WOW is a collection of different annual series of compilation albums promoting contemporary Christian music. The first collection was called the WOWs, that changed into WOW Hits when other series begun. WoW 1996 was the first in the series. Released in 1995, it was the first recording put together by the three major Christian record companies at the time: Word Records (now Word Entertainment), Sparrow Records (now part of EMI Christian Music Group), and Reunion Records (now part of Provident Music Group). Each annual WOW Hits release is a double CD set compiling songs submitted by each partner label. Final track decision is made by committee, upon which the submitting label must agree to a reduced master royalty. Production, marketing and distribution for the WOW Hits series has been relegated to EMI Christian Music Group.