DONNA DUNCAN RECEIVES 2025 CMA MEDIA ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
The Country Music Association has announced Donna Duncan, veteran talent executive, as the second recipient of the 2025 CMA Media Achievement Award. Duncan was surprised with the news on Tuesday, Dec. 16 at KP Entertainment offices by Country superstar Luke Bryan.
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.
Duncan is a seasoned talent executive with nearly two decades of experience shaping some of the most recognizable music and entertainment programming across the Paramount brand portfolio. She spent 19 years at CMT, where she held multiple roles across production, development, talent booking, and franchise expansion. During her tenure, she served as Talent Producer for major properties including the CMT Music Awards, CMT Crossroads, and “CMT Hot 20 Countdown,” and contributed to top Paramount tentpole events, including the MTV VMAs on CBS.
Known for her deep industry relationships, creative instincts, and strategic approach to elevating artist-driven content, Duncan has built a consistent track record of high-profile bookings across television, digital franchises, and integrated marketing initiatives.
Duncan joins previously announced honoree Chris Willman as a recipient of the 2025 CMA Media Achievement Award. Willman received the honor on Tuesday, Nov. 18, when CMA Awards nominees and performers Shaboozey and Stephen Wilson Jr. surprised him during Variety’s CMA Awards Interview Lounge presented by Duke Cannon at Anzie Blue, ahead of “The 59th Annual CMA Awards.”
About the Country Music Association
Founded in 1958, the Country Music Association is the first trade organization formed to promote a type of music. CMA created the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1961 to recognize artists and industry professionals with Country Music’s highest honor. Music industry professionals and companies across the U.S. and around the globe are members of CMA. The organization serves as an educational and professional resource for the industry and advances the growth of Country Music around the world. This is accomplished through CMA’s core initiatives: the CMA Awards, which annually recognize outstanding achievement in the industry; CMA Fest, which benefits the CMA Foundation and music education and is taped for a three-hour network television special, “CMA Fest”; and “CMA Country Christmas.” All of CMA’s television properties air on ABC.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of KP Entertainment
For more information about the CMA Awards, visit CMAawards.com. To learn more about the Association’s awards and initiatives, visit CMAworld.com.
