| gmc | |
|---|---|
| GMC's current logo, used since February 1, 2010. | |
| Launched | October 30, 2004 |
| Picture format | 480i (SDTV) 1080i (HDTV) |
| Slogan | Uplifting Entertainment |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Broadcast area | United States |
| Headquarters | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Formerly called | Gospel Music Channel (2004-2010; removed from on-air usage, remains official name) |
| Website | http://www.watchgmctv.com |
| Availability | |
| Satellite | |
| DirecTV | Channel 338 |
| Dish Network | Channel 188 |
| Cable | |
| Available on most U.S. cable systems | Check local listings or http://gmc.viewerlink.tv |
| IPTV | |
| Verizon FiOS | Channel 224 |
gmc is an American satellite and cable television channel, known from its 2004 launch until February 1, 2010 as Gospel Music Channel. It is also available in high-definition as a separate channel called gmcHD [1].
gmc offers positive, family-oriented programming including music, movies, and inspiring stories. The slogan “Uplifting Entertainment” reflects the channel’s commitment to provide uplifting programming with a positive message. One of the fastest-growing cable channels over the last 2 years, gmc can be seen in 47 million homes, through various cable and satellite providers around the United States and the Caribbean including DIRECTV, FiOS TV, Sky Angel, and cable companies including Comcast, Time Warner, Cox, BrightHouse, Charter, and Bresnan.
In a 2009 survey, gmc ranked number one in perceived value (what a viewer is willing to pay for the network) and number three in overall Viewer Satisfaction[2]. In a 2010 survey it was ranked number one in perceived value among DBS (digital broadcast subscribers of satellite services such as Directv and Dish Network)[3]. According to the same DBS study, gmc tied for number one with Discovery Channel as the channel viewers said is important to their enjoyment of their satellite service.
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Gospel Music Channel was founded in 2004 by Charles Humbard[4], son of televangelist Rex Humbard. Charles Humbard stated, “I thought what a great need there was for a channel that would solve the problem of giving people an alternative to what else was on TV.”[5] Humbard teamed up with Brad Siegel as his Vice Chairman to launch the channel October 30, 2004. Siegel was formerly president of Turner Broadcasting's Turner Entertainment Networks. Gospel Music Channel was originally focused on gospel music and Contemporary Christian music programming, featuring all styles including traditional and contemporary gospel, Christian rock and pop, southern gospel, and even metal gospel. The schedule featured a different genre of music every weeknight.
In addition to music video blocks, the network produced many original programs such as "Faith and Fame" (artist biographies), "Front Row Live" (concerts), and upcoming singing competition "America Sings". The channel also carried the industry's major music shows, "The Stellar Awards" (gospel music), "The GMA Dove Awards" (all styles of Christian music), and "The National Quartet Convention" (Southern Gospel showcase). In the month of December, gmc branded itself "America's Christmas Channel" and showcased original Christmas concerts and Christmas video blocks along with artists' holiday greetings."[6]
In 2008, gmc helped push through an initiative for Congress to declare September National Gospel Music Heritage Month, honoring gospel music for its long-standing contributions to American culture.[7] Gospel music programming and tributes are heavily featured during the month, and local celebrations of gospel music heritage are encouraged and promoted.[8] Programming broadened beyond music that year when the channel introduced a reality, comedy and drama programs,[9] and in 2009 the channel introduced family movies and a few syndicated shows such as Christy, Promised Land, and Amy Grant’s Three Wishes into the line-up.
Although Gospel Music Channel remains its legal name, the cable channel re-branded as “gmc” and introduced a new logo on February 1, 2010.
Since re-branding in 2010, the channel has begun carrying more family and faith-friendly series and movies in addition to its music line-up. Current programming includes syndicated dramas and comedies such as Cosby, Sue Thomas FBEye, Doc, Early Edition, and Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. Recent family movies featured on the channel include uplifting mainstream films like The Secret Garden and Pay It Forward, and Christian movies such as Fireproof. Music programs remain a significant part of the line-up however, and include the Top 10 Countdown, The GMA Dove Awards, and The Stellar Awards. Original programming also continues to be part of the TV network.
gmc HD is a high definition simulcast of GMC that launched on November 27, 2009. Charles Humbard said of the HD launch "Like sports, no other genre of programming benefits as much from the high definition experience as music."[10] He added, "We have been aggressively producing original content and acquiring programming in high-def for quite some time in preparation for gmc HD. Affiliates and viewers have been asking for GMC in high-definition and the right time has come to provide it. We expect to announce affiliation agreements in time for the launch."[11]