US-based TV company Hallmark Entertainment Network has signed a
deal with BSkyB to break into the UK market with the creation of a
24-hour general family entertainment channel to launch on Sky Digital in
February 2000.
The channel will initially be available exclusively on Sky Digital until
2001, when it will be made available to cable operators. The network
will include daytime and children’s programming, culminating in movies
and mini-series during the primetime evening slot.
Some programmes will be bought in from other companies. The amount to be
bought from Sky, which is investing heavily in its own shows, has yet to
be decided.
David Evans, chief executive of Hallmark Entertainment Network,
described the intended content as ’quality family programming’.
’British viewers want programming that is enriching, as well as
entertaining,’ said Elisabeth Murdoch, managing director of Sky
Networks.
