Hallmark Continues Big Changes To The Positivity Network
The Hallmark chopping block continues with two more departures. This coupled with more syndicated programming may be leaving viewers confused. What is the latest news on the big changes at the feel-good network?
Two More EVP Resign From Hallmark’s Parent Company
Hallmark’s parent company, Crown Media, continues to make big changes. According to Deadline, Erin McIlvain, EVP, Content Strategy & Distribution, and Kristen Roberts, EVP, Pricing, Planning & Revenue Management, have both resigned from the company.
In addition, a third “lower-level executive” has also resigned. That unnamed person was the Manager of Corporate Strategy.
McIlvain and Roberts had a combined 23.5 years of experience at Crown Media. Roberts spent 17.5 years at Crown Media.
As with the departure of longtime EVP of Programming at Crown Media, Michelle Vicary, the temporary replacements are men. Ed Georger, EVP Ad Sales & Digital Media will head up the Pricing & Planning team. Meanwhile, Distribution will report to Jon Sichel, the EVP of Legal.
Back in February, there were many layoffs. In addition, Crown Media has reorganized its marketing department.
Is New Crown Media CEO Wonya Lucas Cleaning House?
New Hallmark President and CEO Wonya Lucas is certainly making changes since starting in July 2020. She replaced Bill Abbott, the former CEO. Abbott departed the feel-good network after a national scandal.
Back in December 2019, amid Countdown to Christmas, Hallmark found themselves in a very uncomfortable position. The catalyst for change was due to a Zola wedding planning advertisement shown on the network. One of the commercials had two women kissing at their wedding.
The One Million Moms group petitioned the Hallmark Channel to remove the commercial. Hallmark complied. However, the network continued to air the other Zola ads. However, they were heterosexual couples.
This caused a social media cancelation. Viewers were upset at the censorship. People flocked to social media. They protested the network’s content. They asked viewers to #BoycottHallmark.
Immediately, Hallmark made another reversal. Along with this change, they apologized. Moreover, they promised to air more diverse and inclusive stories.
This did not make Countdown to Christmas 2019 very successful. Afterward, Bill Abbott left his position. Along with his resignation, Crown Media promised to bring in someone who will help guide them into more diverse and inclusive programming. Six months later, Wonya Lucas was made CEO.
Where Is Hallmark’s Promised Diversity?
Has Hallmark become more diverse? Currently, the content has seemed to go backward. There is still a lack of diversity in the 2021 movies. In all fairness, they are still transitioning. However, it would be great if Crown Media spoke to their promise to diversify and change.
Hallmark’s Christmas In July Features New Movie, Old Favorites, ‘Christmas Waltz’
What Are Hallmark’s Big Changes?
In case you have not been paying attention, Hallmark has been making some pretty big changes to its programming. Home & Family is ending soon. Their podcast the Bubbly Sesh was not renewed.
They have been using more syndicated content, saving oodles of money, but alienating fans who want to watch Hallmark original movies. However, Christmas In July is starting soon, and that could sway viewers who want to see more movies.
It is clear that they are still in the midst of their employee transition, but how soon will the network regularly practice the diversity they promised?
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If Hallmark continues with their “diversity” plan, they will lose most of their faithful viewers. I watch Hallmark because it seems to uphold Godly principles for the most part. God loves all people but not the sin in their lives. God is an unchanging God. I suggest Hallmark do the same.
I am made fun of for watching the Hallmark channel as much as I do. But, I have been watching it less and less lately. I’m so sad to see that the Hallmark channel is bowing to the pressure to become just another Hollywood woke machine. The writer of this article seems to be hoping that Hallmark would move toward this so-called “diversity” at a faster pace, and leave the proven formula of producing good wholesome stories behind to attract more of the Hollywood viewers. This push comes on the cusp of an increasing number of viewers leaving Hollywood made productions. As Tammie says, “Hallmark will lose most of their faithful viewers.”
I would encourage a rethink on the direction toward viewer value evacuation.
Why are you showing a repeat of a movie within weeks of original showing? Nothing new on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries. Very dissappointed in what is happening