Hallmark Channel to Make Canadian Debut with W Network

Crown Media Family Networks’ Hallmark Channel and Corus Entertainment’s W Network have struck up a multiplatform partnership that brings the family-friendly brand to Canada for the first time.

The multiyear pact grants W Network exclusive Canadian licensing rights to all movies and scripted series produced by Crown Media for Hallmark Channel and sister network Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. W Network will launch Hallmark Channel on November 1, coinciding with the kick-off of the Countdown to Christmas programming event.

“The strong ratings our content has delivered on other platforms, along with the constant drumbeat of requests for Hallmark Channel in Canada, creates a great opportunity to significantly expand the network’s reach beyond the United States,” said Crown Media Family Networks’ president and CEO, Bill Abbott. “With the imminent kick-off of our wildly popular Countdown to Christmas event, this is a particularly exciting time to partner with Corus and introduce Canadians to our unique brand of family programming. We look forward to entertaining W Network’s audience throughout the season and beyond.”

“This partnership marks another milestone for W Network’s elite schedule, bringing Canadians even more premium content from a global leader in original programming,” said Daniel Eves, senior VP of specialty at Corus Entertainment. “This marriage of brands boldly boosts our position as a leading specialty network and we’re proud to be the first to bring the Hallmark Channel to Canada.”