HALLMARK CHANNEL'S 'COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS' PUTS OTHER NETWORKS DOWN FOR THE COUNT!

THE LEADER IN HOLIDAY PROGRAMMING ADDS EXCITING ARRAY OF DIGITAL PLATFORMS TO ENGAGE, ENHANCE AND EXTEND VIEWERS' HOLIDAY JOY

Hallmark Channel's unprecedented 450 hours of "Countdown to Christmas" holiday programming � more than any other television network � will include a wide array of all-new digital platforms and social media campaigns designed to extend the reach of the network's special programming and to engage and enrich viewers' Hallmark Channel holiday experience.

The center of the off-network effort will be Hallmark Channel's Facebook page (facebook.com/HallmarkChannel), where viewers can enjoy exclusive videos, games, quizzes and chances to exchange virtual gifts. On Twitter (twitter.com/HallmarkChannel), the newly created Countdown2Xmas Twitter Feed (twitter.com/Countdown2Xmas) will mark the holidays with daily holiday tips from celebrity and lifestyle specialist Allana Baroni. From tree decorating to party tips, Allana's the expert on all things social.

Hallmark Channel will also collaborate with bloggers across the entertainment spectrum to bring its holiday offerings to more viewers than ever, and offer targeted audiences relevant information to make the most out of their holiday viewing.

The digital campaign kicks off when hoops&yoyo get merry animated and make their first-ever television appearance hosting "Movie Nights With hoops&yoyo," five Friday nights at 10 p.m. ET/PT, beginning November 27. The digital extension of hoops&yoyo continues on Hallmark Channel's Facebook page, where internet and traditonal radio listeners can hear the first-ever interview with the beloved Hallmark Cards characters. The pink kitty and green bunny team, who have been featured in more than 77 million e-cards, will share their unique and hilarious holiday perspective on radio programs across the country.

"Countdown to Christmas" continues with the World Premiere of four Hallmark Channel Original Movies, all being presented Saturdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT, 7 p.m. CT:

- "The National Tree," starring Andrew McCarthy, Kari Matchett and Evan Williams, November 28

- "Debbie Macomber's Mrs. Miracle," starring Doris Roberts and James Van Der Beek, December 5

- "Christmas in Canaan," starring Grammy� Award nominee Billy Ray Cyrus, December 12

- "The Three Gifts," starring Dean Cain, Jean Louisa Kelly and Reginald VelJohnson, December 19

On Facebook, Hallmark Channel will offer virtual holiday gifts, autographed copies of Billy Ray Cyrus' new CD, "Back to Tennessee," access to Cyrus' new music video, "We'll Get By Somehow (We Always Do)," from the Hallmark Channel Original Movie "Christmas in Canaan," virtual snowballs delivered by Doris Roberts and James Van Der Beek, autographed copies of Mrs. Miracle by author Debbie Macomber, and much more.

Hallmark Channel, owned and operated by Crown Media Holdings, Inc., is a 24-hour basic cable network that provides a diverse slate of high-quality entertainment programming to a national audience of 88 million subscribers. The top tier program service is distributed through more than 5,450 cable systems and communities as well as direct-to-home satellite services across the country. Hallmark Channel consistently ranks among the highest-rated cable networks and is the nation's leading network in providing quality family programming. Hallmark Channel's sibling network is Hallmark Movie Channel which focuses on the greatest family movies of all time.