WILLIAM J. ABBOTT President and Chief Executive Officer Crown Media Family Networks
WILLIAM J. ABBOTT President and Chief Executive Officer Crown Media Family Networks As president and chief executive officer of Crown Media Family Networks, William J. Abbott oversees the company’s growing portfolio of family-friendly entertainment brands including linear networks Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and Hallmark Drama, in addition to subscription video on demand service Hallmark Movies Now and e-book publishing division Hallmark Publishing. Abbott is an industry veteran with more than 20 of leadership experience in cable, most of which he has spent at Crown Media, which is owned by Hallmark Cards, Inc. Since joining the company in 2000, Abbott’s vision and passion for the brand has established flagship network Hallmark Channel as the leading destination for quality, family-friendly entertainment on cable. Building on its signature slate of original movies, Abbott is responsible for significantly expanding and diversifying the network’s lineup of original content to include primetime scripted series, daytime Emmy®- nominated lifestyle program Home & Family, and such annual specials as Kitten Bowl, Hero Dog Awards, and Paw Star Game. Abbott also piloted the development of Hallmark Channel’s highly-popular holiday programming initiative Countdown to Christmas, which year after year elevates the network to be among the most-watched and highest-rated on cable throughout fourth quarter. Taking a page out of the Countdown to Christmas playbook, Abbott realigned the network’s programming strategy in 2015 to include seasonal stunts throughout the year including Countdown to Valentine’s Day, Spring Fever, June Weddings, Summer Nights, and Fall Harvest. In 2005, under Abbott’s stewardship, the company launched sibling network Hallmark Movie Channel, which underwent a wholesale brand transition to Hallmark Movies & Mysteries in late 2014.
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