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WOW Hits 2005 |
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| 2004-08-26 | ||
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NASHVILLE, TN - August 26, 2004 – EMI CMG, in partnership with Word Entertainment and Provident Label Group, announces the Oct. 5 release of WOW Hits 2005, the next acclaimed offering in Christian music’s best-selling series. Marketed and distributed by EMI CMG, WOW Hits 2005 is the definitive collection of the year’s top Christian artists and hits on double-CD. Spotlighting 31 songs from Pop, Adult Contemporary, Rock and Worship genres, the project features 15 No. 1 singles and an additional 11 Top-10 charting cuts from such acclaimed artists as Steven Curtis Chapman, Audio Adrenaline, newsboys, Third Day, Jars of Clay, tobyMac, Caedmon’s Call, Avalon, Casting Crowns, Matthew West and Todd Agnew, among others (complete listing below). “WOW Hits 2005 is one of the strongest WOW albums we have released to date,” says David Crace, senior vice president, marketing, EMI CMG. “We know that great songs drive the sale of WOW records and this collection is remarkable. These songs, collectively, are currently generating more than 100 million impressions weekly via Christian radio stations across the country. We are confident that WOW Hits 2005 will be a fan favorite this fall, deliver stronger-than-expected retail sales and play a significant role in industry growth in the New Year.” WOW Hits 2005 will have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $23.98 and will be available on a two CD set (UPC 724357110600). A companion WOW Hits 2005 DVD will also be available and features 17 of the year’s top Christian music videos from artists such as Third Day, Casting Crowns, Pillar, Selah, Stacie Orrico, Nicole C. Mullen and more. The DVD carries a $14.98 MSRP (UPC 724359965796). The WOW series boasts four RIAA Certified Double Platinum, nine Platinum and eight Gold albums. With more than 14 million WOW albums sold to date and as one of the most in-demand albums each year, WOW has earned consumer trust as a source for chart-topping Christian radio hits as well as an opportunity to discover new artists and songs. Launched in 1995, the unprecedented collaboration of the three CBA music industry leaders to create the WOW brand has steadily broadened the consumer base for contemporary Christian music. In 2000, the Gospel Music Association honored WOW with an Impact Award for its impression in expanding the reach and awareness of the genre. The projects further benefit the artists, allowing consumers to sample various music prior to purchasing specific titles. According to the American Research Group, 74% of WOW buyers have gone on to buy an album from an artist featured on the disc. “Research has proven that people who aren’t familiar with Christian music tend to respond positively when exposed to it,” explains Gospel Music Association president, John Styll. “The WOW series is a great way to extend the reach and impact of Christian music by exposing top artists and songs to potential new listeners.” The release of WOW Hits 2005 will be supported by an extensive marketing campaign including high-visibility positioning at CBA and general market retail beginning in Oct. At radio, the project will be advertised in the top 13 radio/retail markets and nationally on 20 The Countdown Magazine program. With additional promotions in over 50 radio markets, WOW will further be featured on daily radio spots on The Dave Ramsey Show throughout Nov. EMI CMG is also partnering with Youth Specialties to nationally promote WOW Hits 2005 via regional conventions. Moreover, working with Salem Web Network, the project will be featured significantly on the Internet including at Crosswalk.com, CCMagazine.com, thefish.com, klty.com and other radio station websites. Grassroots initiatives will employ a fall campaign with World Vision in partnership with AOL, Yahoo and Crosswalk, utilizing iTickets’ e-mail list to target attendees of WOW artists’ tours. WOW Hits 2005 artist and songs include: Steven Curtis Chapman, All Things New For more information on WOW Hits 2005, visit www.wowhits.com. |
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