Will Recent Hallmark Executive Layoffs Affect Viewers & Content?
In a surprising move, Hallmark Media laid off four executives after a very successful 2023 Countdown To Christmas. This is on the heels of CEO Wonya Lucas departing from her role. What do we know about any possible changes that Hallmark could make now that there have been some significant changes in management?
Will the network continue to focus on inclusion and diversity?
Here is what we know about the future of movies and series on the network.
Hallmark Media Axes Four Executives
Just recently, Deadline reported that Hallmark Media axed four executives. They were considered “major cutbacks.” They include Chief Marketing Officer Lara Richardson, Chief People Officer Pamela Wolfe, EVP Research Strategy Robin Thomas, and Head of Distribution Judi Lopez.
The statement that came with the four eliminated positions revealed that this major move represented a “new, more streamlined structure.” They eliminated some positions, while “new and expanded roles were created.”
However, this may not be a huge surprise. All four executives were hired by Wonya Lucas. However, in August, she announced she would step down as CEO at the end of 2023. It is not unusual for some executive changes when there is a regime change. But, Hallmark Media has not announced a new CEO.
Currently, Mike Perry, the President & CEO of Hallmark Companies has been in charge of the day-to-day operations.
All four were part of the 2023 Countdown To Christmas Holiday Celebration at the Grove back on November 15, in Los Angeles. Although Perry attended, Lucas did not.
Will These Executive Changes Make A Difference To Programming?
All over social media, Hallmark fans are wondering whether or not there will be any programming changes. When Wonya Lucas joined the network, her job was to make some changes. Now, the network has made strides in being more diverse and inclusive.
In addition, the network is open to comedy, allowing actors to cry, and even wear plaid or eat food on camera. Those were all no-nos in the pre-Lucas regime.
As Mike Perry was Wonya Lucas’s boss and was part of this move to be more diverse and inclusive, it seems unlikely that the network will change again.
Hallmark Media Focused On Making Content That ‘Reflects The World We All Live In’
Lastly, Lisa Hamilton Daly, the EVP of Programming recently spoke to Vulture about the network’s stance on this. Daly, who has been the most quoted executive at Hallmark Media revealed, “I think it’s a work in progress. It’s about figuring out the best way to tell these stories that our audience enjoys. And I’ve been using the this term ‘everyday diversity’ to describe what we’re doing, which is to make sure that the world that you’re seeing reflects the world that we all live in.”
While admitting that these are not “issue-driven movies,” but romances. Next, she shared that they this is a “constant evolution” of figuring out how to make it work for their infamous brand.
Therefore, it appears that Hallmark is going to continue to find ways to bring diversity and inclusion into their movies and series.
In addition, although Wonya Lucas has stepped down, she remains on the Hallmark board.
