Distribution Gains for Hallmark Channels

NEW YORK: Crown Media Holdings has announced new distribution milestones for two of its networks, with Hallmark Movie now available to 35.8 million subs and Hallmark HD in 10 million homes.

Hallmark Movie Channel, billed as the fastest growing cable network in 2009, reached 35.8 million subscribers by end May, adding more than 17 million in the last 12 months. Hallmark Channel HD was launched in 10 million homes on DIRECTV this week.

“Our continued success in distribution growth reflects the tremendous value of the Hallmark brand and the demand our distribution team has created for the channel throughout the country,” noted Bill Abbott, president and CEO of Crown Media Holdings. “Hallmark Movie Channel is on a meteoric rise, with subscriber expansion ahead of our expectations, as viewers, advertisers and distributors all respond to the positive and poignant programming. We are also extremely pleased with the penetration of Hallmark Channel HD, amidst a crowded market. With the recent addition of Joan Gundlach as executive VP of distribution, I am confident that we will meet our year-end goals for both Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel.”