Gospel Music Channel will sponsor the 2006 concert tours of Kirk Franklin and Casting Crowns, the two top-selling acts in gospel music, the network said Wednesday. Kirk Franklin’s tour will stop in more than 40 markets in 23 states beginning Feb. 28 and Casting Crowns’ tour will reach 45 markets in 24 states beginning Feb. 9. Gospel Music Channel’s sponsorships include producing a one-hour pre-show video that will run at each concert and 20 minutes of video at intermission. Both videos will promote the network’s program lineup. Both acts will promote the channel on stage and travel in vehicles with Gospel Music Channel logos.