Hallmark Channel Takes On 80-Picture Package

STUDIO CITY, October 23:
Hallmark Channel has picked up the rights to 80 family-friendly movies from
Twentieth Television, including well-known titles such as Big, Cocoon and Edward Scissorhands.

The newly acquired movies
will air on Hallmark Channel as well as its sister network Hallmark Movie
Channel. The package of films includes Doctor Doolittle, Garfield, Home Alone, Ice
Age, Mrs. Doubtfire, My Cousin Vinny, Speed,
Waitress and Working Girl, as well as Young at Heart, which will make its world television debut.

Bob Cook, the president
and COO for Twentieth Television, said: “We are thrilled that the Hallmark
Channel and the Hallmark Movie Channel will have a chance to showcase this
beloved collection of films from our vaults.”

Michelle Vicary, the
senior VP of acquisitions and scheduling for Hallmark Channel, added, “We are
thrilled to announce this big deal, which is another major step in our growth.
We have consistently been a top-ten-rated network. Moving forward, this will
help us expand our programming library, increase ratings and lower our demos.
Most importantly, these movies are a perfect fit for the Hallmark
family-friendly brand which will enable us to attract new advertisers and spur
even further distribution for both Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie
Channel.”

—By Kristin
Brzoznowski