New Label, American Profile Presents, Announces First Releases

NASHVILLE< TN. (Top40 Charts/ American Profile Presents) - Called Country Gospel Favorites, the debut two-CD set from American Profile Presents includes such favorites as Roy Clark singing, "In the Sweet By And By," "How Great Thou Art" from Lee Greenwood and "Dear God" sung by Patsy Cline. A two-CD compilation of Roy Clark's greatest Country Music and Country Gospel work, entitled Heart To Heart, will follow in June, and at least two more releases are planned for fall.

In a unique model, all of the releases by American Profile Presents will be tied to feature articles in American Profile Country Gospel Favorites is tied to stories on Pat Boone, Roy Clark, Donna Fargo and others‹and supported by magazine and Internet advertising that reaches more than 25 million people every week. The advantage is a direct connection to a desirable audience: an under-marketed, high-volume segment of music consumers that frequently live far from music retail outlets and likely do not download music files online.

"Major magazines don't have music labels, and major music labels don't have magazines," said Steve Minucci, PGA director of business development. "We're doing something that no one is doing‹integrating the editorial with the product and being in both retail and direct-response markets. This comes from listening to our readers and providing things for them that they have told and shown us they enjoy"

Sheridan Square Entertainment Inc. (SSE) retail distributor KOCH Entertainment Distribution is handling the distribution and marketing of American Profile Presents through mainstream retail and such alternate channels as religious bookstores, department stores, and truck stops. American Profile parent Publishing Group of America and SSE will share in revenues generated by both retail and direct response sales.

"This opens up a whole new market for us," said Mick Lloyd, Vice President and General Manager of SSE. "American Profile has respect with millions of consumers, many of whom are music buyers, and their name will generate instant credibility and respect at retail. With traditional commercial outlets declining, the music industry needs new opportunities like American Profile Presents to put its product in front of the buying public. This is a win for both of us."