The current controversy over a lesbian kiss in a commercial on the Hallmark Channel has put Crown Media in a bind. First they pulled the ad, under pressure from critics, then they reinstated the ad, with an apology, under pressure from advocate-critics of their move.
Will it affect those who have made Hallmark the most-watched cable enterprise? The “Countdown to Christmas” movies have vaulted it to that position of favor, even as another group of critics denounced the company for focusing on Christianity in its Christmas countdown. It’s all becoming a bit much for this regular Hallmark watcher. I’ve been tuning in for years, in order to tune out of the increasingly bitter political and culture wars in our country. Hallmark is escapism for many. To others it’s an affront. Too bad that battle is now engaged…to be settled ultimately by who will continue to watch.