by Russ Breimeier

Newsboys break attendance record at fall festival
Peter Furler of Newsboys receives SESAC Award

Sparrow recording group Newsboys set a new precedent for the Christian music genre last week to launch their first greatest hits project, ShineThe Hits. Over a three day span, the group performed live, via satellite, on nine radio stations and three networks across the United States. These select markets received the exclusive live telecast through an ISDN hot line, providing each station with an exclusive hour-long mini-concert and interview with Newsboys. Radio listeners in each market were able to call in and request their favorite Newsboys song and have the group perform it live. Newsboys stationed their unique event at Sound Kitchen Recording Studio in Franklin, Tennessee. Participating stations included KLTY, as well as WAY FM and KLOVE Radio Networks, among others.
Enormous feedback has been received from this special event. Jon Rivers, VP of Programming for KLTY, said "This was fun! It's always a pleasure to be a part of a broadcasting first. My ten gallon hat goes off to Newsboys for a job well done." Doug Griffin of WAY FM, said he is"still buzzing from the experience. Newsboys have raised the bar for 'in studio' radio. An awesome mix of technology and talent - the coolest 60 minutes I've ever spent on the air." In addition, Bob Thornton of KXOJ said, "In 17 years of broadcasting, this may have been the most compelling, original idea for morning drive I've ever heard. Technically it was excellent, the band sounded great and we had something on the air no one else in town had on a core artist LIVE in morning drive. Thanks for pushing the envelope. Home run!"
A Record Breaker
On October 7th in Santa Clara, California, Newsboys performed to over 12,000 attendees at the Christian festival Joy Fest, held at Paramount's Great America. This was the highest single day of ticket sales in the history of not only Santa Clara's Paramount, but out of all the Paramount theme parks. Organizers commented that the popularity of Newsboys in California was a major factor in the high attendance. Organizers also stated the group's great live performance and solid message brought the churches in by the busloads.
Furler receives SESAC Award
Peter Furler, lead vocalist for Newsboys, recently received SESAC's top honor, when the performance rights association named him "Christian Songwriter of the Year." He shares this year's award with Reggie Hamm.
Newsboys' first greatest hits project, ShineThe Hits, just released October 24th. Now with nine recordings, combined sales of nearly three million units, 14 number one radio hits, ground-breaking concert tours and numerous awards and nominations, Newsboys' have become one of Christian music's premiere artists.

 

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