Hallmark Channel is a hit in red states — despite lack of critical buzz

Los Angeles Times

Hallmark, which is launching a third cable channel next month, has drawn fans in red states with a strategy focused on steering clear of sex, violence and polarizing topics. “Hallmark’s appeal is strongest in the Midwest and the South,” notes Stephen Battaglio. “Though the channel’s programming is politically agnostic, if you highlighted its strongholds in red on a map, it would look a lot like the electoral college results in the 2016 election. Ratings for Hallmark programs are higher by 50% or more outside of the top 10 TV markets that include blue state centers New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston and Chicago, according to Nielsen data for 2017.”