New Music Programming + Special Segments with Adie Camp & Mandisa

Atlanta, Ga. – June 28, 2011 – gmc, the leader in gospel and Christian music on television and online, announces a music rebrand with new music programming beginning Tuesday, July 5th to further support gmc’s “Uplift Someone” initiative. This pro-social movement is designed to remind others how easy it is to commit kind and positive acts for others. It just takes a simple act of kindness to “Uplift Someone” (www.watchgmctv.com/uplift).

The “Uplift Someone” movement began with the 42nd Dove Awards in April when Denver Broncos’ Tim Tebow presented Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman with gmc’s first “Uplift Someone” award. This award recognizes artists who have encouraged people across the nation to make the world a better place by inspiring acts of positivity and kindness. The award celebrated the work the Chapmans have accomplished on behalf of the 140 million orphans in the world through the funding of Show Hope™. Viewers can purchase special “Uplift” wristbands with proceeds going to Show Hope this year.

“The ‘Uplift Someone’ movement is a thoughtful campaign, and we want our motivation behind everything we do at gmc to reflect this cause," explains Tammi Weed, gmc director of music programming & talent. "One of the best ways for us to communicate our commitment to this is through the rebranding of our music programming.”
 
In support of the campaign, gmc will start every weekday with three hours of “Uplifting” music. Premiering on Tuesday, July 5th from 7 am to 9 am EST is the music video block “Uplifting Urban” featuring urban, hip-hop, and contemporary gospel music from artists Kirk Franklin, Lecrae, Deitrick Haddon, Mary Mary and more. “Uplifting Urban” will be followed by one hour of “Uplifting Pop” starting at 9 am EST. “Uplifting Pop” is where viewers will find the latest pop music videos from Amy Grant, Brandon Heath, MercyMe, Francesca Battistelli, TobyMac and more.

In addition, gmc will also dedicate one hour a week on Sundays to wholesome country music in the new block “Uplifting Country,” which features inspiring country artists like Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, Shania Twain, Trace Adkins among others.

“There is power in a song but music videos connect with an individual on a completely different level. We’re working on more creative ways to utilize this type of content,” shares Weed. “gmc is the only place on television to find such programming. We believe that the new, more defined music blocks will uplift our viewers and better serve our artist and industry partners.”

In addition to the new music blocks, gmc hopes to uplift viewers with two regular “television columns” on-air featuring artists Adie Camp and Mandisa.

Ask Adie: This is fashioned after the most popular and widely syndicated column in the world, "Dear Abby." In the same way that Abby offers "uncommon" common sense and a youthful perspective, so will Adie. gmc viewers now have a chance to gain a trusted friend and familiar face each morning by participating in Ask Adie.

Minute with Mandisa: Highly relatable, full of energy and a strong communicator, GRAMMY®-nominated Mandisa is a woman who has already connected with audiences nationwide. gmc viewers will love her and laugh with her as she shares helpful one-minute tips on how to improve one’s health and happiness.

Stay tuned for upcoming announcements surrounding the “Uplift Someone” movement and for more original music programming on gmc in the coming months including special gmc original movies, music specials and world video premieres.