BITTERSWEET, Ky. — On the surface it may seem there is not a connection between cable news and country music, but I think our friends in the news business can take a lesson from our musical stars.

Now, before you turn to the livestock report, give me a chance to explain. First off, think about a time when you have watched a cable news interview when a host brings two different people/experts with different views on particular issues together to have somewhat of a debate.

It almost always turns into a “who can talk the loudest” kind of thing, as opposed to being able to hear what each has to say. That burns me up. How can I get any idea of what either is trying to tell me, unless I hear what both have to say without being interrupted?

I learned a long time ago that if I want someone to understand a point I’m trying to make, regardless of the subject, I have to be willing to listen to what that person has to say. Imagine how much better informed we would be if we all took the time to listen first, respect another’s opinion – and hope they will do the same for us.

With that said, I have just finished watching this year’s CMA awards show. It was a grand event as always, and really had nothing to do with cable news debates. But I do think the cable news folks can learn from our country music stars.

For instance, there were dozens of performers taking to the stage, each performing in their individual style. You could hear a lot of different musical genre influences in each song. I heard rock and blues and folk and country.

I saw performers who looked the part of traditional country and those who had more of a hard-rocker look. There were some fashionable folks and some with a more rustic look.

My point is this: These superstars likely have different ideas of how to perform their songs. They don’t all have to agree on the way they sing and perform, but they always allow each to have their moment onstage and, in case you watched and didn’t notice, nearly every performance got a standing ovation.

These guys may not all really know each other but they all seem to respect each other. I like that about country music. It is a delicious blend of many different ideas and many different ways of performing. But it’s all country music, and they put it out there in a way that lets us, the fans, decide what we like.

And often, we find ourselves liking a song or performer more than we thought was possible – all because we took the time to listen without being interrupted. Take note, cable news!

Bluegrass Johnson comes from a long line of country music performers and enjoys a passion for the rhythm and melody. From the hills of Kentucky, he will offer his opinions on a variety of new country music each week. Readers with questions or comments may write to Johnson in care of this publication.