Hallmark Goes to Heartland For HD
The network will launch its new high-def channel in Peoria.
By Swanni
That's according to an article by TV Week.
Hallmark Movie Channel HD is scheduled to begin broadcasting on April 2. The decision to hold the launch party in America's heartland is part of Crown Media's effort to make the channel a high-def staple for American families.
The channel is producing 30 original 'family-friendly' films in 2008 and it recently struck a deal with Disney for such movies as The Shaggy Dog, Flubber, Old Yeller, The Princess Diaries and The Santa Clause, TV Week reports.
“Most of all, these movies are perfectly suited for the Hallmark brand of family-friendly programming and for the boomer generation, and will therefore help us attract advertisers and spur distribution for both Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel," a spokesperson said.
The April 2 launch party in Peoria will include a screening of The Magic of Ordinary Days and an appearance by veteran actor Ernest Borgnine.
Comcast and Time Warner have said they will offer Hallmark Movie Channel HD, although it's unclear in which markets. DIRECTV says it has the rights to carry the high-def channel, but will not offer it at launch.
___________________________________________
____________________________________________
Click
TVPredictions.com to see today's Swanni
Sez.
©
TVPredictions.com
____________________________________________
Swanni (Phillip Swann) is
president and publisher of TVPredictions.com. He has been quoted in
dozens of publications and broadcast outlets, including CNN, Fox
News, Inside Edition, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The
Chicago Tribune, The Financial Times, The Associated Press and The
Hollywood Reporter. He can be reached at
swann@tvpredictions.com
or at 703-505-3064.
Click
TVPredictions.com
to read more news and features on TV
technology.