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Tag: Hallmark channel

  • “Continued success fueled by Hallmark brand’s embrace of inspiration, kindness, and hope”: Hallmark’s Francisco J. González

    “Continued success fueled by Hallmark brand’s embrace of inspiration, kindness, and hope”: Hallmark’s Francisco J. González

    Mumbai: Hallmark Media markets and distributes Hallmark’s original signature content to every international market around the world.

    Their networks in the US include Hallmark Channel, their flagship network; Hallmark Movies & Mysteries; the new linear channel Hallmark Drama; and the SVOD platform Hallmark Movies Now. Apart from media, the brand has forayed into many exciting businesses which allow its fans to touch and feel the brand be it merchandise, wine and even themed cruises! With a legacy spanning over a century, Hallmark Media encompasses a wide range of television programs, movies, and other content produced and aired by networks like Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and Hallmark Drama.

    This platform is synonymous with heartwarming, family-friendly entertainment and is especially known for its seasonal programming, including beloved holiday traditions like Countdown to Christmas. With a vast library of original movies and series, often set in charming small-town settings, Hallmark has cultivated a dedicated fanbase appreciative of its inclusive and emotionally resonant storytelling. As a staple in both holiday and everyday entertainment, Hallmark continues to connect with audiences worldwide.

    Hallmark Media is represented by Brandwith, a premier representative and distribution company in the Asia Pacific Region.

    Indiantelevision.com in conversation with Hallmark Media senior VP- international distribution Francisco J. González on email on the legacy of Hallmark Media, on what sets them apart and much more……

    On Hallmark Media and its mission in the entertainment industry

    Hallmark Media is home to top-rated, widely beloved programming that makes people feel good. Our goal is to provide our viewers with a wholesome, positive, and light-hearted viewing experience across our channels and platforms, and we deliver on that mission. Notably, flagship network Hallmark Channel is a top draw year-round and especially during the holiday season with its highly popular programming franchise Countdown to Christmas, which has earned the network the #1 spot among entertainment cable with Women 18+ during the Fourth Quarter for nine consecutive years.

    On being well-known for its heartwarming and family-friendly content

    Hallmark Media’s brand identity is rooted in the legacy of the iconic Hallmark Card brand, which has been in the business of helping people create meaningful connections that enrich their lives for over 113 years. Our success as an entertainment destination continues to grow in large part due to the guiding principles of the Hallmark brand, which fully embrace stories of inspiration, kindness, and hope.

    On the dedicated audience that looks forward to its holiday-themed content

    Our priority year-round is to develop a diverse mix of content, characters, and storylines that create an environment where everyone is seen and feels welcome. Further, we establish relationships with talent both in front of and behind the camera that reflect the lives and experiences of all our viewers. For example, we’re proud to put forward programming franchises like Loveuary, which celebrates love – from romantic love, to love between siblings, neighbors, friends, and more – during February, the most heartwarming month of the year and a time when many celebrate Valentine’s Day.

    On Hallmark Channel having a unique niche in the market

    Hallmark Channel is a unique success story in the cable landscape, continually ranking as a top-rated entertainment cable network and delivering compelling new content that helps them escape from the troubles of the world for a moment. What makes the network stand out year after year is its commitment to providing content that makes people feel good and inspires hope, love, and the celebration of a happy ending.

    On the content having a positive and wholesome appeal

    We create programming that reflects modern storytelling and allows everyone to share in the Hallmark experience. What’s more, we establish relationships with a wide range of writers, producers, directors and actors to identify and authentically develop stories that reflect the lives of our audiences. What we hear from our viewers is that our efforts allow them to see themselves in our programming in a meaningful way, while spotlighting a broad range of experiences, beliefs, backgrounds, and lifestyles.

    On the belief that sets Hallmark Media apart from other entertainment companies, and your vision for the future of the brand

    One thing that sets us apart from other entertainment companies is our devoted fanbase. They are an anomaly in this industry – passionate, engaged, loyal, and the reason for all that we do. Looking ahead to the future, we will continue to bring them fresh stories and new opportunities to connect with our brand. 

  • Herb Granath is US Academy of TV arts and sciences chairman

    Herb Granath is US Academy of TV arts and sciences chairman

    MUMBAI: The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (Natas) in the US has elected Herbert Granath as its chairman.

    Granath says, “I am honoured to take on this leadership position in this preeminent organization that plays a key role in fostering and recognising excellence in the television industry. It is a dynamic time for the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences as we strive to represent a changing television industry that has come to include not only a growing number of television networks but also those who distribute video content via ever-expanding platforms including the Internet, cell phones and handheld devices.

    Granath is among other things the co-chairman of Crown Media Holdings, which owns and operates The Hallmark Channel in the US. Granath also serves as Media and Entertainment Holdings Chairman and CEO. The investment company specialises in worldwide media properties. He also acts as senior programming consultant for Telenet, a cable company in Belgium.

  • Crown Media Holdings not to sell Hallmark Channel US

    Crown Media Holdings not to sell Hallmark Channel US

    MUMBAI: Crown Media Holdings, Inc., which owns and operates the Hallmark Channel, has decided not to sell out the channel. The company, after extensive review of strategic alternatives including a possible sale of the company, announced that the board of directors has decided to terminate this process and fully commit the company’s resources to continuing to operate its channels and its VOD and HD programming services.

    “We worked diligently with the Special Committee and our financial advisors to evaluate various strategic initiatives. Ultimately the board determined that the greatest value for our shareholders will be derived by our continued operation of our business. Given the record ratings results, subscriber growth, and solid advertising and subscriber fee revenue increases we have been able to achieve, we believe that the underlying business fundamentals are in place to enhance the value of Crown Media by building a more successful business. Our results in the first quarter continue to reflect the success of our programming strategy and subscriber expansion as we solidify our appeal to viewers and advertisers on a broad national level,” stated Crown Media Holding president and CEO David Evans.

    “Our management team is prepared to meet the challenges ahead with the talent and experience that have made us a top ten cable channel with over 72 million subscribers. We intend to implement cost saving strategies and emphasize programming and marketing promotions to continue our efforts to target a younger audience. We have initiated discussions with our distributor partners in order to renew our licenses and intend to aggressively pursue those renewals on favorable terms. We will continue to pursue opportunities to improve our capital structure. We are extremely pleased to have the support of our partners as we work together to operate the business on a long-term basis,” he added.

    Hallmark Cards, Inc., which owns 67 per cent of Crown Media, has indicated its continuing support of the channel by agreeing to extend its trademark license agreement with Crown Media.

    “We are proud to be associated with a channel with such strong ratings and advertiser support. Our relationship with Crown Media has been mutually beneficial. Crown Media has been able to leverage the consumer recognition and strength of the Hallmark brand and together we have collaborated on successful co-marketing programs between Hallmark Channel and the more than 4,000 Hallmark Gold Crown stores,” said Hallmark Cards, Inc. president and CEO Don Hall Jr.

    The company had announced in August 2005 that its board of directors had authorised management to explore strategic alternatives for the company. After pursuing a number of alternatives and meeting with interested parties, the company and the Special Committee of the board has determined that the best course of action at this time is to continue to operate the business. The company will continue to explore ways in which it can improve its capital structure.