Crown Media Holdings Announces Renewal of Distribution Agreement with DIRECTV

5 March 2008

Crown Media Holdings, Inc. has renewed its distribution agreement for Hallmark Channel with DIRECTV, Inc., for a multi-year term. DIRECTV currently distributes Hallmark Channel to nearly 15 million homes.

Additionally, DIRECTV will have the right to distribute the Standard Definition and High Definition versions of Hallmark Movie Channel.

“We are very happy to announce this renewal of our affiliation agreement with DIRECTV, the second-largest distributor of our programming and one of Crown Media’s most important partners in contributing to our ability to provide quality family friendly programming,” said Henry Schleiff, President and CEO, Crown Media Holdings, Inc. “Clearly, this agreement reflects both DIRECTV’s and Crown Media’s emphasis on quality, fair price and service to our respective subscribers and viewers. On a personal note, I would like to add that we particularly appreciated not only DIRECTV’s fair treatment of Hallmark Channel but also, frankly, their willingness to go the extra mile in closing this agreement in such a timely manner."

“Hallmark Channel continues to be an important programming staple for DIRECTV families and we’re pleased to extend our relationship,” said Derek Chang, executive vice president, Content Strategy and Development, DIRECTV, Inc. “Crown Media has set a high standard for quality, family-oriented programming and that is reflected in the channel’s consistently high viewership.”