Crown Media : Corporate - 06/08/16

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 8, 2016
Contact: Allison Bennett, 212-445-6692
[e-mail]

CROWN MEDIA FAMILY NETWORKS ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT OF EVP
OF BUSINESS AFFAIRS & GENERAL COUNSEL, CHARLIE STANFORD,

KEY PERSONNEL DEVELOPMENTS COME AS COMPANY CONTINUES
ON A PATH OF SIGNIFICANT GROWTH

Deanne R. Stedem Appointed as Stanford's Replacement;
Mark J. Kern Rejoins Company as SVP, Corporate Communications & Media Relations

Crown Media Family Networks announced today that long-time Executive Vice President of Business Affairs & General Counsel, Charlie Stanford, is retiring following 17 years with the company and an illustrious career that spans more than 4 decades.

'Charlie is one of the most well-liked and respected people in entertainment. His integrity, keen insights, and knowledge of the industry have been instrumental in establishing and guiding our business from the very beginning,' said President & CEO, Bill Abbott. 'As an integral member of the Crown Media family, he will be deeply missed and we wish him the best of luck as he embarks on this new chapter in his life.'

Deanne R. Stedem will succeed Stanford in the same role, assuming responsibility for all aspects of the company's legal and business affairs, as well as distribution. Stedem joins Crown Media from its parent company, Hallmark Cards, Inc., where she served as Associate General Counsel. She will be based in Kansas City, Missouri and report to Abbott.

'Deanne, a former member of Crown Media Family Networks' Board of Directors, already knows our business inside and out,' said Abbott. 'Her extensive legal expertise and strategic mind will be central to the continued growth of our business well into the future and it is with great pleasure that we welcome her to Crown Media.'

In addition, Mark J. Kern rejoins Crown Media in the newly created role of SVP, Corporate Communications & Media Relations. Kern is charged with strategic oversight of all aspects of corporate communications and program publicity. Previously, he served in senior executive positions at Discovery Communications' joint venture, Hub TV Network; Crown Media; and FOX Broadcasting Company. He will be based in the company's Studio City offices and report jointly to Susanne McAvoy, EVP, Marketing, Creative & Communications and Michelle Vicary, EVP, Programming & Network Publicity.

'While both our networks continue to grow, increasing the visibility of our company among consumers and within the industry is crucial to the continued success of our ratings and bottom line,' said Abbott. 'Mark's creativity, understanding of the business, and strong leadership will play an important role in further raising awareness of Crown Media during this exciting and pivotal time in our history.'