of Gaylord Entertainment, TNN: The Nashville Network and CMT.

Oct. 31, 1996   CMT Canada launches as a co-venture of Viacom and Shaw. While the Canadian channel carries much of the same programming, the two cable networks are owned and operated independently.

Summer 1993   “CMT Cross Country” makes its debut. The interactive experience includes three CMT trucks along with a 53-foot promotional trailer.
1991    Gaylord Entertainment acquires CMT.

March 6, 1983   Video World International launches CMTV with its debut video, a performance clip of Faron Young’s “Four in the Morning.” CMTV was re-launched as CMT later in the year.

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