The Dutch language version of Hallmark Channel will stop on July 20, confirmed Universal Networks International (UNI), the global channels division of NBCUniversal. The channel has been available on most Dutch and Belgian platforms.
The move is part of a gradual phase out of the Hallmark brand by UNI, because the right to use the name runs out this July. In some territories, Hallmark Channel has changed into Diva Universal or Universal Channel, part of NBCUniversal’s plan to reposition its global network of pay-TV channels. For the Dutch speaking part of the Benelux, the channel will disappear.
UNI will continue to distributue 13th Street Universal and SyFy Universal on the vsrious platforms, which include Ziggo, UPC, Telenet, Canal Digitaal Satelliet and TV Vlaanderen. Just recently, KPN added 13th Street Universal to both its DTT service Digitenne and its KPN Interactieve Televisie IPTV service. SyFy Universal has also just become part of the IPTV platform.
NBC Universal acquired the Hallmark Channel outside the US in 2007, while the Hallmark company continued to operate the US TV business. The Hallmark Channel brand will now return to its original owners.
NBC Universal also owns and operates E!: Entertainment Television, which enjoys platform wide distribution in Holland and Belgium.
