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Hallmark US invites viewers to make themselves at home
MUMBAI: On 1 March 2007, US broadcasdter Hallmark will introduce a new on-air look and campaign with the new tagline, Make Yourself at Home.
The aim is to reinforce the networks reputation as a destination for quality, family-friendly programming where viewers can get comfortable and tune-in for great stories.
The new on-air campaign will be seen in every daypart. It will include new music, new graphics, new colours, and, of note, creative and engaging uses of the letter H that capture happy, humorous and touching moments of family life, at home both in celebration and in everyday activities.
The 10-, 20- and 30-second spots and interstitials feature gatherings of friends and families in an array of activities from a child walking in the rain, to friends gathering, to a Black Labrador playing hide n seek in a pile of leaves: in a word, Hallmark Channel moments.
Hallmark senior VP, creative services Marvin Dorson says, “Our goal was to create a campaign that was inspirational, invitational and interpretive. We set out to refresh the channels look and to establish an environment that our audience could relate to, enjoy and feel good about. We hope that viewers will see these and smile. Also, knowing that our audiences stay tuned longer than most, we think these spots will encourage them to relax and stay even longer.
Hallmark US president and CEO Henry Schleiff, says, “Marvin and his team have done a fabulous job of reflecting not only the new and invigorated spirit of the Hallmark Channel but also one that better connects us to our core values and themes such as the warmth of the home and the holidays.
” I have long believed that a network derives its brand and personality, in part, from its interstitial programming and the other original aspects that the viewer sees between shows. This campaign perfectly reflects the best the very best of the Hallmark brand.”
This marks the first time since its launch in 2001 that the channel has done an extensive revamping of its on-air image and its consumer website, www.hallmarkchannel.com. Elements including design, editing, production, graphics and even new music were created and produced by the networks in-house creative services department in coordination with Spark.
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.
