Dove Awards move to Atlanta in 2011

By Shelia M. Poole

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Gospel Music Association announced that it  will move the 42nd annual Dove Awards to Atlanta from Nashville  in  2011.

The  GMA also said it had renewed its partnership with Atlanta-based GMC, formerly the Gospel Music Channel, which airs the awards show. The Dove Awards drew more than 300,000 viewers this year.

"The experience of attending the Dove Awards in person, with our artists and fans gathered together in the Atlanta community to celebrate the Gospel is incredible," said GMA Chairman Ed Leonard said in a statement. He said the move will expand the reach of the Dove Awards.

The Dove Awards will be held at the Fox Theatre on April 20.