HALLMARK CHANNEL ANNOUNCES FOUR-TIME NBA CHAMPION, AUTHOR, ACTOR, TV HOST, LIFESTYLE COACH, AND ACTIVIST, JOHN SALLEY, JOINS AWARD-WINNING CORRESPONDENT MARY CARILLO FOR FIRST-EVER CHAMPIONSHIP OF FELINE BASKETBALL, 'MEOW MADNESS'

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STUDIO CITY, CA - February 23, 2017 - Hallmark Channel, home to the world famous "Kitten Bowl" franchise, announces four-time NBA champion, author, TV host and activist, John Salley, will join previously announced Peabody Award-winning sportscaster Mary Carillo as co-announcers of the first-ever feline championship of basketball, "Meow Madness," a Hallmark Channel Original Special Event, Monday, April 3 (7 p.m. ET/PT, 6C).

"We are honored to have John Salley join our Hallmark family," said Bill Abbott, President and CEO of Crown Media Family Networks, Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. "John's stature in the sports world will bring support and awareness to 'Meow Madness' and to our company's overall larger pet initiative to end pet homelessness by promoting shelter pet adoption." Mr. Abbott concluded.

Salley, a Georgia Tech alumni, is a 15-year veteran of the NBA and the first NBA player to win four championships with three different championship-winning franchises: Detroit, Miami, and the Los Angeles Lakers.

"Meow Madness" is produced by 3 Ball Entertainment. Executive Producers are Todd A. Nelson, Ross Weintraub, DJ Nurre, and Jeff Altrock, with Kathy Sutula serving as co-executive producer. 3 Ball Entertainment credits include "Extreme Weight Loss" (ABC), "Bar Rescue" (Spike) and "My Cat From Hell" (Animal Planet), "LA Hair" (WE tv), among others.

ABOUT HALLMARK CHANNEL

Hallmark Channel is Crown Media Family Networks' flagship 24-hour cable television network, distributed nationwide in high definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) to 89 million homes. As the country's leading destination for quality family entertainment, Hallmark Channel delivers on the 100-year legacy of the Hallmark brand. In addition to its signature new, original movies, the network features an ambitious lineup of other new, original content, including scripted primetime series, such as "Good Witch," "When Calls the Heart" and "Chesapeake Shores"; annual specials including "Kitten Bowl" and "Hero Dog Awards"; and a daily, two-hour lifestyle show, "Home & Family." Additionally, Hallmark Channel is the exclusive home to world premiere presentations of the acclaimed Hallmark Hall of Fame franchise. Dedicated to helping viewers celebrate life's special moments, Hallmark Channel also offers annual holiday programming franchises, including "Countdown to Christmas," "Countdown to Valentine's Day," "Summer Nights," "Fall Harvest" and "Winterfest." Rounding out the network's diverse slate are some of television's most beloved comedies and series, including "The Golden Girls," "The Middle," "Last Man Standing," and "Frasier." Hallmark Cards, Inc. owns and operates Crown Media Family Networks. Hallmark Channel on Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube