“CMA COUNTRY CHRISTMAS” HOSTED BY JENNIFER NETTLES OF SUGARLAND AIRS THURSDAY, DEC. 20 AND REPEATS SATURDAY, DEC. 22 AND SUNDAY, DEC. 23 ON THE ABC TELEVISION NETWORK Two-Hour Special Features Performances and Fireside Interviews with Dierks Bentley, Colbie Caillat, Katherine Jenkins, Lady Antebellum, John Legend, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Scotty McCreery, The Band Perry, and Keith Urban

NASHVILLE – Some of the most powerful and emotionally moving voices in music come together to celebrate the holidays on “CMA Country Christmas,” which airs Thursday, Dec. 20 (9:00-11:00 PM/ET) and repeats Saturday, Dec. 22 (9:00-11:00 PM/ET) and Sunday, Dec. 23 (4:00-6:00 PM/ET). The special, which features Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland as host for the third year, airs on the ABC Television Network. Artists on the two-hour special celebrating the season with songs and stories include Dierks Bentley, Colbie Caillat, Katherine Jenkins, Lady Antebellum, John Legend, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Scotty McCreery, Nettles, The Band Perry, and Keith Urban. In 2011, the premiere broadcast of “CMA Country Christmas” drew more than 9 million viewers, which was an increase of nearly 23 percent over the inaugural broadcast in 2010. Adults 18-49 increased year-to-year by nearly 50 percent. Not only were initial airings better than in the previous year, DVR playback increased, too. Total viewers who watched the show within a week of premiere increased 2 million viewers from 2010 to 2011 (7.663 vs. 9.624). The cumulative audience for all three airings reached 14 million viewers. “The popularity of ‘CMA Country Christmas’ grows each year,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “The special is reaching across format lines and bringing in new viewers who appreciate great performances. It is especially rewarding that ABC has made the decision to air the program three times during the holiday season.” Full "CMA Country Christmas" show details can be found at CMAChristmas.com. Fans can connect with CMA online at Facebook.com/CMA, Twitter.com/CountryMusic (#CMAChristmas), YouTube.com/CountryMusicAssoc, and Pinterest.com/CMAworld. “CMA Country Christmas” is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the executive producer, Paul Miller is the director, and David Wild is the writer. The special was shot in high definition and will be broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC’s selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound. A TV parental guideline will be assigned closer to airdate. Chevrolet™ is the Official Ride of Country Music. Pepsi is the Official Beverage Partner of the Country Music Association.