Crown Media amps up the drama

Getting Dramatic: It’s not often we hear about the launch of a linear cable network these days, but that’s exactly what Crown Media is doing this fall. Hallmark Drama, a new channel to complement Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies and Mysteries will premiere October 1, and Bill Abbott, president/CEO of Crown Media Family Networks, was all smiles at the company’s Gatsby-glam TCA party. “We realize this is counterintuitive given everything you read and industry trends,” Abbott said. “But we believe the strength of our brand, we believe our proven success and value proposition, and we believe the passion for our content from our viewers across so many different genres makes us unique in the entertainment landscape.” Abbott noted drama has been part of the company’s DNA since the launch of Hallmark Hall of Fame 66 years ago. Andy Rooke, EVP, operations/CFO, told Cynopsis the task of getting distribution is now under way.

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