CCM To Relaunch as Digital Magazine

Salem Publishing announced today the relaunch of CCM Magazine as it unveils the summer's CCM Digital New Release Guide. Published online as a digital magazine four times a year, each issue of CCM will focus on new Christian music set to release during the quarter of publication.
 
After a strong response from Christian music fans and the industry itself to the prototype digital issue Salem published in April, the decision was made to relaunch CCMMagazine in this format. The premier issue, which featured newsboys on the cover, was opened by more than 20,000 visitors. Given those results, Salem and its partners are distributing the new summer issue to over 175,000 Christian music fans. To obtain an issue free of charge please visit: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/salem/ccm_200907/
 
"I’m excited about the possibilities with CCM’s new digital publication," says Lindsay Williams, editor of both the online magazine and Salem Publishing’s music sites. "When the print version of CCM ended in 2008, it left a dramatic void both in our industry and among the fans that this digital version will help fill. We’re honored to give Christian music journalism--a valuable resource that’s become nearly obsolete--a high profile platform by reinstating the CCM brand in this new format."
 
The summer issue of the CCM Digital New Release Guide features Essential Records’ GRAMMY-nominated rock band Leeland on its cover and separate articles on 11 different artists in its main section, including Thousand Foot Krutch, BarlowGirl and Hawk Nelson. Furthermore, the issue contains two special sections--a Worship Guide and an Indie Guide.
 
Also announced in the current summer issue, CCM is partnering with Premier Christian Cruises to present The Music Boat 2010 contest. One winning CCM reader and a friend will get a free trip on The Music Boat 2010.
 
"The publishing of the digital CCM Magazine represents an important, ongoing step in Salem Publishing’s broader strategy and adaptation to the emerging realities of the publishing industry," says Rick Edwards, Salem’s Associate Publisher. "CCM Magazine has been a strong brand with over 30 years of history, and its relaunching as a digital magazine is just one way we intend to leverage an important asset for the future of the business. Obviously, there are still thousands of fans who want to read about Christian artists and the music they make, and there are still advertisers who wish to speak to that large audience. Simply put, this vehicle gives us the ability to meet the needs of both groups without the high costs of the print medium."
 
Since CCM Magazine will now be a digital publication, Salem Publishing is taking advantage of the format’s resources. In the current summer issue, for example, a Leeland video and separate full song audio stream are embedded in the cover story; an advertisement for the band Skillet includes a 30-second audio clip; all URL’s throughout the issue automatically link to their respective pages; and CCM readers can register for the Music Boat 2010 contest through an entry form embedded in the magazine.
 
"CCM Magazine fans will love the way the digital issue reflects its former print publication in look and feel and will relish getting to ‘turn the pages’ again; while new, younger fans will love the interaction that this new format lends itself to," says Williams. "I’m looking forward to the future growth of the digital version in both size and frequency."
 
For more information on the CCM Digital New Release Guide, visit www.CCMmagazine.com or www.SalemPublishing.com