After only a few years, Great American Media has made a noticeable splash. Their Great American Family Channel is one of the fastest growing TV networks.
And there’s a good reason.
They focus on “quality star appeal” and giving “viewers an alternative and a place to go,” that offers relief from shows on other networks that “are uncomfortable and very difficult to watch,” explains CEO Bill Abbott.
The network targets movies and shows with positive outcomes, good news, and does not shy away from stories involving faith.
“I spent my entire career in family friendly television and I just think there’s such as need for our children and the world to have places to go where the story isn’t always dark, that there isn’t always some type of event or situation that you have to either run for the remote – or cover your eyes – or have nightmares,” he chuckles, but in seriousness. Bill believes a lot of what’s considered entertainment really isn’t entertaining anymore, with some shows on TV trying to “make a statement” or “trying to be on the cutting edge” to get attention.
A simple philosophy Bill shares, “I think there’s a majority of people just looking, after a long day at the office, to come home and have something to watch and just enjoy themselves. And they don’t want to be necessarily put in a position where they’re going to be uncomfortable” watching a show that might cause discouragement or unpleasant echoes as bedtime approaches.
Adding to its national media influence, Great American recently acquired Pure Flix, in partnership with Sony. The streaming service is known for family and faith-oriented content. And there’s the Great American Faith & Living channel as well.
So, how do they decide on new show ideas? Bill shares the process in our complete podcast interview just below. You’ll also hear about his work as a board member of the Parents Television Council, which is dedicated to protecting kids and reports that “most of the original content on streaming platforms is rated for mature audiences, leaving families in the lurch. There’s at least 268% more adult-only entertainment on streaming platforms than there is content that’s suitable for families.”
One example of Great American's original content: Grammy Award-winning Christian artist, Matthew West (“My Story…Your Glory,” “We Need Christmas”) narrates Museum of the Bible’s fascinating “The History of Easter,” an entertaining look at everything related to the holiday from how Easter is calendared each year to how colorful eggs and bunnies became part of a global celebration of Spring. “The History of Easter” airs on Great American Family, Friday, March 29 (5-6 p.m. EDT).
About Bill Abbott:
Abbott is an industry veteran with more than 30 years of leadership experience in cable television. Previously, Abbott served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Crown Media Family Networks, the parent company of Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, Hallmark Drama, and Hallmark Movies NOW, which are owned and operated by Hallmark Cards, Inc.
He was inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame in 2017. Abbott is a resident of Long Island and is a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he majored in English and Literature.
