Great News For RFD-TV And The Music City Show

Nashville, TN (September 9, 2014) A larger share of the viewing audience is always great news for a television network and spectacular news for a television program. RFD-TV has announced the merger with AT&T U-Verse for distribution of their programming. This takes RFD-TV to a new level of viewership and skyrockets 'The Music City Show' to a host of new homes to see the value and entertainment of Gospel music.

RFD-TV's Patrick Gottsch stated “This is one of the proudest moments in the history of RFD-TV. Today, I am so pleased to announce to you first that AT&T U-Verse has launched RFD-TV as a basic channel on their 200 package which adds over 5.4 million homes to our distribution, taking RFD-TV past the 46 million barrier. RFD-TV is now on channel 568 on U-Verse. FamilyNet continues to be on channel 566. RFD HD will be launched by U-Verse as soon as space can be cleared, but no later than the end of this year.”

This is a major accomplishment is this day and age with the challenges of mergers, limited bandwidth, and independent channels being dropped by cable systems all around the country. More than anything else, this is a tribute to RFD-TV's programmers and programming which combined with the passion of our audience for rural, family-oriented programming has proven to be an unbeatable force capable of doing the "impossible".

Programming like 'The Music City Show' are prime examples of how clean family and even Christian music entertainment is more attractive now than ever to mainstream television. Scott Godsey, 'The Music City Show' producer commented “We are proud to be a part of the RFD-TV network and are so grateful to them for allowing Gospel music to be a vital part of their programming.”

No other channel gets so much support from its audience. To have over 57,000 of the 75,000 public comments to the FCC in the Comcast/Time Warner merger, and to date over 95% of the AT&T/DIRECTV public comments to the FCC about the importance of rural programming is making the strongest possible statement at this most critical time. The national press that RFD-TV has been receiving because of these public comments is having such a positive effect on our unique, grassroots situation.

Patrick Gottsch continued “I also want to thank the executives at AT&T and U-Verse. Unlike Comcast, since the review hearings at both the House & Senate, AT&T has sincerely worked hard to first understand the concerns of rural America, and take those concerns seriously. AT&T did so in a most expeditious manner. To go from our first meetings just a few months ago to an actual launch today is a real testament to AT&T's commitment of being a partner with RFD-TV to better serve the needs and interests of rural America.”

This is a huge step forward, but only a step. We still have a lot of work to do. However, I firmly believe that this announcement with AT&T U-Verse will help our efforts to get RFD-TV's distribution expanded and secured with the other carriers throughout this great nation.

RFD-TV will continue to keep all updated as news develops on the mergers. But, in the meantime, please be sure to tell your friends and neighbors that RFD-TV is now on AT&T U-Verse channel 568.

To learn more about 'The Music City Show' go to http://themusiccityshow.com or https://www.facebook.com/themusiccityshow .

Country Music Legend Ray Stevens Delivers Timeless Collection of Gospel Music

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—August 7th, 2014—Country music legend Ray Stevens is set to release an all-new Gospel recording on August 19th, entitled Gospel Collection, Volume One, which marks Stevens’ first project as part of the Gaither Gospel Series.

The release, produced by Stevens, captures some of today’s most popular hymns and Gospel classics performed with that signature voice that has entertained audiences for decades. Gospel Collection includes “The Old Rugged Cross/Rock of Ages,” “Amazing Grace,” “Farther Along,” “Turn Your Radio On,” “Old Time Religion/When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder”and more.

“This is my first Gospel album in years,” describes the comedy and country music icon.  “I’m really excited about it.  I love the songs and worked long and hard on the arrangements, but the coupe de gras is being presented as part of the Gaither Gospel Series.  I hope everyone will enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed recording it.”

Gospel Collection is part of a TV special airing on Dish TV, DirecTV, AT&T Uverse, GaitherTV, TBN, RFD, FamilyNet, CTN, GMTN, Guardian, Liberty, TCT and TLN.  It will air in Canada on Vision TV, CTS, The Miracle Channeland Hope TV. 

The new music collection coincides with the recent release of Stevens’ book,Ray Stevens’ Nashville, an extensive memoir that details not only his storied career but also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the growth and boom of Nashville’s entertainment scene which he has observed and been a part of for decades.

Gospel Collection will be distributed by Capitol Christian Distribution and will available at retail stores and digital outlets worldwide including iTunes, Amazon and www.gaither.com. 

About Ray Stevens
Twelve-time nominated and two-time GRAMMY® Award winner Ray Stevens has spanned the generations with over 50 years of comedic musical talent, including songs such as his multi-million selling hit “The Streak” and his classic pop standard “Everything Is Beautiful.”  Throughout his career, Stevens has sold more than 40 million albums and continues daily office operations at his home base, Ray Stevens Music / Clyde Records, located on Nashville’s historic Music Row.  Stevens has released a number of video collections and CDs throughout the years, including his most recent in 2012, The Encyclopedia of Recorded Comedy Music.

 

For more information on Ray Stevens, visit www.raystevens.com or his official Facebook Page