Hallmark Channel has persistently confirmed itself to be a well-liked providing amongst viewers searching for family-friendly fare. Nonetheless, the community has been discovering methods to evolve in an effort to make its content material extra accessible and consultant of most of the people. Firm president and CEO Wonya Lucas has arguably been the driving power behind these initiatives, creating a various programming lineup all whereas dropping veteran stars to GAF. She’s executed a substantial quantity of labor throughout her tenure, however the head honcho has confirmed that she’s now stepping down from her submit.
Hallmark Media formally introduced this week that Wonya Lucas intends to vacate her place by the tip of the yr. In accordance with Deadline, the community is at present within the course of of creating preparations to accommodate the key transfer. Hallmark Corporations President and CEO Mike Perry is reportedly working with Lucas and Hallmark Media’s management crew with day-to-day operations and serving to to shut out the transition. Lucas launched a press release that was shared with the commerce and, in it, she expressed gratitude and emphasised how proud she is of the progress the group has made in recent times:
I’m honored to have led this firm and am tremendously happy with the progress we’ve made by creating an developed leisure expertise that conjures up significant, emotionally linked moments for our audiences. My ardour for the Hallmark model has grown in deeply rewarding methods and can stay paramount as I proceed to assist information Hallmark Media’s future in a extra strategically centered capability.
Wonya Lucas started her tenure as Chief Govt Officer in July 2020, following the departure of ex-CEO Invoice Abbott. As talked about, Lucas’ stint proved to be productive, as she sought to handle the criticisms concerning the shortage of variety inside the community’s content material. On account of Lucas’ efforts, tales that includes folks of colour have arguably been highlighted extra often. Amid her tenure, viewers additionally noticed the channel’s first TV film that includes an LGBTQ+ couple, Marriage ceremony Each Weekend, and the Web appeared ecstatic upon its debut. Lucas was additionally instrumental when it got here to creating the company’s streaming partnership with Peacock a actuality. Whereas Lucas will not be the massive individual in cost, she does plan to hitch the Hallmark Media Board of Administrators.
This transformation in management arises, because the cable channel continues to cope with competitors from Nice American Media, which homes the community Nice American Household. The leisure model was launched by Invoice Abbott following his departure from its company rival in 2020. In doing so, Abbott seemingly seemed to seize among the market that’s flocked to his former firm for years. To construct out his new imprint, he additionally seemed to a variety of acquainted faces.
These previous few years have seen a number of notable names exit Hallmark in favor of Nice American Household. A number of the most high-profile actors to make the leap are Candace Cameron Bure (who wished a change and new contract), Trevor Donovan and Danica McKellar. Whereas these had been main losses, the corporate has managed to carry onto tried-and-true expertise like Lacey Chabert, Holly Robinson Peete and Jonathan Bennett.
Because the family-oriented community prepares to maneuver ahead with out Wonya Lucas on the helm, I’d suspect that it’ll search to construct on the work she did. Having her stay on the board of administrators would additionally assist to take care of some sort of artistic continuity, although her duties can be totally different. We’ll simply have to attend and see how the corporate fares transferring ahead.
Within the meantime, take a while to learn CinemaBlend’s schedule of upcoming Hallmark films.
