ATLANTA/NASHVILLE (The Lippin Group) - Gospel
Music Channel, the first television network of its kind dedicated to all forms of the gospel music genre, has appointed Jerry Williams as its first director of programming, scheduling and acquisitions. The announcement was made today by Charles Humbard, president and chief executive officer, and Brad Siegel, vice chairman of Gospel
Music Channel.
"Jerry brings over 25 years of music radio experience to Gospel
Music Channel, including a host of significant, long-stand relationships throughout the industry that he has carefully nurtured," remarked Mr. Humbard. "In addition to helping us turn this very diverse musical content into a cohesive, fluid whole, we expect Jerry will be instrumental in identifying promotional opportunities with Christian radio – that will be very valuable to our core business."
At Gospel Music Channel, Mr. Williams will be responsible for finding and negotiating deals on existing programming, giving input on original and developmental pieces, and scheduling our contemporary genre, and work closely with record labels, artists, and artist management.
"I look forward to the challenge of jumping from radio to cable, having invested my entire professional life in this wonderful music genre and its positive messages," stated Mr. Williams. "The Gospel Music Channel, which will help the genre reach a much broader audience, is something that both fans and industry executives believe has been missing from the gospel music equation for far too long."
Prior to joining Gospel Music Channel, Williams was the program director at J93.3 in Atlanta, where he had been since September of 1998. Under his watch, J93.3 developed its highest ratings to date and became a top Atlanta station. He has additionally held positions at WCBW in St. Louis; WRKA, WJIE, and WXLN in Louisville, KY; WWVA and WCPI in Wheeling, WV; and WALK and WLIX in Long Island, NY. At WLIX, a legendary Christian adult contemporary outlet, he did mornings and was the program director for eight years. Williams is an ex-officio member of the National Christian Radio Seminar (NCRS) steering committee, where he also served as programming track chairman, and has contributed to numerous industry publications.
About Gospel Music Channel
Gospel Music Channel is the first 24-hour advertiser supported all music entertainment network devoted to the uplifting, inspiring and diverse music that is Gospel. From the soulful sounds of artists like CeCe Winan, to the Country roots of Johnny Cash and Randy Travis, to the contemporary styling of Kirk Franklin and Jars of Clay – Gospel Music Channel celebrates a music that has a deep, spiritual place in people's lives. Slated to launch in fourth quarter of 2004, the network's program schedule will feature 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. Alpine Equity Partners L.P. and Constellation Ventures, a Bear Stearns Asset Management Venture Capital Fund, are financing Gospel Music Channel.
More information on Gospel Music Channel can be found online at https://www.gospelmusicchannel.com.
