Commentary: Hallmark Channel provides an uplift in deflating times

June 12, 2008 Just take a look at the onslaught of downbeat headlines -- "Inflation bite worsens around the world," "No end in sight for oil crisis" -- or consider that the town might be in for another work stoppage, and you get the picture. The only glimmers of good news are that summer boxoffice is tracking just a% or two off last year's record take and the TV upfront ad market appears to be coming in at pretty much the same $9 billion level as the previous frame. Turning to cable right now is quite the thing, especially since broadcast TV has embarked on one of its sillier seasons -- think "America's Favorite Dog" and "Wipe Out" -- and cable is basking in (and trying to build on) the glow of kudos for such original fiction as "Mad Men," "Damages" and "Army Wives."

Subscribe to the Hollywood Reporter and see the entertainment industry from its best angle: the inside looking out. Complete access to real-time news and exclusive analysis that goes behind the scenes from film to television, home video to digital media.

   Subscribe now.