Hallmark media executive involved in wedding commercial controversy is leaving company
The top media executive at Hallmark Cards will leave the Kansas City-based company later this month, weeks after a controversy over advertising on The Hallmark Channel.
Hallmark announced in a Wednesday news release that Bill Abbott, president and CEO of Crown Media Family Networks, was “leaving the company.” A spokesperson said Abbott, who had been with Hallmark for 11 years, would leave by the end of the week.
“I want to thank Bill for his many years of success and contributions to Crown Media and wish him continued success,” Mike Perry, president and CEO of Hallmark Cards, said in the news release.
The cable channel, known for its soothing holiday movies, came under fire from the conservative group One Million Moms after airing a commercial for wedding-planning website Zola that featured two brides kissing at the altar. One Million Moms, which is part of the American Family Association, complained about the ads directly to Abbott, the Associated Press reported.
Crown Media in December pulled the ad, with a spokeswoman saying “the Hallmark brand is never going to be divisive.”
That move, though, created even more criticism. Celebrities William Shatner and Ellen DeGeneres called out Hallmark and the hashtag #BoycottHallmarkChannel trended on Twitter briefly.
Within days, the company reversed course and reinstated the ads.
On Dec. 15, Perry lamented what he called “the wrong decision” by the media arm of Hallmark.
“Our mission is rooted in helping all people connect, celebrate traditions and be inspired to capture meaningful moments in their lives. Anything that detracts from this purpose is not who we are,” Perry said. “We are truly sorry for the hurt and disappointment this has caused.”
Hallmark leaders on Wednesday would not say whether Abbott’s departure was tied to the controversy.
“We do not comment on employee matters publicly,” said Hallmark spokeswoman Molly Biwer.
While Hallmark’s greeting card business is based in its Kansas City headquarters, the media division largely operates on the coasts. Abbott worked primarily in the company’s New York offices, Biwer said.
Hallmark, a private company, just announced it would eliminate 400 jobs as part of a wider “transformation” effort. The company has characterized its media division as a growing part of its business. Hallmark said its flagship cable network Hallmark Channel reached 1.7 million viewers during primetime hours in the week before Christmas.
“I have tremendous confidence in the Crown Media management team and with this team in place, I will begin a search for Bill’s replacement,” Perry said in the company’s news release Wednesday.
This story was originally published January 22, 2020 at 4:07 PM.
