The CMA Broadcast Awards are among the most prestigious awards given out in the field of Country Radio. The judging process involves more than 40 distinguished broadcasting professionals, who represent all market sizes and regions of the U.S.

There are two rounds of judging for Radio Station of the Year, Broadcast Personality of the Year and National Broadcast Personality of the Year. The first round determines the finalists. The second round determines the winners in each category.

The international accounting firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP® tabulate the scores for both rounds of judging.

Finalists from all categories receive certificates of recognition. Winners receive their trophies during pre-telecast ceremonies for "The 43rd Annual CMA Awards" and will be recognized during the live broadcast on the ABC Television Network.

Winners in the Broadcast Personality categories (all team members of winning entry) also receive a complimentary CMA individual lifetime membership.

The best of Country Radio are honored annually by the Country Music Association in the following classifications:

- Major Market (Arbitron Ranking 1-25)
- Large Market (Arbitron Ranking 26-50)
- Medium Market (Arbitron Ranking 51-100)
- Small Market (All other Markets)