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1. I know that your parents are Rex and Maude Humbard, tell us a little of what it was like coming from such a high profile family. How did that mold you into what and who you are today?

When you're young, you really don't understand you're living with a ‘high profile' family. You become accustomed to having lunch with the Mahalia Jacksons and June & Johnny Cashes of the world - it was just something we did, so it wasn't unusual for me. Later, in my teen years, I understood the size and scope of my dad's ministry and how his ministry was such a blessing to the fans and the people around the world. The early years of traveling and the exposure of different ministries and cultures and denominations around the world had a powerful impact on me, and my personal beliefs, and essentially, that is how Gospel Music Channel is shaped. Our vision for the channel reflects how I grew up. The channel doesn't practice any particular denomination, but rather includes all denominations and all styles of gospel music. Since I grew up singing gospel songs and grew up being around the industry and the music constantly, it naturally became a part of my life. I'm a big fan of gospel/Christian music.

2. After being raised in such a religious family, how did you end up working with secular television and Discovery specifically?

With relation to my career, I was always trying to be independent and always tried to chart my own course. I really found that I excelled in the production and sales side of the business, so I followed those leanings. I left the ministry when I was 21 and decided to pursue those areas, from a professional standpoint, that would lead me to a great career: from audio and production, to recording, then to television production at Turner, to sales, then on to Discovery Networks. All of those experiences in both the gospel industry and the other secular businesses have come together to help mold and create what you now can enjoy as Gospel Music Channel.

3. Tell us how you came to know the Lord.

At age 12 in one of my Dad's services I was overwhelmed with the feeling and desire to go to the altar and pray.

4. What was the main thing that impacted you and brought you back to Christian television ('back,' i.e. since your early days singing with your family on your Dad's show)?

I simply followed my heart and my instincts. The music was always a passion of mine and my professional experience made it an irresistible and perfect fit.

5. You were raised on Southern Gospel Music. How do you feel about it today?

Not only was I raised on Southern Gospel music, but rather all kinds of gospel music. One Sunday it was Andrae Crouch, the next Sunday it's June & Johnny Cash, the next it would be the great gospel quartet, the Great Cathedrals, which was southern gospel music.

6. GMC's programming includes Southern Gospel Music. Tell us a little about what is happening with this programming at GMC and why Southern Gospel music fans should tune in.

Southern gospel music fans should tune in to Gospel Music Channel because we have world premieres, the best of the best of southern gospel music, from artist biographies to concerts. You can't find this kind of programming anywhere on television. Every day we showcase “Southern Lunch,” we feature southern gospel music all day on Mondays, and, coming this fall, Gospel Music Channel viewers will see additional programming blocks every afternoon!

7. What can Southern Gospel Music do to increase its visibility on television, and how is that important?

You can increase visibility by asking all of your southern gospel fans to call their local operator and ask for Gospel Music Channel. They can also go to www.GospelMusicChannel.com for more information. As the channel grows it will become an awesome national stage for all southern gospel artists. This exposure on Gospel Music Channel, the highest quality entertainment channel, will have a significant impact on sales and will give greater access to both the fans and the artists.

8. GMC seems to be successful at mixing many genres in one place, namely the television screen. How are you doing this? Where did the idea come from and do you see it ever happening in concerts?

The vision of Gospel Music Channel is to be all-inclusive, representing all styles of gospel. With that in mind, we then create destination nights that present the best programming for each style of gospel music, giving gospel fans a whole night of styles dedicated to them, as well as blocks every day during the daytime portion for the channel.

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