Ryman Auditorium

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Additional Press Releases

AUGUST 28, 2003

'AMERICA'S GRAND OLE OPRY WEEKEND’ NOW AIRING ON 205 COUNTRY MUSIC RADIO STATIONS NATIONWIDE
Popular Two-Hour Syndicated Show Also Debuts Worldwide on Armed Forces Radio Network

NASHVILLE ,Tenn. (Aug. 28, 2003) – The Grand Ole Opry today announced that “ America's Grand Ole Opry Weekend ” has eclipsed the mark of 200 country music radio stations that now feature the two-hour program that showcases country music’s most popular performers as well as many of its promising new artists. With the recent addition of 130 additional country music radio stations, the total number of stations that carry the program is 205 nationwide. Westwood One – which has handled the syndicated distribution of “ America's Grand Ole Opry Weekend ” since its launch in May – has added the program via its 24/7 Mainstream Country programming. The Opry also announced today that “ America 's Grand Ole Opry Weekend” is now available on radio to our nation’s soldiers through the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS).

“We are committed to broadening the reach of the Grand Ole Opry and to providing a vibrant, unique outlet for the many talented performers who grace the Opry stage,” said Steve Buchanan, senior vice president of media and entertainment at Gaylord Entertainment. “Our expansion with Westwood One and the addition of the Armed Forces Radio Network reinforces our goal to present great country music to millions of fans both here in America and around the world.”

Major markets in which “ America's Grand Ole Opry Weekend ” can now be heard include Phoenix ,Cincinnati ,Atlanta and the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The show is also reaching country music fans in America ’s Heartland in markets such as Knoxville ,Tenn. ,Rockford ,Ill. , and Montgomery ,Ala. , as well as Columbus and Toledo ,Ohio .

“Westwood One is excited to be part of ‘ America’s Grand Ole Opry Weekend ,’ and we're pleased with the positive reaction from affiliate stations,” said Charlie Cook , vice president and general manager of country programming for Westwood One. “Stations are telling us great things on the quality of the talent and the production values each week. With live performances from many of today’s top hit-makers, “ America’s Grand Ole Opry Weekend ” is a show that is resonating with radio programmers. This is a first-class radio program.”

Through its radio network, the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service at any one time can reach approximately 800,000 authorized listeners. The network includes 34 manned stations in 16 countries and signals reaching more than 170 countries, in addition to hundreds of deployed ships.

The Grand Ole Opry is already accessible to country music fans in a variety of ways, including 650 WSM-AM, home to the Grand Ole Opry since 1925, CMT: Country Music Television, Sirius Satellite Radio’s Stream 132, and www.opry.com and www.wsmonline.com .

“Artists and their representatives continue to tell us there is tremendous value in appearing before as many country music fans as possible,” said Pete Fisher, vice president and general manager of the Grand Ole Opry. “With the utmost attention to the program’s production values, the Opry remains committed to showcasing country music’s finest performers.”

About the Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry presents the best in country and bluegrass music live every week from Nashville ,Tenn. A uniquely American experience for more than 77 years, the Opry can be heard on 650 WSM-AM, Channel 132 on Sirius Satellite Radio and www.opry.com . The syndicated weekly program America's Grand Ole Opry Weekend airs on country radio stations across the country, and Grand Ole Opry Live airs each weekend on CMT: Country Music Television. The Grand Ole Opry is owned by Gaylord Entertainment (NYSE: GET), a leading hospitality and entertainment company based in Nashville . For more information, visit www.opry.com or www.gaylordentertainment.com .

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