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Crown Media is considering selling US operations
MUMBAI: After selling its international business including the international operations of Hallmark earlier this year for $242 million Crown Media is now exploring selling its operations in the US including Hallmark.
In support of this initiative, a special committee of independent directors of the board of directors has been formed to oversee the process.
Hallmark Cards which has a stake in Crown Media has advised Crown Media’s board of directors that it fully supports the board’s determination. Hallmark has also advised the Board that it would consider entering into a license agreement with respect to the Hallmark Channel name in connection with a sale if requested by a potential buyer.
Crown Media president and CEO David Evans said, “After considering various factors, including the strong performance of the Hallmark Channel and the prevailing current economic realities of being a one channel business in our industry, the Board unanimously determined that now is the time to look at all alternatives. Since its launch just four years ago, Hallmark Channel has experienced tremendous growth in all of its key business areas, including distribution, ratings and revenues. Today, Hallmark Channel is one of the top ten rated cable channels in both total day and prime time with nearly 70 million subscribers, and is well-positioned for continued success.”
Earlier this month Crown Media had announced that its revenue had increase by 50 per cent for the second quarter of 2005.Revenue in the second quarter of 2005 increased to $45.7 million, from $30.4 million in the prior year’s second quarter. Ad revenues for the quarter totalled $38.1 million, an increase of 44 per cent from the second quarter of 2004. Subscriber fee revenues increased 41 per cent to $4.2 million as free carriage periods expired for certain subscribers.
Hallmark Channel US subscribers increased by 13 per cent to 68.5 million as of June 30, 2005, from 60.6 million subscribers as of June 30, 2004. The company has attributed this to the success of its grass roots efforts campaign combined with the appeal of original programming.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
