Hallmark Channel Cuts Back on Faith Programs

Faith-based programming on the Hallmark Channel has been reduced to two hours once a week following a settlement between the channel’s owner and the National Interfaith Cable Coalition. The agreement between the coalition and Crown Media Holdings Inc. stems from outstanding claims relating to the coalition’s equity interest in Crown Media and a now-expired program production and broadcast deal. Starting this month, Hallmark Channel regains five hours of daily programming formerly occupied by the “New Morning” program, and cuts to two hours the Sunday morning block of faith and values programming provided by the coalition. In addition, the coalition gave up its right to compel Crown Media to purchase the 4 million shares of Crown Media stock owned by the coalition and its seat on the media company’s board of directors.