Singing News Magazine has announced that in June of this year it will be moving its operations from Boone, NC to Nashville, TN. At the same time, it's parent organization, Salem Publishing, is slated to move operations from its Brentwood, TN office into Nashville, putting Singing News Magazine, Salem Publishing and Salem Music Network (operators of Solid Gospel Network) into a single locale.
Salem Publishing general manager and Salem Music Network vice president Michael Miller says, "We continue to look for synergies between Salem's national publishing business and its national music radio networks. With specific respect to Singing News and Solid Gospel Radio Network, having the two in one location will help us efficiently and effectively communicate all of the important artist and music information southern gospel fans expect from us. And with historic ties to many of the artists as well as to the publishing industry, Nashville (Music City USA), was an obvious choice from which to operate these enterprises."
Singing News' transition to Nashville will occur over the next couple of months. Publication of Singing News: The Printed Voice of Southern Gospel Music will not be interrupted. Miller added, "Our subscribers come first, of course, so we've made certain that the June, July, and August issues will be produced and delivered as usual during the transition. All operations should be moved to Nashville by July, so readers can expect the same great magazine to continue well into the future with timely news and information about their favorite artists. We're pleased that Danny Jones, the publication's editor, has agreed to take on greater responsibilities in this move, transitioning to editor in chief."
Although not making the transition to Nashville, current editor in chief Jerry Kirksey will become editor emeritus and will work on special projects for the magazine while also providing support in a consulting role. Miller noted that "from the Singing News' startup days 41 years ago, no one has done more than Jerry to promote southern gospel music to the world. As a father figure to this industry, his efforts have been of monumental significance in creating passion and support for this musical genre."
In related personnel notes, 15-year Singing News account executive Pam Slaney will continue to serve her clients from a to-be-determined Boone location. Salem Publishing Associate Publisher Rick Edwards will add "Director of Business Operations" to his title; a move that better reflects his role in overseeing new projects and supporting various strategic initiatives. And, in a move to further identify and implement strategic content synergies between Salem's various southern gospel print and radio properties, Les Butler will take on the role of Executive Brand Manager - Southern Gospel Properties. In addition to his current Singing News responsibilities, Butler will work in a variety of new areas, including hand-in-hand with radio network program director, Vance Dillard and sales manager Kevin Anderson.
Singing News Magazine and Solid Gospel Radio Network are subsidiaries of Salem Communications (NASDAQ: SALM), a leading U.S. radio broadcaster, Internet content provider, and magazine and book publisher targeting audiences interested in Christian and family-themed content and conservative values. In addition to its radio properties, Salem owns Salem Radio Network®, which syndicates talk, news and music programming to approximately 2,000 affiliates; Salem Media Representatives™, a national media advertising sales force; Salem Web Network™, an Internet provider of Christian content and online streaming; and Salem Publishing™, a publisher of Christian-themed magazines. Upon the close of all announced transactions, the company will own 94 radio stations, including 58 stations in 22 of the top 25 markets. Additional information about Salem may be accessed at the company's website, www.salem.cc.
