NASHVILLE (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Former country editor of Radio & Records Lon Helton is rebounding from recent staff layoffs at the VNU-acquired company, launching a new country-music-industry trade magazine.
Helton, who worked at R&R for over 23 years, has also reached an agreement 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,” Helton, who will serve as President/CEO of his new venture, said in a statement. “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.”
Joining Helton at the new company as VP Editorial & Operations is respected Nashville trade writer Chuck Aly. Aly previously served as R&R Associate Country Editor for the past three years, following six years at Music Row Publications. –by CelebrityAccess Staff Writers
