'The 42nd Annual CMA Awards' Will Air Live November 12, 2008 On ABC

NASHVILLE, TN. (Top40 Charts/ Country Music Association) - The Country Music Association and ABC Television Network announced today that "The 42nd Annual CMA Awards" will air live on Wednesday, Nov. 12 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on ABC from the Sommet Center in Nashville, Tenn. The industry's elite and biggest stars will gather on "Country Music's Biggest Night" to recognize and celebrate the best and brightest performers, songwriters, record producers and music video directors.

The 2007 CMA Awards, held in Nashville during the November Sweep (11/7/07), ranked behind only the Academy Awards and Grammy Awards during the 2007-2008 season for award shows among Total Viewers and Adults 18-49. With "The 41st Annual CMA Awards," ABC won Wednesday evening in both Total Viewers (16.0 million) and Adults 18-49 (5.4/1 4).

The CMA Awards nominees and winners are determined by the 6,000 industry professional members of CMA. The organization, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, was the first trade organization formed to promote an individual genre of music in 1958. A total of 12 CMA Awards in the following categories are presented: Entertainer of the Year, Single of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Vocal Group of the Year, Vocal Duo of the Year, Musical Event of the Year, Musician of the Year, Music Video of the Year and New Artist of the Year (formerly known as the Horizon Award).

"The 42nd Annual CMA Awards" is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the Producer. Paul Miller is the Director. The special will be shot in high definition and broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound.