Hallmark Channel: Difference between revisions

The Hallmark Channel traces its history to the launch of two separate religious cable channels, the [[American Christian Television System]] (ACTS) and the [[Vision Interfaith Satellite Network]] (VISN). The two networks began alternating time on a shared transponder slot on the Galaxy III satellite in 1992. In 1993, they effectively merged into a single network, which was renamed as the Faith and Values Channel. It began adding a few secular programs during this time, such as exercise shows, health and [[Cooking Show|cooking shows]], and family-oriented drama series and movies. In 1995, cable conglomerate Tele-Communications Inc. acquired a 49% ownership stake in the Faith and Values Channel, and took over operational control of the network. It added more secular programming to the network and reduced religious programming to about 10 hours a day. In 1996, the network was rebranded as the Odyssey Network (although on-air promotions often referred to the network simply as "Odyssey"), and launched a website, Odysseyfamily.com, which was used to provide program listings for the network.

 

 

On August 5, 2001, the channel underwent yet another rebranding, relaunching as the [[Hallmark Channel]]. The restructured network completely dropped religious programming, but continued to focus on family-oriented sitcoms and drama series, dramatic films and other general entertainment programs. The National Interfaith Cable Coalition continued to own about 5% of the channel, and continues to produce some program content for [[Hallmark Channel]].