Latest in Crown Media Family Networks

Lisa Hamilton Daly, who developed series such as Virgin River and Sweet Magnolias during her time as Director, Original Series at Netflix, has joined Crown Media Family Networks. Hamilton Daly becomes EVP, Programming, replacing Michelle Vicary, who stepped down in May. It marks the latest major move by Wonya Lucas…

EXCLUSIVE: The major overhaul at Hallmark Channel parent Crown Media Family Networks continues. Erin McIlvain, EVP, Content Strategy & Distribution, and Kristen Roberts, EVP, Pricing, Planning & Revenue Management, along with a third, lower-level executive, Manager of Corporate Strategy, tendered their recognitions…

Michelle Vicary is leaving Crown Media Family Networks, where she had been since the company’s inception decades ago. Vicary, the company’s lead programming and production executive, will leave her post as EVP Programming at the beginning of June. "We thank Michelle for her contributions to the growth and success of…

EXCLUSIVE: Tamera Mowry-Housley is expanding her relationship with Crown Media Family Networks,  signing a new overall deal to star in and executive produce original films for the network. First up is holiday-themed Christmas Comes Twice, set for premiere Sunday, December 13 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Additionally…

After 20 years with Crown Media Family Networks, publicity and promotions executive Pam Slay is leaving the company. Slay has served as SVP Program Publicity, Social Content & Corporate Communications since January 2000. On January 11, she will launch her own company, SLAY MEdia, a global communications ideation…

Annie Howell has returned to Crown Media Family Networks and will serve as its chief communications officer. Crown Media president and CEO Wonya Lucas announced Howell’s appointment Thursday. Howell served as Crown Media’s EVP Corporate Communications and Media Relations from 2010-2014. “As a well-established and…

Wonya Lucas has been named president and CEO of Crown Media Family Networks. In her new role, Lucas will be responsible for the strategic direction, daily management and growth of the three linear networks—the Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries and Hallmark Drama—as well as the company's digital platforms…

Crown Media Family Networks CEO Bill Abbot is stepping down, barely a month after the Hallmark Channel’s handling of a same-sex ad created controversy. Abbott’s last day at the company will be Friday. In a press release confirming the news, parent Hallmark Cards Inc. did not allude to the backlash over the treatment…

Crown Media Family Networks said it has wrapped up its 2019-20 upfront ad sales, locking in double-digit gains for both price and volume. The company’s twin networks, the Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, have bucked the broader trend of cratering ratings. With its wholesome…

Crown Media Family Networks got creative when its upfront was canceled Wednesday due to the arrival of Winter Storm Toby in New York City. Big snowstorms in March certainly aren’t unheard of — Toby is the fourth nor’easter this month alone — but this might be the first time a storm forced the cancellation of an…

During Crown Media Family Networks’ presentation at TCA today, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries announced a robust slate of programming. Topping the list was the announcement of two development deals with award winning TV personality Al Roker for his novel The Midnight Show Murders: A Billy Blessing Novel and crisis…

#Hearties take note. Hallmark Channel will air a two-hour sneak peek of Season 5 of its original primetime series When Calls The Heart during the network’s annual "Countdown to Christmas” programming event. It will be followed by the Season 5 premiere in February 2018, which will be comprised of ten hour-long weekly…