Michael Mahan
has been named President of DC Media, the parent company of dick clark productions (dcp). Based at the company’s Los Angeles headquarters and reporting to CEO of dick clark productions
Allen Shapiro, Mahan will oversee certain dcp operations including revenue, business affairs, finance and foreign distribution. In addition, Mahan will be responsible for all strategic transactions including acquisition opportunities.
dcp is a leading independent producer of television programming, including hits such as the American Music Awards, the Golden Globe Awards, the Academy of Country Music Awards, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve and So You Think You Can Dance. The company currently has additional projects in various stages of production including: CBS Sports Network’s Rome, the Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants, NFL Honors, Bloopers, and the Streamy Awards.
“It’s such a pleasure to welcome Michael back into the dcp family,” said Shapiro. “His track record of creating value will be invaluable as we take dick clark productions to the next level. We’re all looking forward to launching this new chapter with him.”
“Michael’s appointment signals the intention of DC Media to structure a robust management team designed to both build and acquire a bouquet of assets to fuel the company’s strategic growth,” said Peter Guber, Chairman of dick clark productions. “Michael is an extremely talented executive who will spearhead that growth.”
As President of DC Media, Mahan brings a wealth of experience to the new position from his previous post as President of the TV Guide Network and tvguide.com, as well as co-owner of Direct Holdings Global, a leading direct response company and the exclusive licensee of the Time Life brand for use on television. Mahan led the transformation of TV Guide Network from a guidance-focused utility network to a full-screen entertainment destination available in 81 million homes. During his tenure, Mahan successfully completed deals with Comcast, Dish Network, Verizon, Time Warner, Cox and Charter.
Prior to TV Guide, Mr. Mahan was most recently Sr. VP, Corporate Development for dick clark productions, inc., where he was responsible for strategic transactions and initiatives across numerous divisions including foreign sales, media licensing, mobile, internet and home video. He also played a pivotal role in the successful sale of dcp in June 2007. Previously, Mr. Mahan spent over three years at CDP Capital Entertainment, a division of Caisse de dépôt, where he focused on private equity transactions in the media and entertainment industry; was on the board of dick clark productions and acted as an observer on the board of Lakeshore Entertainment Group; led the business development team for eWanted.com, a leading reverse auction company; worked in the business development team for Checkout.com, an online entertainment company focused on content and commerce for music and movies and began his career as an investment banker for Bear Stearns.
Artist Updates (4-9-13)
/by Jessica Nicholson• • •
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Aaron Lewis
Aaron Lewis has partnered with Jägermeister to announce his 2013 Country Tour. The tour kicks off May 1 in Glen Allen, Va., with each show featuring special guest support acts including Jägermeister artist and emcee, Rick Monroe. The tour will run through June 23 in Evansville, Ind. For more information, visit ticketmaster.com.
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Mahan Named President of DC Media
/by Jessica NicholsonMichael Mahan
Michael Mahan has been named President of DC Media, the parent company of dick clark productions (dcp). Based at the company’s Los Angeles headquarters and reporting to CEO of dick clark productions Allen Shapiro, Mahan will oversee certain dcp operations including revenue, business affairs, finance and foreign distribution. In addition, Mahan will be responsible for all strategic transactions including acquisition opportunities.
dcp is a leading independent producer of television programming, including hits such as the American Music Awards, the Golden Globe Awards, the Academy of Country Music Awards, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve and So You Think You Can Dance. The company currently has additional projects in various stages of production including: CBS Sports Network’s Rome, the Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants, NFL Honors, Bloopers, and the Streamy Awards.
“Michael’s appointment signals the intention of DC Media to structure a robust management team designed to both build and acquire a bouquet of assets to fuel the company’s strategic growth,” said Peter Guber, Chairman of dick clark productions. “Michael is an extremely talented executive who will spearhead that growth.”
As President of DC Media, Mahan brings a wealth of experience to the new position from his previous post as President of the TV Guide Network and tvguide.com, as well as co-owner of Direct Holdings Global, a leading direct response company and the exclusive licensee of the Time Life brand for use on television. Mahan led the transformation of TV Guide Network from a guidance-focused utility network to a full-screen entertainment destination available in 81 million homes. During his tenure, Mahan successfully completed deals with Comcast, Dish Network, Verizon, Time Warner, Cox and Charter.
Prior to TV Guide, Mr. Mahan was most recently Sr. VP, Corporate Development for dick clark productions, inc., where he was responsible for strategic transactions and initiatives across numerous divisions including foreign sales, media licensing, mobile, internet and home video. He also played a pivotal role in the successful sale of dcp in June 2007. Previously, Mr. Mahan spent over three years at CDP Capital Entertainment, a division of Caisse de dépôt, where he focused on private equity transactions in the media and entertainment industry; was on the board of dick clark productions and acted as an observer on the board of Lakeshore Entertainment Group; led the business development team for eWanted.com, a leading reverse auction company; worked in the business development team for Checkout.com, an online entertainment company focused on content and commerce for music and movies and began his career as an investment banker for Bear Stearns.
Nashville Songwriters Partner with SongwritingWith:Soldiers
/by Jessica NicholsonAustin-based songwriter and program creator Darden Smith, along with songwriters Jay Clementi, Darrell Scott and Gary Nicholson, will be paired with military members to create songs based on their combat experience and its effect on them since returning home. All participants will be considered co-writers of their songs and will be registered with ASCAP. The Bob Woodruff Foundation, The ASCAP Foundation, Lockheed Martin, Veterans United Foundation, The Mayerson Foundation and the Charleston Center for Photography have joined SongwritingWith:Soldiers to provide stress relief for returning U.S. service members of Iraq and Afghanistan suffering from Post Traumatic Stress.
“My passion for songwriting has often landed me in unexpected terrain,” says Smith. “Songwriting with U.S. soldiers who have returned from combat is certainly one of the most unusual – and rewarding – career turns I never ever imagined. Now, we have several past retreat participants who’ve asked to help out, including some who were reluctant to attend last time. I can’t think of a better endorsement.”
In recent years, Smith established Be An Artist, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to sponsoring projects that bring arts and creativity into educational settings. SongwritingWith:Soldiers emerged out of this program and continues to expand its reach.
“As the number of military suicides rises — up to 22 per day — we are more determined than ever to reach more service men and women with our program,” says SongwritingWith:Soldiers Executive Director Mary Judd. “One of our goals is to develop materials to help replicate the program on a broad scale. We have seen the healing effects. More service men and women need this opportunity. More songwriters need this opportunity, too.”
Additional veterans in attendance will include award-winning combat photographers Andy Dunaway and Stacy Pearsall (recently honored as a White House Champion of Change), and combat veteran and videographer James Monk with Mercy Lamp Productions. For more information, visit songwritingwithsoldiers.com.
CTM Adds Production Coordinator
/by Jessica Nicholson“After listening to (CTM President and CEO) Eddie Robba share his vision of returning to the heart of the singer, the songwriter, and the music, I knew I had to be a part of Catch This Music. Whatever I can do to help him bring back integrity and the personal touch – to elevate the artistry – that’s what I want to do,” said Benton.
“We are very excited to welcome Louellen Benton to our staff. Louellen brings both professionalism and music knowledge to CTM. She has been immersed in music since she was young and like us, she has a passion for great music. Her enthusiasm, attention to detail and experience in the music industry is what really makes her the perfect person for the position,” offered Robba.
Located at 1008 17 Avenue S., Nashville, CTM offers a studio as well as full-service production for album projects, video services, artist development, public relations, marketing and radio promotion for recording artists and corporate clients alike.
Louellen Benton can be reached at (615) 340-9000 or louellen@catchthismusic.com.
Rascal Flatts Co-Headline Pennsylvania Concert with Journey
/by Eric T. ParkerRascal Flatts and Journey.
Rascal Flatts will co-headline a one-night only summer concert in Hershey, Pa. with Journey.
The August 1 event will be held at Hersheypark Stadium with special guests The Band Perry and Cassadee Pope.
The country trio first performed with the American rockers on the 2012 CMT Music Awards, closing the show with “Don’t Stop Believin’.” The bands have since participated in CMT’s Crossroads series during Super Bowl XLVII.
“We had a blast performing with Journey!” said Gary LeVox. “Our respect for them as musicians deepened through the television shows we did together that talk soon lead to wanting to do more. We are very excited about this concert.”
Tickets go on sale beginning Friday, April 12. Additional information can be found at rascalflatts.com, journeymusic.com or livenation.com.
ACM Gives Fans a Front-Row Seat Via Instagram
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Academy of Country Music integrated Instagram into their social media promotion strategy during the recent Academy of Country Music Awards. The organization used the social network medium to give fans a behind-the-scenes look at the show as well as images from the red carpet.
Artists including Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Jake Owen, Kip Moore, Darius Rucker, Eli Young Band, Brett Eldredge and others took part in the Instagram photo booth for shots. The artists took photos with life-sized cutouts of ACM Awards hosts Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton. The Academy shared these photos on their official Instagram feed and incorporated them into commercial breaks throughout the CBS broadcast. Nominees also took to Instagram at the ACMs, allowing fans to engage with them directly.
Brett Eldredge
Darius Rucker
Faith Hill
Tim McGraw
Kip Moore
Jake Owen and wife Lacey
Eli Young Band
SAE Institute Introduces Music Business Program
/by Sarah SkatesMusic business program chair Stephen McCord
SAE Institute has added a Music Business Program under the direction of chair Stephen McCord. The organization’s Nashville campus is the first of seven SAE locations to roll out the program. It is one of several new entertainment media diplomas being developed by the institute, joining its established Audio Technology Program.
Last year, SAE tapped McCord to oversee the launch of the Music Business courses. Classes will cover recording company operations, music publishing, entertainment law, video production, multi-media technology, website development, marketing, distribution and entrepreneurship. Many industry advisors, faculty, and guest lecturers are expected to contribute to the classes.
The Music Business Diploma level course is a one-year (36 credit hour) program. SAE also offers a sixteen-month (60 credit hour) Associate Degree level program.
SAE has campuses or facilities in 56 cities in 23 countries.
New Songplugging Group Plans First Showcase
/by Sarah SkatesMusic publishers Kim Wiggins, Brad Kennard, Kelly King, Jeff Skaggs and Melissa Spillman have formed a new songplugger group, The Independents. Numerous top songwriters are represented by the group including Neil Thrasher, Josh Kear, JT Harding, Jessi Alexander and Jeremy Spillman.
Members of The Independents have placed recent No. 1s “How Country Feels,” “Tornado,” “Better Dig Two” and “Blown Away,” as well as cuts by Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, The Band Perry, Rascal Flatts, Lady Antebellum and Brothers Osborne.
The plugging group will celebrate Independents’ Day Monday, April 15 at 6 p.m. at 3rd & Lindsley, where two songwriters from each publishing company will perform two new, uncut songs for industry attendees.
Artist Updates (4-8-13)
/by Jessica Nicholson• • •
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Kevin McGuire and Taylor Swift. Photo: Getty Images
A year after Taylor Swift asked cancer survivor Kevin McGuire to be her date to the ACM Awards, the star and student finally met. McGuire was unable to attend last year’s ACM Awards due to a fever.
This year, he and his family attended the awards show and met with Swift. A facebook page was originally set up by McGuire’s sister Tori, asking Swift to attend Kevin’s prom with him.
The Recording Academy To Present Music Educator Award
/by Jessica NicholsonThe award is open to current U.S. music teachers from kindergarten through college, in public and private schools. Anyone can nominate a teacher — students, parents, friends, colleagues, community members, school deans and administrators — and teachers are also able to nominate themselves. Nominated teachers will be notified and invited to fill out an application.
One winner will be selected from 10 finalists each year to be recognized for their remarkable impact on their students’ lives. The first award will be presented during GRAMMY® Week 2014. The winner will be flown to Los Angeles to accept the award, attend the GRAMMY Awards, and receive a $10,000 honorarium. The nine finalists will receive a $1,000 honorarium.
The honorariums provided to the winners are made possible by a grant from the Ford Motor Company Fund. This new partnership with the Ford Motor Company Fund expands their financial support of GRAMMY Foundation music education initiatives. The nomination process is open now and the deadline for nominations is April 15, 2013.
To view guidelines and/or to nominate your favorite music educator, visit www.grammymusicteacher.com.