Hallmark Channel Pacts with Martha Stewart

NEW YORK: Hallmark Channel has acquired the exclusive license for the domestic TV rights to a range of lifestyle programming from the library of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSLO) to air as part of its soon-to-launch seven-hour home and lifestyle programming block.

The new programming roster will launch weekdays beginning March 29 and will precede the September premiere on Hallmark Channel of exclusive original episodes of the the daytime home and lifestyle series The Martha Stewart Show. This brings shows such as From Martha’s Kitchen, From Martha’s Home and From Martha’s Garden. Other titles in the library that have yet to be scheduled include Petkeeping with Marc Marrone, early seasons of Everyday Food, Martha Steward Living and assorted specials.

“In addition to being genuinely informative and entertaining, this daytime programming block will showcase the diverse creativity that has long defined the Martha Stewart brand,” said Bill Abbott, the president and CEO of Hallmark Channel. “As we evolve our daytime lineup into a lifestyle and home orientation, this timeless content will serve as the ideal launch pad for and the perfect segue into the premiere of The Martha Stewart Show in its new home on Hallmark Channel.”

Charles A. Koppelman, the executive chairman of MSLO, stated: "This new arrangement provides an ideal home for our evergreen and ever popular library of Martha Stewart-branded how-to television programming. The agreement underscores the value of MSLO’s library that has been developed over these years. The library includes many popular classics featuring Martha and MSLO’s talented experts that our loyal fans as well as newcomers will be delighted to find with this additional programming block on Hallmark Channel."