Hallmark Channel Executives Share How the Evolving Brand is Focusing on Inclusive Movies
Valentine's Day fast approaches, and more so than other years, many couples will likely celebrate in their homes and enjoy romantic movies throughout the weekend. There is also a good chance that their TV browsing will lead to the Hallmark Channel. As anyone who has ever scanned the cards section in a store or walked into a Christmas shop knows, Hallmark, owned by Crown Media Family Networks, is much more than a TV network. Hallmark is a brand known for its holiday franchise and for its association with love and connection, and in this way, the TV network has become an integral part of this
Lifetime and Robin Roberts Retell the Story of Black Gospel Singer Mahalia Jackson
Black History Month is well underway, but as NCTA noted last week, cable TV networks strive to lift the voices of the Black community through rich and diverse programming every day of the year. As the nation continues to wrestle with a reckoning over racial injustice, TV plays an influential role in educating audiences about the systemic racism rooted in American history, and in rallying efforts around racial equality. This week at CTAM's portion of the virtual Television Critics Association press tour, critics got a sneak peek at a film that speaks to some of these issues, and heard a slice
Elevating Black Voices During Black History Month and Beyond
Black History Month is celebrated in February, but the cable industry supports initiatives that are focused on social justice for the Black community all year long. As the country continues to undergo a reckoning on race and inequality, especially in the aftermath of the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, cable operators and TV programmers are stepping up their efforts to support the Black community, to combat racism, and to create a more just and equitable society. Last June, Comcast NBCUniversal pledged $100 million towards a multiyear program to fight injustice and
Discovery’s Virtual Field Trip to the Inauguration
Over the past year, countless in-person events have re-imagined themselves as virtual experiences. From the BET Awards to ESPN’s Virtual Draft to one of the largest technology trade shows, there have been countless great examples of how organizers adjust to make the most of an unusual circumstance. And while this year’s Presidential Inauguration might be different from years past, it also provides a new opportunity for Americans to experience and share in the solemn tradition. That’s why Discovery Inc. and Discovery Education together have launched I Do Solemnly Swear: The U.S. Presidential
Nickelodeon Prepares for a 'Slime-Filled' NFL Wild Card Game
To lift spirits and to engage kids and their families with the sport of football, Nickelodeon and CBS Sports have partnered with the NFL for this Sunday's special broadcast of the Wild Card round matchup. What better way to bring a little joy into homes at the start of 2021 than with a "slime-filled presentation" that introduces children to one of America's favorite pastimes? The goal behind the broadcast, which will feature the matchup between the Chicago Bears and the New Orleans Saints, is to introduce and promote the game of football to the next generation. Kid-focused content and Nick
2020 Changed How We Make TV
The past year has forced many Americans to upend their daily routines, making what were once simple tasks much more complicated than before. That also holds true for TV production, as the COVID-19 pandemic forced many shows to pause production indefinitely starting in March. Since then, America’s TV industry has been working on a myriad of solutions to safely get back to filming. While each project took a different approach, there are a few areas of overlap. For instance, many studios have hired “COVID Compliance Officers” who are tasked with ensuring every safety precaution is taken, and that
Lifetime's Holiday Movie Stars Reflect on This Year's Inclusive Storylines
Yes, the festive season is here and, in 2020, the simple comfort and joy found in watching holiday programming will take on a whole new level of appreciation for many. This year, Lifetime's rollout of new holiday movies will represent "the most festive, inclusive, and diverse year yet," according to Amy Winter, the network's executive vice president and head of programming. During the network's 'It's a Wonderful Lifetime' press day, leading Lifetime cast members, writers, and producers expressed the pride they hold in being a part of this year's slate of holiday films, which reflect the
How BET Wrote the Blueprint for Live Events in a Pandemic
For decades, the annual award shows hosted by TV network, BET, have marked an important moment to celebrate Black excellence and honor Black achievements. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020, many in-person events large and small were cancelled or severely postponed. However, the BET team pressed on to find novel ways of celebrating black excellence – from the summer BET Awards to the Soul Train Awards that wrapped up the 2020 Thanksgiving weekend. BET has now produced three COVID-safe award shows. Innovative virtual solutions allowed the network to share its most anticipated events
Amid a Year of Uncertainty, Community is More Important Than Ever
As folks around the country prepare to celebrate a different kind of Thanksgiving, it’s important to take a moment and reflect on how this year has also brought people together amid the unknown. When COVID-19 began spreading in the United States and millions of people began working and learning from home, America’s broadband and entertainment leaders asked themselves what they could do to help their communities and neighbors. ISPs and TV networks connect with communities every day, and their involvement goes beyond the internet services and entertainment offerings they provide, whether it’s
REVOLT TV Discovers Its ‘Why’ Moment
“Mark Twain has a quote, ‘the two most important days in a person’s life are the day you are born, and the day you find out why’—why you are here on this earth,’” said Detavio Samuels, COO for REVOLT Media & TV. For Samuels, never had that quote resonated more than it did this year. As tumultuous as this year has been, Samuels believes that the network’s ‘why’ moment arrived in 2020. He explained at this year’s NAMIC conference last month, “REVOLT TV was born in 2013, seven years ago, but it wasn’t until these two global pandemics hit our audience at the same time that we truly discovered our