THE GMA DOVE AWARDS NAME ATLANTA HOST FOR 2012 AWARDS

NASHVILLE, TN (June 29, 2011) – THE GMA Board of Directors and the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau announced today that the 43^rd Annual GMA Dove Awards will again take place in Atlanta, Georgia in 2012 and will be aired on gmc.  The awards, slated to take place in April 2012 offer the most comprehensive platform of music celebrating Christian and Gospel music. 

 

The 42^nd Annual GMA Dove Awards quickly sold out this past April at Atlanta’s Fabulous Fox Theatre garnered its highest ratings on gmc.  With over 1.5 million viewers turning in to catch host Sherri Shepherd and such artists as Female Vocalist of the Year Francesca Battistelli, Male Vocalist of the Year Chris August and other superstars Third Day,  Casting Crowns, Natalie Grant , Chris Tomlin, Mary Mary, Kirk Franklin, Kenny Rogers and many others perform unique collaborations and take home honors at the annual awards show.

 

“We’re excited for the Dove Awards to return to Atlanta,” says William Pete, Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau CEO.  “There was a buzz throughout the city surrounding the show and the excitement was contagious.  We look forward to making the 43^rd Annual Dove Awards another success.” 

 

This year’s awards marked many firsts for the iconic awards.  With its move to the culturally diverse city of Atlanta, the gmc airing, numerous promotions with radio, TV and area churches, coupled with the location being home to so many of the genres artists and the international TV star and comedian Sherri Shepherd bringing her uniquely apropos hosting duties to the show made for a complete facelift for “Gospel Music’s Biggest Night.”

 

Mitchell Solarek, chairman of the GMA board states, “Our experience this past year in Atlanta exceeded our expectations. How exciting to have the Governor of Georgia personally there to welcome our artists, and guests of the show. The City of Atlanta made us feel so welcomed from the city and state leaders to the multitude of local and international media that covered the awards.  We are thrilled with the results of the 42^nd Annual GMA Dove Awards and are looking forward to another amazing outcome in 2012.”

 

Charley Humbard, gmc CEO adds, “The GMA Dove Awards is one of the preeminent events in the world of Christian, Gospel and Inspirational music.  Our relationship with the GMA and the Dove Awards is an important part of our strategy.  We are pleased with the increasing numbers we are garnering with awards show.  And, having the awards in Atlanta, the home of gmc, makes it doubly sweet.”

 

Founded in 1964, the Gospel Music Association serves as the face and voice for the Gospel/Christian music community and is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the Gospel through music of all styles including Pop, Rock, Praise & Worship, Urban Gospel, R&B, Hip Hop, Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, Country and more. The GMA community consists of members including agents, artists, church leaders, managers, promoters, radio personnel, record company executives, retailers, songwriters and other industry visionaries. The GMA produces the GMA Dove Awards, GMA Dove Week and IMMERSE. For more on supporting the GMA or becoming a member, please visit  www.gospelmusic.org or contact the GMA directly at 615.277.1376.

 

gmc ( www.watchgmctv.com) is America’s favorite channel for uplifting music and family entertainment. In 2010, The Parents Television Council™ awarded its Entertainment Seal of Approval™ to gmc for being “an authentic family-friendly cable network.” gmc was the only television network to receive the highly coveted honor last year.

 

gmc can be seen in nearly 48 million homes on various cable systems around the country, on DIRECTV on channel 338 and on Verizon FiOS on channel 224.