Multi-platinum and GRAMMY and Dove Award winning artist Michael W. Smith and
StarOne Networks have announced the debut of Friends Online, a subscription-based fan site offering exclusive benefits and
features. The premium site follows the recent re-launch of michaelwsmith.com by StarOne Networks. To kickoff Friends Online,
michaelwsmith.com will host a web cast from Michael’s Worship CD platinum celebration hosted by Blanton Harrell Cooke &
Corzine and Reunion Records.
“It’s really important for the people that follow my music to have a unique place — a community — to interact with me and each
other,” says Michael. “Teaming up with StarOne Networks to develop and manage the site ensures a great online experience
giving members unique access to my music and my ministries.”
To kickoff Friends Online, michaelwsmith.com will feature a behind-t! he-scenes web cast from an event to honor Michael for the
platinum certification of Worship. Produced by Ryan Smith, the webcast will air on michaelwsmith.com on Tuesday, October 22,
from Noon to Midnight, EST.
“This web cast offers exclusive access for fans to be a part of an event that is normally limited to music-industry insiders,” says
Ryan. “It gives fans an inside look at an event that was very special to my Dad, Reunion Records, and all the people behind the
CD.”
Friends Online offers members the ability to purchase pre-sale concert tickets in addition to meet and greets with Michael at
selected concerts. The site also provides timely news, interviews, fan interaction, and exclusive features including backstage video
produced by Ryan Smith.
“The opportunity for fans to meet and interact with Michael W. Smith is a reality through Fri! ends Online,” says Chris
Moise, President, StarOne Networks. “The Friends Online experience will bring much more value to members than the traditional
fan club through timely news, exclusive features and constant interaction.” He added that the service will also provide members
with access to autographed memorabilia, contests, discounts, and online involvement with other members through message boards
and chat rooms.
Multi-platinum, multi-GRAMMY and Dove Award-winning artist Michael W. Smith is one of the most influential figures in
Christian music. Over his 20-year career, Smith has garnered two GRAMMY Awards (along with numerous nominations) an
American Music Award given in the Pop category, was named one of People Magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People and has
garnered 34 Dove Awards, including Artist of the Year in 1999 and 2002. Smith’s career sales exceed nine million. His current
CD, “Worship,” has been ! certified platinum while the “Worship DVD/VHS” debuted at the number-one spot on the Billboard
Top Music Videos chart in August. His next Reunion Records project “Worship Again” will be released on October 22nd and
coincides with his 16-city Come Together and Worship Tour and his 14-date Christmastime Tour.
