Hallmark Media Shakeup: Lisa Hamilton Daly Exits Top Post!

BREAKING NEWS: Lisa Hamilton Daly, who has been a significant figure at Crown Media Family Networks since 2021 overseeing programming and development for Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and Hallmark Drama, has departed from the company following the elimination of her role.

“Hallmark is restructuring its approach to engage consumers by consolidating its content management under Chief Brand Officer Darren Abbott. This strategic move aims to create a cohesive brand experience ranging from physical products to digital content across various platforms,” a company spokesperson told Deadline. “Darren’s deep connection with the Hallmark brand, combined with his leadership skills, will help ensure that our content remains true to our brand’s longstanding values.”

As part of the organizational changes, the executive vice president of programming role was discontinued, leading to Lisa Hamilton Daly’s departure from the network. “Lisa is a highly skilled creative executive, and we appreciate her efforts in diversifying and enriching our programming and character development at Hallmark Media,” the network added.

During her time with the network, Daly played a pivotal role in launching successful series like The Way Home featuring Andie MacDowell and Chyler Leigh. Additionally, she spearheaded new projects with Hallmark regular Lacey Chabert and secured several exclusive contracts with prominent talent for the network’s beloved Christmas films.

However, Daly’s tenure was not without controversy. In October of the previous year, Daly and Hallmark were sued by former Senior Vice President of Talent and Casting, Penny Perry, for age discrimination, defamation, and wrongful termination. Perry, a 79-year-old veteran in the industry, claimed she was pushed out by Hamilton Daly due to her age and issues regarding accommodations for her health conditions.

Senior Vice President of Programming and Development Randy Pope and Hallmark HR executive Paul Hodgkinson were also named in the lawsuit.

The lawsuit, which extends over 37 pages, alleges Daly made remarks about needing to find younger talent and referred to Perry as “too long in the tooth.” Daly reportedly expressed concerns about aging Hallmark actresses, including Holly Robinson Peete and Chabert, suggesting the need to find younger replacements as these actresses aged.

In response to the allegations at the time, Hallmark stated, “Lacey and Holly continue to be valued members of the Hallmark family. We typically do not comment on ongoing legal matters. Despite denying these allegations, we choose not to discuss employment matters publicly.”

Before her role at Hallmark, Daly had accumulated significant experience with other major networks, including Netflix and Lifetime.