Crown Media Family Networks Launches Crown Connectivity, A Full Service Integrated Marketing & Digital Solutions Unit

Crown Media Family Networks, home of Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, announced today the launch of Crown Connectivity, a new division designed to create 360-degree seamless integration opportunities for advertisers across both networks' linear, digital, and social media platforms.

"Viewers are increasingly engaging with our brand beyond our linear channels, creating an abundance of new opportunities for marketers to convey their messages in a more holistic and impactful way," said Bill Abbott, president and CEO, Crown Media Family Networks. "Crown Connectivity will allow us to more effectively collaborate with our advertising partners in the development of innovative, customized campaigns that bridge Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries with their online extensions."

The inauguration of Crown Connectivity comes on the heels of the company's recent full-scale redesigns of both networks' consumer websites, which feature increased unique content and a more compelling experience for viewers - ultimately establishing an optimal environment for more creative advertising solutions. In 2015 to-date, online traffic has increased exponentially, with page views up 57%, unique visitors up 58%, and video views up 69% across Crown Media's web platforms. In addition, the launch of the division coincides with record levels of engagement across Crown Media's social platforms. In a recent study, Hallmark Channel had the 2nd highest level of viewer engagement of any network on television [Source: Sprout, additional analytics by Facebook & Crowdbooster].

Crown Media Family Networks Hangs In-House Production Shingle to Increase Production of Original Content

Crown Media Family Networks, home of Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, has announced the launch of Crown Media Productions, an in-house production company aimed at increasing the company's original content across multiple platforms.

Michelle Vicary will have oversight of Crown Media Productions where it is expected that creative relationships fostered over 15 years will make the startup immediately successful. Benefits of the in-house production unit include an increase in original content output, ownership of all rights, more direct involvement with the creative process, and providing another avenue for increasing Crown Media Family Networks' extensive film library.

Crown Media Productions will produce up to 6 TV films in 2015, all of which will be released under the banner of a Hallmark Channel Original or Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Original. The new production shingle will target doubling of this year's output in 2016 and beyond. The first original films to come from Crown Media Productions will begin airing later this year.