Hallmark Channel names a new CEO

The Hollywood Reporter

Former TV One CEO Wonya Lucas will take over for Bill Abbott as president and CEO of Crown Media Family Networks, which includes Hallmark Channel, after he was ousted in January over backlash from Hallmark pulling a same-sex holiday ad. According to The Hollywood Reporter, "Lucas will be charged with accelerating and growing Hallmark's TV brand, its strategic direction, day-to-day management and growth of its three linear networks (Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries and Hallmark Drama), its digital platforms as well as the company’s subscription streaming service, Hallmark Movies Now. While Hallmark this month announced the first 18 of its planned 40 holiday movies, Lucas is expected to make her mark on the slate's remaining 22 projects, which are expected to be more inclusive after the network's diversity black eye last year."