Hallmark Channel’s 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.
Steven Feldman, Hallmark Channel spokesperson, tells RBR-TVBR they have provided radio stations across the country with five pre-recorded answers that they can save and upload to their system, and utilize as if their program hosts are interviewing the hoops&yoyo characters directly. However, “We do not have confirmation on which stations/programs will be utilizing it, but have gotten a lot of good feedback on the idea so it’s very likely that the interview will be popping up on many stations.”
“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.
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.
