The bold move from spring to fall was an intentional shift by the Gospel Music Association to make this year's esteemed event an unforgettable celebration of the message and artistry that defines the Gospel/Christian genre leading into the industry's most significant retail sales season. "The GMA Dove Awards has a tradition of bringing our music community together to celebrate God's goodness as a family and raising awareness for Christian and Gospel music," says GMA Executive Director Jackie Patillo. The memorable evening will celebrate the impact Gospel music is making in the lives of countless listeners around the world through story and song. "This year we will not only pay tribute to the music and its makers, but we will shine a light on those who have experienced the music as a lifeline," says Patillo.

In addition to once-in-a-lifetime performances, the show will also highlight the efforts of the industry's artists who are using their platforms to champion causes greater than themselves. Food for the Hungry, which provides emergency relief and long-term development programs to help the world's most vulnerable people, will be this year's GMA Dove Awards ministry partner. The organization will help celebrate the efforts of the industry to communicate its message of hope and service.

GMC TV will telecast the ceremony to its more than 60 million households nationwide. "As America's leader for uplifting entertainment, we are proud to be the exclusive home of the 44th Annual Dove Awards as they celebrate two of our most successful genres of programming - music and movies," said Charles Humbard, president and CEO, GMC TV.

The city of Nashville is thrilled to see the prestigious awards show return to Music City, the hub of Gospel/Christian music. "The Christian and Gospel music industry plays an important role in the energy of our city's music scene, and, as Music City, we are proud to welcome the Dove Awards back to Nashville," Mayor Karl Dean says.

The GMA also revealed that it will add a feature film category in response to the rise in prominence and impact of inspirational films within the entertainment community. GMA has invited The Dove Foundation, known for its Dove Seal of approval for filmed entertainment, to participate in the development of the category and to ensure the creditability of this award.

"I am delighted that such a highly-respected organization as the GMA is recognizing Christian films," says Dick Rolfe, Dove Foundation co-founder and CEO. "GMA has been a big part of my life ever since my years in Christian radio and television."

Final nominees are scheduled to be announced on Tuesday, August 22, 2013. Hosts and performers, along with ancillary Dove-related events, will be unveiled in the coming months. Only GMA members are eligible to vote in the 44th Annual GMA Dove Awards. To vote and further support this community, membership by March 30, 2013, is required. Visit www.gospelmusic.org to learn more about the GMA's mission, along with details on member benefits and application information.

Tickets for the 44th Annual GMA Dove Awards will go on-sale to the public June 7, 2013. To view eligibility period and entry details, visit www.doveawardsvoting.com. For all other GMA Dove Awards information, visit www.doveawards.com.

About the Gospel Music Association (GMA)
Founded in 1964, the Gospel Music Association serves as the face and voice for the Gospel/Christian music community and is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the Gospel through music of all styles including Pop, Rock, Praise & Worship, Urban Gospel, R&B, Hip Hop, Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, Country and more. The GMA community membership consists of agents, artists, church leaders, managers, promoters, radio personnel, record company executives, retailers, songwriters and other industry visionaries. The GMA produces the GMA Dove Awards and IMMERSE. For more on supporting the GMA or becoming a member, please visit www.gospelmusic.org or contact the GMA directly at 615-277-1376. Follow the GMA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gospelmusicassociation.

About GMC TV
GMC TV (www.watchGMCtv.com) is America's favorite network for uplifting music and family entertainment. The network presents original and acquired movies, series, stage plays and music specials along with gMovies, the first faith-friendly streaming movie service. The GMC TV brand is reflected in "Uplift Someone," the network's successful pro-social initiative. GMC TV can be seen in more than 58 million homes on various cable systems around the country, as well as DISH Network on channel 188, DIRECTV on channel 338 and Verizon FiOS on channel 224. Follow GMC TV on Facebook and Twitter at www.facebook.com/gmctv and http://twitter.com/gmctv.

About Food for the Hungry
Founded in 1971, Food for the Hungry provides emergency relief and long-term development programs in more than 20 countries to help the world's most vulnerable people. Learn more by visiting www.fh.org. Social connections include www.facebook.com/foodforthehungry and www.twitter.com/food4thehungry.

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