Martha Stewart Moves to Hallmark Channel

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Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc. has struck a deal with the owners of the Hallmark Channel to exclusively televise the “Martha Stewart Show” and other productions on the cable channel this fall.

Hallmark Channel is owned and operated by Crown Media Holdings Inc. in Studio City. As part of the agreement announced Tuesday, New York-based Martha Stewart Living also will develop new series and prime time specials for the channel, the companies said in a statement.

The popular weekday show of lifestyle maven Martha Stewart has been syndicated and distributed by NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution to broadcast channels for five years. That relationship winds down this fall.

Stewart’s flagship how-to series will continue to be filmed in New York City with a live studio audience. After the show runs, the Hallmark Channel will air 90 minutes of additional programming created by Stewart’s production company, according to the deal. The company’s program roster now includes “Everyday Food,” “Whatever, Martha!” and a variety of shows and specials featuring celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse.

“This is a match made in TV heaven,” said Hallmark Channel President Bill Abbott in a press release. “As these properties join our already strong lineup, which includes a full slate of original movies, our viewers, distributors and advertisers will continue to see in Hallmark Channel a destination like no other.”

Crown Media Holdings closed up 2 cents, or 1.5 percent, to $1.33 on the Nasdaq. Martha Stewart shares closed down 5 cents, or 1 percent, to $4.86 on the New York Stock Exchange.

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