AT&T U-verse TV has dropped Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel from its lineup. The two companies were unable to agree on a new carriage deal. Both networks went dark for AT&T
customers at 12:01 a.m., ET today.
MediaPost reported last week that Hallmark Channel said AT&T U-verse had "threatened" to drop it if a new carriage agreement
wasn't achieved before Sept. 1. Negotiations hit a standstill as of Aug. 26.
Bill Abbott, president and CEO, Hallmark Channels, said in a release he was "moved by the immediate
support from our loyal viewers," who utilized Facebook, Twitter and e-mails asking AT&T to keep the networks.
Hallmark Channels is continuing to encourage its viewers to call
1-888-MADE-4-FAMILY or go to www.donttakemyhallmarkchannels.com to request that AT&T keep both entities.
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Abbott said that Hallmark Channels will re-start negotiations toward a
good-faith distribution agreement. "I was stunned by the apparent disregard for the facts in AT&T's recent statement regarding our negotiations. However, if they are really serious, my
team and I are ready for truly fair negotiations," said Abbott.
The women-targeted network has a new deal to air Martha Stewart lifestyle programming starting Sept. 13. The cabler is
owned by Crown Media and claims a national audience of 90 million subscribers.