Hallmark Channel, Regis Salute Ordinary Americans

TV host Regis Philbin is saluting caring Americans in 2008--with Hallmark Channel's help.

Developed in partnership with Omnicom's Full Circle Entertainment, the net will launch "Hallmark Heroes with Regis Philbin." The show targets ordinary Americans who make extraordinary contributions to their communities. The first spotlights mothers, fathers and veterans who served our country; it airs in June. The second special is holiday-themed and is earmarked for the fourth quarter. Leading up to the on-air event, the network will showcase each honoree via 30-second on-air vignettes.

Hallmark will harness the power of its brand--on-air, online and in stores--to promote the two TV specials. In addition to regular production duties, FCE will produce related interstitial programming.

Henry Schleiff, president and CEO, Hallmark Channel, says the specials reflect the "best" of the Hallmark brand--promoting strong value values, such as helping the less fortunate.

Adds Regis Philbin, co-host of "Live with Regis and Kelly": "There are so many unsung American heroes ... and I am not only proud to help them in this way, but hope that their stories and these specials will help to inspire others to make their own contributions." To kick off "Hallmark Heroes," the net will launch the on-air and online campaign for this month. Viewers can visit www.hallmarkchannel.com to nominate their favorite local hero, such as a teacher who tutors underprivileged kids for free, or a teenager who helped Katrina victims. Users will be asked to submit an essay and post a photo or video of their hero.

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During each special, four honorees will be awarded a prize that is relevant to the winner. For instance, the teacher would earn an education scholarship, and someone who rescued stray animals in a dilapidated van would get a new car.

Hallmark Gold Crown® stores will feature tune-in information prior to the premiere of each TV special and www.hallmark.com will include a link to the channel's Web site.

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