Crown Earnings Tied to New Lifestyle Block

Advertising tied to the new lifestyle programming block contributed to Crown Media Holdings posting positive earnings results for the third quarter when compared to a year ago. The parent of the Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel reported net income of $5.9 million on revenues of $62.5 million for the quarter ending Sept. 30. For the same period a year ago, the media company had a net loss of $10.2 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, on revenues of $62.8 million. In the third quarter Crown started airing its much anticipated block of lifestyle programming anchored by “The Martha Stewart Show.” An increase in advertising revenue to $48.5 million for the quarter was attributed to the programming block. The eight hours of daytime programming is Crown’s first step in establishing original series targeted at women in the 25 years to 54 years old category that is sought by advertisers and distribution partners, said President and CEO Bill Abbott. Ratings for Stewart’s show, however, have been lackluster and led to the forcing out in October of Laura Sillars, senior vice president for lifestyle programming. Improvements have been seen in ratings for Stewart’s show as well as original lifestyle series “Mad Hungry with Lucinda” and “Whatever with Alexis and Jennifer,” the company said. Mark R. Madler