Hallmark Channel has acquired an exclusive license for domestic television rights to extensive lifestyle programming from the library of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. (MSLO). The content will form a new seven-hour daytime block of home and lifestyle programming that the network will launch weekdays beginning Monday, March 29, and will precede the September premiere on Hallmark Channel of exclusive original episodes of the Emmy Award-winning, popular daytime home and lifestyle series “The Martha Stewart Show.”
Announcement of the deal, which underscores the network’s commitment to the lifestyle genre generally and the Martha Stewart brand in particular, was made today by Bill Abbott, President and CEO, Hallmark Channels (Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel), and Charles A. Koppelman, Executive Chairman of MSLO. Hallmark Channel is a cable television network owned and operated by Crown Media Holdings, Inc.
Beginning March 29 (11 a.m. – 6 p.m. ET/PT), Hallmark Channel’s lineup will include episodes from the library programs “From Martha’s Kitchen,” “From Martha’s Home” and “From Martha’s Garden.” Other titles in the library, but not yet scheduled, are “Petkeeping with Marc Morrone,” early seasons of “Everyday Food,” “Martha Stewart Living” and assorted specials. Episodes of the series will also be presented in shorter blocks on Saturdays and Sundays (6 a.m. – 9 a.m. ET/PT) beginning April 3-4.
Hallmark Channel’s prime time and weekend schedule will continue to feature its strong slate of popular Hallmark Channel Original Movies starring favorite stars of film and television, as well as specials, “Hallmark Hall of Fame” presentations and beloved acquired series.
“In addition to being genuinely informative and entertaining, this daytime programming block will showcase the diverse creativity that has long defined the Martha Stewart brand,” said Abbott. “As we evolve our daytime lineup into a lifestyle and home orientation, this timeless content will serve as the ideal launch pad for and the perfect segue into the premiere of ‘The Martha Stewart Show’ in its new home on Hallmark Channel.”
Koppelman stated: “This new arrangement provides an ideal home for our evergreen and ever popular library of Martha Stewart-branded how-to television programming. The agreement underscores the value of MSLO’s library that has been developed over these years. The library includes many popular classics featuring Martha and MSLO’s talented experts that our loyal fans as well as newcomers will be delighted to find with this additional programming block on Hallmark Channel.”
(Source: Hallmark Channel)
