CMA Extends Contract With Executive Producer Robert Deaton

Visionary Producer to Helm CMA’s  

Network Television Properties Through 2026  

CMA has extended its long-standing partnership with Executive Producer Robert Deaton, the creative mind behind CMA’s highly-rated television properties. The new deal, which includes the annual CMA Awards in addition to “CMA Fest” and “CMA Country Christmas,” will see Deaton in the producer’s chair through 2026. Earlier this year, CMA renewed its contract with network television partner ABC, also through 2026. 

“The passion Robert Deaton has for Country Music and the genre’s history is truly special,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “His extraordinary vision continues to elevate the CMA Awards, ‘CMA Fest’ and ‘CMA Country Christmas,’ providing one-of-a-kind television moments to music fans throughout the year. I love to see the music come to life through his eyes and I am incredibly grateful for another five years with such a terrific partner.” 

“Any gig you have with Robert Deaton, you know, as an artist and as a viewer, it’s gonna be killer!” says Garth Brooks, seven-time CMA Entertainer of the Year. “I have had the great fortune of sharing some magical moments throughout the years with Robert. He is a gift to all of us within Country Music and beyond. Congratulations my friend!” 

“Robert is an integral part of ABC’s relationship with CMA, and it’s impossible to imagine our annual specials without him,” says Rob Mills, Walt Disney Television Executive Vice President, Unscripted and Alternative Entertainment. “We are excited for the continued opportunity to work alongside him and the entire CMA team to deliver the most entertaining Country Music events on television.” 

“I could not be prouder and more honored to plant my flag long-term with my family at CMA,” says Deaton. “This is home for me, these are my people. I’m blessed beyond measure.” 

Deaton, a two-time Emmy Award-winning producer and director, has overseen CMA’s popular television properties since 2007. A highly respected television producer and award-winning director, Deaton’s career has skyrocketed from launching a pioneering video production company, in which he created more than 200 music videos for a variety of chart-topping artists, to producing some of the most
successful properties on network television. Deaton produced “Sports Illustrated: 50 Years of Beautiful” on NBC as well as the “Soul to Soul” Las Vegas residency for Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. He was executive producer of “The Passion with Tyler Perry” for Fox Broadcasting and currently serves as executive producer of the Billboard Music Awards on NBC. 

The Nashville-based entrepreneur has expanded his reach beyond television into film and record production. He helmed Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas collection featuring the music icon with guests Vince Gill, Little Big Town, Amy Grant, Carrie Underwood, Bono and Michael McDonald. Deaton made his feature film directorial debut in 2018 with “Benched.”