GREENWOOD VILLAGE: 11/05/2003 -- Hallmark Channel, and Comcast Cable announced on 5 November that they had reached an agreement providing for additional carriage opportunities for the family-friendly entertainment channel on Comcast systems.

Hallmark Channel is owned and operated by Crown Media Holdings, Inc. Additional terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Since its launch in August of 2001, Hallmark Channel ratings have grown 150 per cent in Total Day and 40 per cent in Prime Time, while Total Day and Prime Time HH impressions have grown 247 per cent and 104 per cent, respectively. In addition, original production on the network in 2003 has delivered six of the top 30 original premieres on basic cable.

"Over the past year, in particular, customer acceptance of Hallmark Channel's unique value proposition has resulted in our top ratings and household delivery growth," said Crown Media Holdings, Inc., and Hallmark Channel COO and executive VP Paul A. FitzPatrick. "Our distribution and advertising sales performance -- at both the national and local level -- is clearly resonating with all of our customers, including subscribers and local advertisers. We are delighted to have the support of an industry leader like Comcast, and look forward to building upon our relationship with them," he added.

Added Comcast Vice President of Programming Jennifer Gaiski, "Hallmark Channel offers quality, relevant, and contemporary programming that adds value to our service. We're pleased to work with Hallmark Channel to bring its distinguished programs to our customers."