Gospel Music Channel Unveils Plans for ''Gospel Dream 2005''
Gospel Dream 2005, Gospel Music Channel Sessions & News, and exclusive footage of the Dove Awards are all new features on the GMC
At a press conference held during Gospel Music Week in Nashville, the Gospel Music Channel unveiled “Gospel Dream 2005” as the newest addition to its lineup of inspirational programming.
Much like FOX’s “American Idol,” “Gospel Dream” will bring performers from all over the U.S. to compete for a chance to be signed by a major record label. Auditions for the program will begin in July and will be held in ten cities including Detroit, Atlanta, New York, Nashville, Washington (DC), New Orleans, Chicago, St. Louis, Los Angeles and Houston. The auditions will culminate in a two-part finale that will be held in Atlanta.
Beginning September 15th, the Gospel Music Channel will air 10 one-hour episodes featuring the local auditions with each week building up to the Dec. 8 finale. Each episode will feature the show’s host and judges from the music industry, including local radio personalities from each market and Christian artists.
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Ford Motor Company has signed on as the program’s lead sponsor and exclusive automotive advertiser. The Gospel Music Channel is also hoping to establish marketing partnerships with local radio stations and churches to help support the program in each market.
Debuting in 2003, the “Gospel Dream” program, which aired last year on BET, is the gospel industry’s most watched reality show to date. Created and executive produced by Elvin Ross, senior executive produced by Bishop Paul S. Morton, and produced by Tammy Johnson, the show has been called, “a version of American Idol with a spiritual twist, filling a void in an industry yearning for more entertainment outlets.”
Other new programming announced by the Gospel Music Channel included both the “Gospel Music Channel Sessions” as well as “Gospel Music Channel News.” “Gospel Music Channel Session” will feature intimate performances and conversations with Christian artist recorded in front of a live audience.
The program will debut on June 5 at 8 p.m. EST with MercyMe as the show’s first guest. “Gospel Music Channel News” is a series of original news features that will go inside industry events and concerts to take a look at behind-the-scenes happenings.
Additionally, the network announced a multi-year agreement with the Gospel Music Association to acquire the exclusive rights to more than 35 years of Dove Awards footage, providing the network with hundreds of artist performances from past Dove programs.
The Gospel Music Channel will work with the GMA to produce exclusive original programming from the footage, and has also acquired the rights for second-run broadcast of GMA Music Awards shows through 2010.
“Our goal is to be the premier provider of gospel music entertainment to television viewers across America and around the world. Teaming up with the leading organization representing gospel music is an important step to accomplishing that goal,” said Charles Humbard, president and CEO of Gospel Music Channel.
“For the past 35 years, the Doves have been gospel music’s biggest night of the year, recognizing the most talented artists in gospel music’s history," he added. "We look forward to developing compelling programming based on some of the most inspired gospel performances of our time.”
The Gospel Music Channel is the first, advertiser-supported cable network dedicated to the rich history and contemporary sounds of gospel music, its many genres and artists.
Launched on October 30, 2004, the network’s program schedule features music video blocks, artists’ biographies, music specials and live concerts highlighting all styles and genres of gospel music targeted to all age groups and demographics.
The company was founded by cable television industry executives, Charles Humbard and Brad Siegel in April of 2004. Alpine Equity Partners L.P. and Constellation Ventures, a Bear Stearns Asset Management Venture Capital Fund, are financing the Gospel Music Channel. For more information visit www.gospelmusicchannel.com
