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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

Crown Media Holdings, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

12700 Ventura Boulevard,
Suite 200,
Studio City, California 91604
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

(818) 755-2400
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

          Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

          Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

          Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o    No ý

          Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o    No ý

          Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý    No o

          Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). ý Yes    o No

          Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

          Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

          Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12 b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o    No ý

          The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold as of June 30, 2014, the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was $125,926,878.

          As of February 18, 2015, the number of shares of Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value outstanding was 359,675,936.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

          Portions of the Registrant's Proxy Statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed on or prior to April 30, 2015, are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K.

   

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        In this Annual Report on Form 10-K the terms "Crown Media Holdings," the "Company," "we," "us" and "our" refer to Crown Media Holdings, Inc. and, unless the context requires otherwise, subsidiaries of Crown Media Holdings that operate or have operated our businesses, including Crown Media United States, LLC ("Crown Media United States").

        The name "Hallmark" and other product or service names are trademarks or registered trademarks of entities owned by Hallmark Cards, Incorporated ("Hallmark Cards").

Certain Terms

        Certain terms used throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K are defined below.

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PART I

ITEM 1.    Business

Company Overview

        We own and operate pay television Networks, each of which is dedicated to high-quality entertainment programming for families. Hallmark Channel features popular television series such as Golden Girls, The Middle and Frasier as well as original series such as Cedar Cove and When Calls the Heart, and movies with compelling stories and internationally recognized stars. It also features "lifestyle" programming currently featuring Home and Family. We rebranded Hallmark Movie Channel to Hallmark Movies and Mysteries in September 2014 to better identify the Network as a distinct destination from Hallmark Channel. Prior to the rebranding, the Channel offered original movies, classic theatrical films and movies from the award-winning Hallmark Hall of Fame collection. Hallmark Movies and Mysteries emphasizes broadcasting programming of the mystery genre, including original movies, movie franchises and series, while continuing to offer the content previously provided under the Hallmark Movie Channel brand. Consistent with the Hallmark brand, both Networks are preeminent sources of holiday programming, with Hallmark Channel often ranking first among cable networks for movies during the Christmas holiday season.

        Reaching more than 85 million subscribers as of December 31, 2014, Hallmark Channel is one of the most widely distributed independent networks in the United States. Hallmark Movies and Mysteries is one of the fastest-growing new cable networks, reaching nearly 56 million subscribers as of December 31, 2014.

        We believe that we have established these Networks as destinations for viewers seeking outstanding family entertainment and as attractive outlets for advertisers seeking to target these viewers.

        The following table shows our Networks' programming sources, selected pay television distributors and the total number of subscribers as of December 31, 2014.

        Programming acquired from third parties is an important component of our Networks as we continually develop and refine our programming strategy. This programming includes original series and movies and "lifestyle" programming produced specifically for us by a variety of experienced television production companies and theatrical movies and "off network" television series licensed to us by major studios and distributors. Our agreements for original series and movies and lifestyle programming typically provide for exclusive rights in the United States in all media for periods ranging from eight years to perpetuity. Our license agreements for theatrical films and off-network

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programming usually give us more limited rights to exhibit the programming on our Networks and periods of five or more years for use on other media. From time to time, we also exhibit excerpts of certain programming on our website.

        Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies and Mysteries are currently distributed to approximately 82% and 53%, respectively, of all United States pay television subscribers. We currently distribute (a) Hallmark Channel through approximately 5,245 cable, satellite and other pay television distribution systems and (b) Hallmark Movies and Mysteries through approximately 3,892 such systems.

        Five of our distributors each accounted for more than 10%, and together accounted for a total of 88%, of our consolidated subscriber revenue for the year ended December 31, 2014. Two of our distributors each accounted for approximately 15% or more of our consolidated subscribers for the year ended December 31, 2014, and together accounted for 45% of our consolidated subscribers on that date. The loss of one of these distributors could have a significant impact on our operations. Four of our programming content providers each accounted for more than 10% of our total license fees payable for the year ended December 31, 2014, and together accounted for a total of 81% of the consolidated programming liability.

        We view a "subscriber" as a household that receives, on a full or part-time basis, a Network as part of a program package or a program tier of a distributor. We determine our Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies and Mysteries subscribers from subscriber numbers reported by Nielsen. Subscribers include both viewers who pay a monthly fee for the tier programming and so-called "promotional" subscribers who are given free access to the tier by the distributor for a limited time.

        We license the trademark "Hallmark" for use on our Networks pursuant to trademark license agreements with a subsidiary of Hallmark Cards. We believe that the use of this trademark is extremely important for our Networks due to the substantial name recognition and favorable characteristics associated with the name.

        During 2012, 2013 and 2014, the Networks comprised our sole operating segment.

Company History

        Crown Media Holdings was incorporated in the state of Delaware in December 1999. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary Crown Media United States, Crown Media Holdings owns, operates and distributes the Networks. Our significant investors are HCC and Hallmark Cards GmbH, a German subsidiary of Hallmark Cards. In January 2014, we formed Crown Media Productions, LLC ("Crown Media Productions"), a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Crown Media United States. Crown Media Productions owns our original programming for which we hold the copyright.

Business Strategy

        In the current economic environment, we are pursuing the following objectives.

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High-quality, family friendly programming.  We plan to continue to offer 24/7 family programming that is trusted by our audience and highly desirable to our advertisers, which consists of (1) Hallmark Movies and Mysteries focusing on suspense and drama, and (2) Hallmark Channel highlighting lighter, romantic, and comedic fare.



•

Hallmark Channel lifestyle programming block.  We plan to provide program offerings with content that is consistent with our core values of family, home, and celebration.



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Original movies and series.  We plan to develop original movies and series that are uniquely identified with the Networks.

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Distribution.  We plan to secure new distributors and encourage existing distributors to place our Networks in packages with greater numbers of subscribers.



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Advertising.  We plan to maintain strong relationships with a diverse group of high-quality, stable advertisers and achieve higher advertising rates through our trusted content, valuable target audience demographics and strong ratings.



•

Content provider.  We plan to position ourselves for future growth as a content provider for new technologies by building our library of programming and exploring collaborations in emerging media.



•

Profitability.  We plan to continue to increase our profitability by paying down debt, achieving further cost efficiencies, increasing distribution and focusing on advertising revenue growth.

Intellectual Property

        Our business depends on our intellectual property. Our intellectual property assets include copyrights in television content, trademarks in brands, names and logos, domain names, websites, and licenses from third parties. We attempt to protect these intellectual property rights through a combination of copyright, trade secret, and trademark law and contractual restrictions, such as confidentiality agreements. We have filed trademarks and other intellectual property registrations.

        Pursuant to license agreements, we license the name "Hallmark" from Hallmark Licensing, LLC, a subsidiary of Hallmark Cards, for use in the names of our Networks. Hallmark Licensing, LLC extended the term of the license agreements for an additional period that terminates on the earlier of (i) July 14, 2019 and (ii) the later of (x) the expiration or termination of the Credit Agreement and (y) the redemption of all of the Notes, subject to any earlier termination of such license agreements pursuant to the respective terms of such license agreements. We believe that the use of this trademark is critical for our Networks due to the substantial name recognition and favorable characteristics associated with the name in the United States.

Regulatory Matters

        Our businesses are subject to and affected by laws and regulations of U.S. federal, state and local governmental authorities as well as the laws and regulations of international countries and bodies such as the European Union (the "EU"), and these laws and regulations are subject to change. Additionally, the Federal Communications Commission (the "FCC") regulates cable television operators and satellite operators, which could affect our cable networks indirectly.

FCC

        The FCC regulates cable television operators and satellite operators, which could affect our cable networks indirectly. FCC rules require multichannel video programming distributors to ensure that all commercials comply with specified volume standards, and our affiliation agreements generally require us to certify compliance with such standards. In addition, the FCC's implementation of the statutory "must-carry" obligations requires cable and direct-broadcast satellite ("DBS") operators to give broadcasters preferential access to channel space. In contrast, programming networks, such as ours, have no guaranteed right of carriage on cable television or DBS systems. This may reduce the amount of channel space that is available for carriage of our networks by cable television systems and DBS operators.

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Closed Captioning

        All of our cable networks must provide closed-captioning of programming for hearing impaired. The 21^st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 also requires us to provide closed captioning on certain video programming that we offer on the Internet.

Regulation of the Internet and Mobile Applications

        We operate numerous websites and make available mobile applications ("apps") which we use to distribute information about our programs and to engage more deeply with our viewers. The operation of these websites and distribution of these apps are subject to a range of federal, state and local laws such as privacy and consumer protection regulations.

Employees

        We had 187 employees at December 31, 2013, and 208 employees at December 31, 2014. Neither we nor any of our subsidiaries are parties to collective bargaining agreements. We believe that our relations with our employees are good. Most of our employees work at our offices in Studio City, California and New York, New York.

Industry Overview

        The pay television industry is comprised primarily of program suppliers, pay television network providers and pay television distributors. Program suppliers, from whom we acquire or license a portion of our programming, include many of the major production studios, independent production companies and other independent owners of programming. These program suppliers create, develop and finance the production of, or control rights to, movies, television miniseries, series and other programming.

        We are a pay television provider, similar to all major U.S. cable and satellite networks that often produce programming and acquire or license programming from program suppliers and generally package the programming according to an overriding theme and brand strategy. Pay television network providers and distributors generally restrict viewership through security encryption devices that limit viewership to paying subscribers. Pay television network providers compete with each other for distribution and to attract viewers and advertisers and generally target audiences with a certain demographic composition, so that they can then sell advertising to advertisers seeking to reach the providers' demographic audiences.

        Pay television distributors own and operate the platforms used to deliver networks to subscribers. These distributors use several different technologies to reach their subscribers as described below under the heading "Distribution Platforms." Distributors attempt to create a mix of networks that will be attractive to their subscriber population in an attempt to gain new subscribers and to minimize subscriber turnover. Distributors have different levels of service for subscribers, with each service level containing a different package of networks. Pay television distributors often create "tiers" of programming services, and our services occasionally are offered on family or movie programming tiers. Various distributors offer additional broadband services such as Internet access, telephony and video-on-demand over their systems.

        As a result of the competition for use of the digital bandwidth capacity for networks and broadband services, pay television network providers, like us, are often required initially to pay promotion and placement fees to pay television distributors for carriage on their systems or the addition of subscribers. These promotion and placement fees are paid to television distributors on a per subscriber basis and generally in advance of any receipt of subscriber fee revenue from such pay television distributors.

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Distribution Platforms

        Four major distribution platforms are currently used to transmit programming. First, cable television systems use coaxial or fiber optic cable to transmit multiple networks from a central facility, known as a headend, to the individual subscriber's television set. Second, analog and digital satellite broadcast systems (such as direct-to-home or "DTH") use satellite transponders to broadcast television programming to individual dwellings with satellite reception equipment, including a dish and a decoder. Third, telephone companies ("Telcos") use a combination of traditional cable and Internet Protocol Television ("IPTV") technologies to reach their subscribers. For example, Verizon adopted a hybrid model combining traditional cable and IPTV technologies while AT&T launched full-fledged IPTV networks. While traditional cable systems devote a portion of bandwidth to each network and push all the networks to subscribers at one time, IPTV uses architecture in which only the network being watched at that moment is sent through the distribution system to the viewer, freeing up bandwidth capacity for other features and more interactivity. Lastly, networks can also be distributed through satellite master antenna television ("SMATV"). SMATV is used primarily for buildings such as apartments and hotels that receive programming from satellites by means of a single antenna that is connected to the buildings' headend. The television signals are then distributed to individual units in the building by coaxial cable or fiber.

        From time to time, for promotional purposes, we exhibit excerpts of certain programming on our website.

Sources of Revenue

Advertising Revenue

        We earn advertising revenue in the form of spot or general rate advertising and direct response advertising. Spot advertisements and direct response advertisements are generally 30 seconds long and are aired during or between programs. Spot advertisements are priced at a rate per thousand viewers (i.e., the CPM) and almost always include our commitment to deliver a specified number of viewers. Our revenue from direct response advertising varies in proportion to the direct sales achieved by the advertiser in response to the advertising. It is sold without ratings or product sales commitments. Our advertising revenue is affected by the mix of these forms of advertising. Advertising rates also vary by time of year due to seasonal changes in television viewership.

        Advertising revenue is recorded net of ADUs. Whenever spot advertising is aired in programs that do not achieve promised viewership ratings, we issue ADUs which provide the advertiser with additional spots at no additional cost to make up for the shortfall. We defer a pro rata amount of advertising revenue and recognize a like amount as a liability for programs that do not achieve promised viewership ratings. When the make-good spots are subsequently aired, revenue is recognized and the liability is reduced. The level of inventory that is utilized for ADUs varies over time and is influenced by prior fluctuations in our under-delivery, if any, of viewers against promised ratings as well as the rate at which we and our customers mutually agree to utilize the ADUs.

        We typically commit approximately 40% of our Networks' advertising in the Upfront Season. We hold back a small percentage of our inventory for ADUs and commit the remainder in the spot or Scatter Market and to advertisers that purchase up-front inventory on a calendar year basis.

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        According to Nielsen, there were 103 and 106 advertising-supported cable networks in the United States during 2013 and 2014, respectively. The Networks' ratings and industry rankings for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014 are presented below.

        Total day means the time period that Nielsen measures each day, 6 a.m. to 6 a.m.

        The volume of advertising inventory that we have available for sale is determined by our chosen commercial load per hour and the number of broadcast hours in which we air licensed program content. Our Networks are broadcast 24 hours per day. Our need to reserve inventory for the use of ADUs reduces the amount of advertising inventory available for cash sales.

        We have advertising sales offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Atlanta. In addition, we have made significant investments in programming, research, marketing and promotions, all specifically designed to support the sale of advertising time on our Networks.

        For each of the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, revenue from the sale of advertising time on our Networks was approximately $271.2 million, $294.8 million and $327.7 million, respectively. See Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation" in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information on advertising and ratings.

Subscriber Fees

        Subscriber fees are payable to us on a per subscriber basis by pay television distributors for the right to carry our Networks. The fees we receive per subscriber vary with changes in the following factors, among others:

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the degree of competition in the market;



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the relative position in the market of the distributor and the popularity of the Network;



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the packaging arrangements for the Network; and



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length of the contract term and other commercial terms.

        We are in continuous negotiations with our existing distributors to have our Networks placed in packages with greater numbers of subscribers, thereby increasing our subscriber base and enhancing our

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opportunities to generate advertising revenue. We have been subject to requests by major distributors to pay promotion and placement fees to help fund the distributors' efforts to market our Networks. Fees that we pay to a distributor are capitalized and amortized over the term of the applicable distribution agreement as a reduction in subscriber fee revenue. At the time we sign a distribution agreement, and periodically thereafter, we evaluate the recoverability of the costs we incur against the incremental revenue directly and indirectly associated with each agreement.

        Our Networks are usually offered as one of a number of networks on either a basic tier or part of other program packages and are not generally offered on a stand-alone basis. Thus, while cable or satellite customers may subscribe and unsubscribe to the tiers and program packages in which one of our Networks is placed, these customers do not subscribe and unsubscribe to our Networks alone.

        Each Network's subscriber count depends on the number of distributors carrying the Network, the size of such distributors, and the program tiers on which the Network is carried by these distributors. From time to time, we experience increases or decreases in the number of subscribers as promotional periods end, as distributors reposition the Networks from one tier or package to another, or as a distributor arrangement is amended or terminated by us or the distributor. Management analyzes the estimated effect each new or amended distribution agreement will have on revenue and costs.

        For each of the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, revenue derived from subscriber fees for the Networks was approximately $78.0 million, $81.8 million and $82.9 million, respectively. See Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information regarding subscriber fees.

Segment Information

        We have one reporting segment, the Networks, through which we conduct all of our business. Please see our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for financial information regarding this segment.

Programming

        Our Networks offer a range of high-quality entertainment programming for adults and families including original series, lifestyle programming and talk shows, popular television series, movies, miniseries, theatricals, romances, literary classics, and contemporary stories. Sources for programming on our Networks include programming (both movies and series) licensed from Buena Vista Television, CBS Television Distribution, Hallmark Hall of Fame, MGM, Paramount Pictures, Sonar Entertainment, Sony Pictures Television, Twentieth Television, Warner Bros. and others. In recent years, we licensed from Hallmark Cards animated programming appropriate for children, such as hoops & yoyo and Jingle and Bell's Christmas Star.

        Examples of programming include Hallmark Channel original movies My Boyfriends' Dogs, For Better or For Worse, Recipe for Love, Northpole and A Royal Christmas. Examples of other third party programming shown on our Networks include the popular series The Middle, Little House on the Prairie, I Love Lucy, The Golden Girls, The Waltons, Cheers, Frasier, and Matlock and Murder She Wrote (on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries only). Examples of family-friendly movies licensed from major studios include Mrs. Doubtfire, Dr. Dolittle, and Cheaper by the Dozen, plus additional titles in the Jesse Stone series. Other examples of our third party programming include acquired movies and miniseries such as It Could Happen to You, Finding Forrester and New in Town. Our license agreements with third parties typically provide for a license fee paid out over the term of the license for the right to exhibit a program in the United States within a specified period of time. Original movies can be exhibited an unlimited number of times in the United States.

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        Hallmark Channel debuted two new original series in 2014 with When Calls the Heart and Signed, Sealed, Delivered. In addition, Cedar Cove returned for a second season.

        Our Networks air, and benefit from, programming previously shown as a Hallmark Hall of Fame such as In My Dreams, The Lost Valentine and Loving Leah. Additionally, in November 2014, One Christmas Eve premiered on Hallmark Channel.

        We have occasionally sublicensed exhibition rights to third parties to select programs in order to reduce our programming costs.

Distribution

Hallmark Channel

        Hallmark Channel ended 2013 and 2014 with approximately 86.2 million subscribers and approximately 85.3 million subscribers, respectively. We currently distribute Hallmark Channel to 82% of all United States pay television subscribers. The following table shows the approximate number of pay television households in the United States and Hallmark Channel subscribers for each of the nine largest pay television distributors and all other pay television distributors as a group, all as of December 31, 2014.

        Our subscribers in the United States have grown from approximately 16.0 million full time subscribers at January 1, 2001 to 85.3 million at December 31, 2014. Our major distribution agreements have terms which expire at various times from December 2015 through December 2032.

Hallmark Movies and Mysteries

        We launched Hallmark Movie Channel in 2008 and rebranded it as Hallmark Movies and Mysteries in 2014. At December 31, 2014, Hallmark Movies and Mysteries was distributed to 55.6 million subscribers, an increase of 2.9 million subscribers to Hallmark Movie Channel from 52.7 million at December 31, 2013. As of December 31, 2014, Hallmark Movies and Mysteries was distributed in the nation's top 30 designated market areas.

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        The following table shows the approximate number of pay television households in the United States and Hallmark Movies and Mysteries subscribers for each of the nine largest pay television distributors and all other pay television distributors as a group, as of December 31, 2014.

Distribution through New Media

        A number of our original movies and series have been released on DVD and are also available for streaming or downloaded viewing from online stores, such as Amazon and iTunes, and on Subscription Video-On-Demand services such as Netflix. Our original movies and primetime series, as well as the lifestyle series Home and Family may also be viewed on the "TV Everywhere" or "Authenticated" platforms of certain of our distributors.

Sales and Marketing

        Our primary target demographic is women aged 25 to 54 and our secondary target is adults aged 25 to 54. Our programming is targeted to adults, but is generally appropriate for viewing by the entire family, which is important to viewers, advertisers and distributors.

        For over sixty years, Hallmark has been a leader in high-quality original television production. Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies and Mysteries have the exclusive cable license to broadcast the movies previously shown as Hallmark Hall of Fame, a selection of movies from an award-winning entertainment series.

        We believe the power of the Hallmark brand and the quality of our programming combine to

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provide our viewers with tangible evidence of our commitment to the best in entertainment that is suitable for the entire family;



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enhance our ability to attract advertising commitments and higher CPMs from the largest advertisers; and



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provide a competitive advantage in negotiating long-term distribution agreements with pay television distributors.

        Our websites www.hallmarkchannel.com and www.hallmarkmoviesandmysteries.com are used to promote the Networks and their programming and to provide information to consumers. These

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websites promote major programming events, such as original movie and series premieres and program acquisitions, as well as provide information regarding the regular programs on the respective Networks. Further, the sites provide a venue for viewer participation in Network sweepstakes, promotions and community areas. The sites have advertiser imaging, including banner messages and video content. We also promote our programming and promotion activities on social networking sites, such as Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, tvtag, Instagram and Tumblr.

Network Operations

        Our programming department is responsible for ensuring the consistent quality of the programming we offer. Our programming, scheduling and acquisitions departments work in conjunction with the marketing and creative services departments to create the distinctive appearance of our Networks. Some of these functions are outsourced on an as-needed basis.

        The ongoing production of our Networks is dependent upon our development of original movies and series and acquisition of programming from third parties. Our staff or third parties review all potential programming to ensure that programming is appropriate for the Networks and complies with our quality and content standards.

        Our employees are typically responsible for the creation of on-air promotional segments, "interstitials," which are broadcast between the feature movies, miniseries and series, but are occasionally outsourced to external vendors. These interstitials are intended to invite viewership, guide viewers to specific programming with tune-in information, and promote "brand awareness" for the Networks. Occasionally, these interstitials are sponsored by advertisers, resulting in additional advertising revenue.

        Our scheduling department creates the schedule, which contains a list of daily programming. The scheduling department works with advertising sales, research, distribution and marketing personnel to continuously monitor the effectiveness of programming content and sequence. The schedule is then forwarded to the traffic department.

        Our traffic department inserts promotional segments and advertising into the schedule and creates the daily log, which contains a detailed schedule of the stream of programming, commercials and promotional materials that will ultimately be distributed to the subscribers of the Networks. The daily log is then converted to a machine readable play list.

Network Delivery

        We deliver the play list, electronic files and digital tapes of Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies and Mysteries programming, commercials and promotional messages to a third party network operations center in Los Angeles, California, where the programming, advertising and promotional elements are combined and compressed. Each Network's broadcast stream is compiled in high definition, after which a standard definition version is created. The Los Angeles facility transmits the combined signals to a satellite transponder that covers the United States. Cable head-end facilities, Telcos and direct-to-home satellite services receive and decode our broadcast streams and transmit our Networks to their subscribers.

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        The following chart summarizes for the primary distribution platforms through which we deliver our Networks, our primary pay television distributors, and the uplink and satellites we currently use to deliver our Networks:

        The contracts with the parties providing origination, uplink, satellite and other services for the delivery of our Networks in the United States expire from March 2015 through 2019. We are either in negotiations with vendors for such contracts which expiration is forthcoming or seeking a new vendor for such services. Such contracts may be terminated by the vendors prior to the expiration of the contracts under conditions that are customary to contracts of this type. Amounts payable under these contracts are reflected in "Operating Leases" and "Capital Leases" in the schedule of contractual commitments as of December 31, 2014, as shown in Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Competition

        The pay television industry is highly competitive. Our Networks compete for distribution, viewers and advertisers with other pay television networks, broadcast television networks and with other general forms of entertainment.

        There are several sources of competition within our industry, each of which affects our business strategy. Our Networks compete with other general entertainment programming from broadcast networks including, TNT, TCM, USA Network, HGTV, TV Land, Lifetime, Lifetime Movie Network, OWN, ABC Family and other similarly targeted networks. We compete with these networks for viewers and advertising dollars based upon quality of programming, number of subscribers, ratings and subscriber demographics. We compete with all networks for carriage on cable, satellite and telephone systems that may have limited capacity.

        Competition continues to intensify as the industry shifts from analog distribution to digital distribution. Many pay television distributors have upgraded their physical infrastructures to accommodate digital delivery, which provides significantly more network capacity. In an effort to accelerate the conversion, pay television distributors are attempting to place new networks on their digital tier as opposed to their limited, yet more widely-distributed, basic analog tiers. Although competition for the remaining analog network space is still intense, as more and more subscribers are converted, the digital tier is expected to become the dominant platform.

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Competitive strengths

        We believe that our primary competitive strengths include the following:

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Programming.  We have established a track record of providing high-quality family programming. Our programming includes high-quality original movies and series, original lifestyle programming, as well as popular television series.



•

Pay television networks branded with the well-known Hallmark name.  Our Networks are branded with the Hallmark name. We believe that viewers and distributors associate the Hallmark brand with family values and high-quality content. We believe our association with this brand facilitates our efforts to achieve increased distribution and to attract additional viewers, which in turn positively affects our ratings and advertising revenue.



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Dual revenue stream.  We generate our revenue through subscriber fees under long-term distribution agreements and robust advertising sales driven by our attractive audience demographic and trusted content and brand association.



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Broad distribution.  Our Networks are widely distributed throughout the United States, with Hallmark Channel reaching 83% of the United States pay television audience, which provides us with the necessary reach to attract advertisers.



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Experienced management.  Members of our senior management team have experience promoting and operating networks. They have held senior positions at such companies as ABC, Fox Family, Discovery Channel, and Twentieth Television.

Competitive risks

        We believe that our primary competitive risks include the following:

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Two networks distributed domestically.  We operate only two networks and we only distribute our networks domestically. Many of our competitors are also diversified entertainment companies that have more than two networks and are distributed internationally, giving them an advantage in dealing with distributors and advertisers. Additionally, such companies are distributed more widely on various digital platforms, such as through mobile devices and other authenticated distribution platforms in collaboration with their distributors. These companies are also able to leverage costs across multiple networks.



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Entertainment programming.  Our programming is entertainment designed for adults and families and is intended to meet quality standards that are associated with the Hallmark trademark and its brand image. Many of our competitors may have more flexibility in selecting programming.



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Ratings which affect advertising.  Our ratings are a significant and generally positive factor. Nevertheless, our competitors include networks with more subscribers and higher ratings, which affect rates that we can charge for advertising.

Research

        Our research department provides strategic and tactical guidance to management, as well as supplying information about the Networks to our potential advertisers and distributors. This department collects and provides data about the size, demographics and product/brand purchase patterns of our audience and information about our competitors, markets and the industry as a whole. Our research department translates our overall business strategy into a cohesive research program. This information assists our executives to more effectively target, brand, promote, program, and better understand where opportunities lie, in order to increase our Networks' market share. Furthermore, the research department tracks the performance of our Networks daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly

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through an internal tracking system using the Nielsen ratings service and a number of other services and sophisticated tools useful in obtaining information on viewers of our Networks.

        Trends and changes from ratings systems are reported to management for short and long-term strategic planning. One trend which has been identified is that viewers are increasingly accessing content online as opposed to traditional linear television. Broadcast and cable networks have realized that viewing frequency has significantly increased and the number of online television videos watched per visitor each month has also significantly increased across all device types. Gaming consoles and over-the-top ("OTT") devices are becoming a more relevant medium for content consumption, especially among younger adults ages 18 to 24. Linear commercially supported television continues to garner the vast majority of television viewing, nonetheless. To address this trend and media fragmentation, Nielsen continues to expand its sample to increase the stability of its ratings currency and has now included both DVR and VOD viewing into C-3 (Live plus 3 Commercial Ratings) currency while it continues to refine its measurement methodology to account for mobile and OTT viewing.

Available Information

        Our principal executive offices are located at 12700 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City, California 91604 and our telephone number is (818) 755-2400. We will make available free of charge through our website, www.hallmarkchannel.com, this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to such reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file or furnish such material with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").

        The public may read and copy any materials that Crown Media Holdings, Inc. files with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at www.sec.gov.

        Additionally, we will make available, free of charge upon request, a copy of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which is applicable to all of our employees, including our senior financial officers. Our code is available through our website. Copies may be requested by contacting our General Counsel at 12700 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City, California 91604.

ITEM 1A.    Risk Factors

Risk Factors and Forward-Looking Statements

        The discussion set forth in this Form 10-K contains statements concerning potential future events. Such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions by our management, as of the date of this Form 10-K, including, without limitation, assumptions about risks and uncertainties faced by us. Readers can identify these forward-looking statements by their use of such verbs as "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "plans" or similar verbs or conjugations of such verbs. If any of management's assumptions prove incorrect or should unanticipated circumstances arise, our actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements could materially differ from those anticipated by such forward-looking statements. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are those discussed below in this Form 10-K. We will not update any forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-K to reflect future events or developments.

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        If we do not successfully address the risks described below, our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations or cash flow could be materially adversely affected. The trading price of our Common Stock and publicly traded debt could decline because of any of these risks.

Risks Relating to Our Business

Our business incurred net losses from inception through September 30, 2010, and may incur losses in the future.

        Our business has a history of net losses. As of December 31, 2014, we had an accumulated deficit of $1.6 billion, total stockholders' equity of $493.6 million, and goodwill of $314.0 million. We cannot provide assurance that we will sustain an operating profit or a positive cash flow. If we are not able to do so, the trading price of our Common Stock and publicly traded debt may fall significantly and we may not be able to meet our debt obligations, working capital requirements, capital expenditure plans, or other cash needs. Our inability to meet those needs and any decrease in the trading prices of our securities could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and liquidity.

        We believe to continue to be profitable before interest expense and to continue to generate a positive cash flow, we must maintain or increase the positive margin of our advertising and subscriber revenue over our (i) programming expenses, (ii) selling, general and administrative expenses and (iii) marketing expenses. We expect this to require, among other things, maintaining or increasing the distribution of our Networks, attracting younger viewers to our Networks, attracting more advertisers, increasing our ratings and maintaining or increasing our subscriber and advertising rates.

We, and our subsidiaries, each a guarantor of our Notes, may incur additional indebtedness, including secured indebtedness, which could adversely affect our business.

        As of December 31, 2014, we had total debt outstanding of $389.7 million, of which $118.2 million was secured, and borrowing availability of approximately $30.0 million under our senior secured credit facilities.

        The amount of our indebtedness, as well as the associated restrictive covenants, may adversely affect the operation of our business by limiting our ability to do a number of things, including, but not limited to, the following:

•

Use operating cash flow to fund future programming, to complete strategic transactions, to develop properties, for working capital and for other business activities, because we must dedicate a substantial portion of these funds to service our debt;



•

Obtain additional financing to fund our working capital needs, acquisitions, capital expenditures or other debt service requirements or for other purposes;



•

Compete with other companies who are not as highly leveraged, as we may be less capable of responding to adverse economic and industry conditions; and



•

Avoid vulnerabilities if confronted with downturns in the pricing of our products, market conditions in our industry or our customers' industries or general economic conditions.

        Subject to the restrictions in our senior secured credit facilities and the indenture governing the Notes, we and our subsidiary guarantors may incur significant additional indebtedness, including additional secured indebtedness. Although the terms of our senior secured credit facilities contain restrictions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness, these restrictions are subject to a number of qualifications and exceptions, and additional indebtedness incurred in compliance with these restrictions could be significant. If we or any of our subsidiary guarantors should incur additional debt, the risks described above could increase.

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Our liquidity could be dependent on external funds.

        Unanticipated significant costs or expenses or any developments that decrease or otherwise hamper the growth in our revenue may result in the need for additional external funds in order to continue operations. There can be no assurance that external funds will be available or available under acceptable terms. In addition, any new debt financing would require the cooperation and agreement of existing lenders.

We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our indebtedness and ongoing investments in our business and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy such obligations that may not be successful.

        In addition to our debt service obligations, our operations require substantial investments on a continuing basis. Our ability to satisfy our debt obligations and to fund capital and non-capital expenditures necessary to maintain the condition of our operating assets and properties, as well as to provide capacity for the growth of our business, will depend upon, among other things, the following:

•

our future financial and operating performance, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions and financial, business, competitive, regulatory, legal and other factors, many of which are beyond our control; and



•

our future ability to borrow under our senior secured credit facilities, the availability of which depends on, among other things, our complying with the covenants in the indenture governing the Notes.

        We cannot provide assurance that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that we will be able to draw under our senior secured credit facilities in an amount sufficient to fund our liquidity needs.

        If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to service our indebtedness or other capital needs, we may be forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell assets, seek additional capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness, including the Notes. These alternative measures may not be successful and may not be adequate to meet our scheduled debt service obligations or other capital needs. Our ability to restructure or refinance our debt will depend on the condition of the capital markets and our financial condition at such time. Any refinancing of our debt could be at higher interest rates and may require us to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict our business operations. In addition, the terms of existing or future debt agreements may restrict us from adopting some of these alternatives. If we are required to dispose of material assets or operations, sell equity, or negotiate with our lenders to restructure the applicable debt, in order to meet our debt service and other obligations, our liquidity would be diminished which could have a material adverse effect on our business. Furthermore, we may not be able to consummate those dispositions for fair market value or at all, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

Our debt agreements contain restrictions that limit our flexibility in operating our business.

        Our senior secured credit facilities and the indenture governing the Notes contain a number of covenants that impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us which, among other things, limit our ability to do the following:

•

incur additional debt or issue certain preferred shares;



•

pay dividends on or make distributions in respect of our capital stock or make other restricted payments;



•

make certain payments on debt that is subordinated or secured on a junior basis;



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make certain investments;

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•

sell certain assets;



•

create liens on certain assets;



•

consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets;



•

enter into certain transactions with our affiliates; and



•

designate our subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries.

        Any of these restrictions could limit our ability to plan for or react to market conditions and could otherwise restrict corporate activities. Any failure to comply with these covenants could result in a default under our senior secured credit facilities and the indenture governing the Notes. Upon a default, unless waived or cured, the lenders under our senior secured credit facilities could elect to terminate their commitments, cease making further loans, foreclose on our assets pledged to such lenders to secure our obligations under the senior secured credit facilities and force us into bankruptcy or liquidation as more fully described under the heading "If we default on our obligations to pay our indebtedness, we may not be able to make payments on other indebtedness" below.

If we default on our obligations to pay our indebtedness, we may not be able to make payments on our other indebtedness.

        If our operating performance declines, we may in the future need to seek waivers from the required lenders under our senior secured credit facilities to avoid being in default. We cannot assure that such waivers will be granted or that we will otherwise be able to avoid a default. Any default under the agreements governing our indebtedness, including a default under our senior secured credit facilities, that is not cured or waived by the required holders of such indebtedness, could leave us unable to pay principal, premium, if any, or interest on the Notes or other indebtedness and could substantially decrease the market value of the Notes. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow and are otherwise unable to obtain funds necessary to meet required payments of principal, premium, if any, or interest on such indebtedness, or if we otherwise fail to comply with the various covenants, including financial and operating covenants, in the instruments governing our indebtedness, including our senior secured credit facilities, we could be in default under the terms of the agreements governing such indebtedness. In the event of such default, the holders of such indebtedness could elect to declare all of the funds borrowed thereunder to be due and payable, together with any accrued and unpaid interest, the lenders under our senior secured credit facilities could elect to terminate their commitments, cease making further loans, foreclose on our assets pledged to such lenders to secure our obligations under the senior secured credit facilities, in each case, which could force us into voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy or cause us to discontinue operations or seek a purchaser of our business or assets. Holders of the Notes would also have the ability ultimately to force us into bankruptcy or liquidation, subject to the indenture governing the Notes. In addition, a default under either our senior secured credit facilities or the indenture governing the Notes would trigger a cross default under our other agreements and could trigger a cross default under any agreements governing our future indebtedness.

"Most Favored Nations" provisions may require modification of existing distribution agreements which could adversely affect subscriber revenue.

        A number of our existing distribution agreements contain "most favored nations" or "MFN" clauses. These clauses typically provide that, in the event we enter into an agreement with another distributor on more favorable terms, these terms must be offered to the distributor holding the MFN right, subject to certain exceptions and conditions. These clauses cover matters such as subscriber fees, launch support, local advertising time and other financial and operating provisions. In the past, after entering into new distribution agreements, we have been asked by some of the distributors holding

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MFN rights to modify their distribution agreements to incorporate financial and other terms similar to those in the new agreements. Any claims of this type in the future could result in lower overall subscriber revenue or cash outlays; however, if our subscription base is increased as a result of such modifications, it could result in overall higher advertising revenue.

If we are unable to obtain programming from third parties, we may be unable to increase our subscriber base.

        Programming acquired from third parties is an important component of our business. We compete with other pay television network providers to acquire programming. If we fail to obtain programming on reasonable terms for any reason, including as a result of competition, we could be forced to incur additional costs to acquire such programming or look for alternative programming, which may decrease our subscriber base or hinder the growth of our subscriber base.

If our programming declines in popularity, our subscriber fees and advertising revenue could fall.

        Our success depends partly upon unpredictable and volatile factors beyond our control, such as viewer preferences, competing programming and the availability of other entertainment activities. We may not be able to anticipate and react effectively to shifts in tastes and interests in our markets. For example, we continue to strive to meet the preferences of our target audience demographic. Our competitors may have greater numbers of original productions, better distribution, and greater capital resources, and may be able to react more quickly to shifts in tastes and interests. As a result, we may be unable to maintain the commercial success of any of our current programming, or to generate sufficient demand and market acceptance for our new programming. A shift in viewer preferences in programming or alternative entertainment activities could also cause a decline in both advertising and subscriber fees revenue. The decline in revenue could hinder or prevent us from achieving profitability or maintaining a positive cash flow and could adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock and publicly traded debt.

        In addition, our delivery of the Networks continues to be impacted by industry developments. One potentially significant factor is the continued growth of time-shifting digital video recording devices ("DVRs"). DVRs heighten the impact of competition as viewers are able to increase their access to their preferred content. The use of DVRs and other technologies that allow viewers to fast-forward or skip programming, including commercials, have caused changes in viewer behavior that may affect the attractiveness of our offerings to advertisers and could, therefore, negatively affect our revenues. If our distribution methods and content are not responsive to our target audience, our business could be adversely affected.

If we are unable to increase our advertising revenue, we may be unable to achieve improved results.

        If we fail to significantly increase our advertising revenue, we may be unable to achieve or sustain improved results or to expand our business. A failure to increase advertising revenue may be a result of any or all of the following, among other factors: (i) a decline in viewer ratings; (ii) uncertainty caused by the current economic environment regarding the condition of the advertising marketplace and the financial health of many industry segments and individual companies, including those which advertise on our Networks; (iii) inability to reduce our average viewer age to be within our target audience of viewers between the ages of 25 and 54; (iv) inability to identify, attract and retain experienced sales and marketing personnel with relevant experience; (v) inability to successfully compete against the significantly more extensive and well-funded sales and marketing operations of our current or future competitors; (vi) shift in expenditures by advertisers triggered by advancement of new technologies; and (vii) inability to increase our advertising sales rates or obligation to run additional advertising spots to fulfill guaranteed delivery numbers which affect the availability of advertising inventory for future sales. Success in increasing our advertising revenue also depends upon the number and coverage of the distributors who carry our Networks and our number of subscribers.

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Failure to renew our long-term distribution agreements, or renewal on less favorable terms, the termination of those agreements or further consolidation of our distributors, could have a material adverse effect on our business.

        Currently our major distribution agreements have terms which expire at various times from December 2015 through December 2032. Failure to renew these distribution agreements, or renewal on less favorable terms, or the termination of those agreements could have a material adverse effect on our business. A reduced distribution of our Networks would adversely affect our subscriber fee revenue, and impact our ability to sell advertising or the rates we charge for such advertising. Even if our distributor agreements are renewed, we cannot assure that the renewal rates will equal or exceed the rates that we currently charge these distributors.

        In some cases, if a distributor is acquired, the distribution agreement of the acquiring distributor will govern following the acquisition. In those circumstances, the acquisition of a distributor that is party to one or more distributor agreements with our Networks on terms that are more favorable to us could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, consolidation among cable and satellite operators has given the largest operators considerable leverage in their relationships with programmers, including us. Most of our subscriber revenues come from a handful of our largest distributors. The six largest cable distributors provide service to approximately 44% of U.S. households receiving multichannel video programming distribution, while the 2 largest DBS distributors provide service to an additional 34% of such households. Continued consolidation within the industry could further reduce the number of distributors available to carry our content and increase the negotiating leverage of our distributors which could adversely affect our revenue.

Hallmark Cards controls us and this control could create conflicts of interest or inhibit potential changes of control.

        Hallmark Cards, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, HCC and Hallmark Cards GmbH, beneficially owns an aggregate of approximately 90.3% of the outstanding shares of our Common Stock. This control gives Hallmark Cards and its subsidiaries substantial influence over us and on matters requiring approval from our stockholders, including the election of our directors, amendments to our certificate of incorporation and the approval of significant transactions. Furthermore, others may be discouraged from initiating potential merger, takeover or other change of control transactions that may otherwise be beneficial to our business or holders of our Common Stock and publicly traded debt. As a result, the market price of our Common Stock and publicly traded debt could suffer, and our business could suffer. In addition, the control that Hallmark Cards or these specific wholly-owned affiliates may exert over us, either directly or indirectly, could give rise to conflicts of interest in certain situations, including, without limitation:

•

conflicts between Hallmark Cards, as our controlling stockholder, and our other stockholders, whose interests may differ with respect to, among other things, our strategic direction or significant corporate transactions;



•

conflicts related to corporate opportunities that could be pursued by us, on the one hand, or by Hallmark Cards or its other affiliates, on the other hand; or



•

conflicts related to existing or new contractual relationships between us, on the one hand, and Hallmark Cards and its affiliates, on the other hand.

        In addition, our directors also may be officers or directors of Hallmark Cards or its affiliates, which may create, or create the appearance of, conflicts of interest when those directors are allocating time between the companies and when they are faced with decisions that could have different implications for Hallmark Cards, including its affiliates, and us. Such directors have fiduciary duties, including duties of loyalty, to both companies.

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        Our certificate of incorporation provides that Hallmark Cards will have no duty to refrain from engaging in activities or lines of business that are the same as or similar to the activities or lines of business in which we engage, and neither Hallmark Cards nor any officer or director of Hallmark Cards, except as described under "Impact of Related Party Agreements—Certain Business Relationships and Conflicts of Interest" below, will be liable to us or to our stockholders for breach of any fiduciary duty by reason of any such activities of Hallmark Cards. In the event that Hallmark Cards acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or matter which may be a corporate opportunity for both Hallmark Cards and us, Hallmark Cards will have no duty to communicate or offer that corporate opportunity to us and will not be liable to us or our stockholders for breach of any fiduciary duty as a stockholder by reason of the fact that Hallmark Cards pursues or acquires that corporate opportunity for itself, directs that corporate opportunity to another person, or does not communicate information regarding that corporate opportunity to us.

        Hallmark Cards' standstill restrictions placed on ownership of our Common Stock pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement expired on December 31, 2013. Consequently, Hallmark Cards is now allowed to pursue certain transactions related to the sale and disposition of our Common Stock that it was previously prohibited from pursuing under certain conditions. On June 24, 2013, Hallmark Cards filed a Schedule 13D/A disclosing possible options it may consider with respect to its ownership of our Common Stock upon expiration of the standstill restriction, which included among other things: maintaining their investment in us; purchasing additional shares of our Common Stock, either on the market or in privately negotiated transactions; engaging in a short-form merger to eliminate our minority stockholders or proposing another form of "going private" transaction; proposing that our Board of Directors consider implementing a stock repurchase program; proposing that our Board of Directors consider delisting our Common Stock from the Nasdaq Global Market and terminating our registration under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and disposing, subject to the continuing limitations in the Stockholders Agreement, all or a portion of their investment in the Company in a privately negotiated transaction or series of transactions. Should Hallmark Cards pursue any of the preceding options, the market for and price of our Common Stock and publicly traded debt could suffer, and our business could be adversely affected.

If we are unable to protect or maintain intellectual property rights upon which our business relies, and if we lose intellectual property protection or lose the right to use the name "Hallmark," our business could be materially harmed.

        Our business depends on our intellectual property. We attempt to protect these intellectual property rights through a combination of our copyright, trade secret, and trademark law and contractual restrictions, such as confidentiality agreements. We also depend on our trade names and domain names. We have filed trademarks and other intellectual property registrations. Even if such registrations are issued, they may not fully protect important aspects of our business and there is no guarantee that our business does not or will not infringe upon intellectual property rights of others. Furthermore, intellectual property laws vary from country to country, and it may be more difficult to protect and enforce our intellectual property in some foreign jurisdictions. In addition, piracy, which encompasses the theft of our signal, and unauthorized use of our content in the digital environment continues to present a threat to our revenues. As a result, it may be possible, for unauthorized third parties to copy and distribute our productions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. Moreover, in the future, we may need to litigate to enforce our intellectual property rights or determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others. Any such litigation could affect our cash flows and divert the attention of our management.

        Pursuant to license agreements, we license the name "Hallmark" from Hallmark Licensing, LLC, a subsidiary of Hallmark Cards, for use in the names of our Networks. Hallmark Licensing, LLC extended the term of the license agreements for an additional period that terminates on the earlier of

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(i) July 14, 2019 and (ii) the later of (x) the expiration or termination of the Credit Agreement and (y) the redemption of all of the Notes, subject to any earlier termination of such license agreements pursuant to the respective terms of such license agreements. We believe that the use of this trademark is critical for our Networks due to the substantial name recognition and favorable characteristics associated with the name in the United States. Should these licenses expire without renewal or if otherwise become unavailable to us, our business could be materially harmed.

        Despite Hallmark Licensing, LLC's efforts to protect its trademark in the name "Hallmark," third parties may infringe or misappropriate the name "Hallmark," which could harm our business and cause us to divert time and resources to litigate to enforce our rights. Further, in the event of bankruptcy proceedings relating to Hallmark Licensing, LLC or Hallmark Cards, a bankruptcy court could conclude that the license agreements are executory contracts and, subject to certain legal requirements, the bankruptcy trustee may either assume or reject the license agreements. Rejection of the license agreements could prevent us from continuing to use the "Hallmark" name. The loss of our license rights to use the name "Hallmark" could substantially harm our business.

Others may assert intellectual property infringement claims against us.

        Others may claim that our productions or production techniques misappropriate or infringe the intellectual property rights of third parties. Regardless of whether such claims are valid or successful, we could incur significant costs and diversion of time and resources in defending against such claims, which could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, cash flows and results of operations.

If our Federal Tax Deconsolidation is challenged, we could owe substantial tax payments to Hallmark Cards.

        The Federal Tax Deconsolidation had a significant impact on our future estimated cash flows. Amounts previously budgeted for cash payments for taxable amounts due under the Tax Sharing Agreement are now available for the pay down of debt and other uses. Under the terms of the Federal Tax Deconsolidation, however, we agreed that if any taxing authority determines that the Federal Tax Deconsolidation did not result in us no longer being a member of the Hallmark Cards' consolidated federal tax group, then the Tax Sharing Agreement (as defined below) will be deemed to have been continuously in effect. If, in the future, the Tax Sharing Agreement is deemed to have been continuously in effect, we would not be permitted to access its NOLs and could be obligated to reimburse substantial tax payments to Hallmark Cards, which could have a material adverse effect on our cash flows and results of operations.

If our third-party suppliers fail to provide us with network infrastructure services on a timely basis, our costs could increase and our growth could be hindered.

        We currently rely on third parties to supply key network infrastructure services, including uplink, playback, transmission and satellite services to our market, which are available only from limited sources. We have occasionally experienced outages, delays and other problems in receiving communications equipment, services and facilities and may, in the future, be unable to obtain such services, equipment or facilities on the scale and within the time frames required by us on terms we find acceptable, or at all. If we are unable to obtain, or if we experience a delay in the delivery of, such services, we may be forced to incur significant unanticipated expenses to secure alternative third party suppliers or adjust our operations, which could hinder our growth and reduce our revenue and potential profitability.

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If we are unable to retain key executives and other personnel, our growth could be inhibited and our business harmed.

        We believe our success depends on the expertise and continued service of our executive officers and key employees of our subsidiaries. There can be no assurance that these employees will remain with us or our subsidiaries. If we fail to attract, hire or retain the necessary personnel, we may be unable to implement our business plan or keep pace with developing trends in our industry.

The seasonality of our business could exacerbate negative impacts on our operations.

        Our advertising revenues are subject to seasonal advertising patterns and changes in viewership levels. Typically our advertising revenues are higher during the second and fourth quarters and lower during the first and third quarters. While advertising revenue, net of agency commissions, is recognized in the period in which related commercial spots or long form programming are aired, we typically commit approximately 40% of our Networks' advertising in the Upfront Season. In addition, advertising rates also vary by time of year due to seasonal changes in television viewership. Rates are typically higher during the second and fourth quarters and lower during the first and third quarters. Due to the seasonality of our business, if a short term negative impact on our business occurs during the time of high seasonal demand, the effect could have a disproportionate effect on the results of our business for the year.

The amount of our goodwill may hinder our ability to achieve profitability.

        As a result of our acquisitions of all the common interests in Crown Media United States, we have recorded a significant amount of goodwill. We are required to periodically review whether the value of our goodwill has been impaired. If we are required to write down our goodwill, our results of operations and stockholders' equity could be materially adversely affected.

Our stock price may be volatile and could decline substantially.

        The stock market and the market price for our Common Stock has, from time to time, experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations. Many factors may cause the market price for our Common Stock to decline, including the following:

•

failure of our operating results to meet the expectations of investors in any quarter;



•

economic conditions that adversely affect our advertising rates or our number of subscribers;



•

material announcements by us or our competitors;



•

governmental regulatory action;



•

technological innovations by competitors or competing technologies;



•

perceptions by the investing community or our customers with respect to the prospects of our company or our industry;



•

changes in general market conditions or economic trends; and



•

failure by us to renew major distribution agreements.

        Additionally, of the approximately 359.7 million shares of our outstanding Common Stock, only 34.8 million shares (approximately 9.7%), are held by non-affiliates. Our stock ownership structure may also be a cause of volatility in the market price of our Common Stock.

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Risks Relating to Our Industry

The change in the television rating system in the United States could reduce our Networks revenue and our ability to achieve profitability.

        Our domestic advertising revenue is partially dependent on television ratings provided by Nielsen. Nielsen continually modifies its ratings system to accommodate emerging technologies and ongoing changes in the U.S. population. As the impact of the changes take effect, our ratings could either be positively or negatively affected by these changes, depending on the demographic characteristics of the households added to the Nielsen sample and the nature of any changes to their measurement systems. We continue to factor the new rating information into our advertising rates as Nielsen continues modifying its ratings system to accommodate emerging technologies.

Competition could reduce our Networks revenue and our ability to achieve profitability.

        We operate in the pay television business, which is highly competitive. If we are unable to compete effectively with large diversified entertainment companies that have substantially greater resources than we have, our operating margins and market share could be reduced, and the growth of our business inhibited. In particular, we compete for distribution with other pay television networks and, when distribution is obtained, for viewers and advertisers with pay television networks, broadcast television networks, radio, the Internet and other emerging media. We also compete, to varying degrees, with other leisure-time activities such as movie theaters, the Internet, radio, print media, electronic games and other alternative sources of entertainment and information. Future technological developments may affect competition within this business.

        A continuing trend towards business combinations and alliances in the entertainment industry may create significant new competitors for us or intensify existing competition. Many of these combined entities have more than one network and resources far greater than ours. These combined entities may provide bundled packages of programming, delivery and other services that compete directly with the products we offer. We cannot assure that we will be able to compete successfully in the future against existing or future competitors or that competition will not have a material adverse effect on our business.

        We may need to reduce our prices or license additional programming to remain competitive, and we may be unable to sustain future pricing levels as competition increases. Our failure to achieve or sustain market acceptance of our programming at desired pricing levels could impair our ability to achieve profitability or positive cash flow, which would harm our business.

        Distributors in the United States may attempt to pressure pay TV networks having lower viewership, such as our Networks, to accept decreasing amounts for subscriber fees or to allow carriage of the Networks without the payment of subscriber fees. Factors that may lead to this pressure include the number of competing pay TV networks, the limited space available on services of distributors in the United States and the desire of distributors to maintain or reduce costs. Any reduction in subscriber fees revenue now or in the future could have a material impact on our operating results and cash flow.

Changes in public and consumer tastes and preferences could reduce demand for our services and reduce profitability of our businesses.

        Each of our Networks provides content and services whose success is primarily dependent upon acceptance by the public, which is difficult to predict. Audience preferences change frequently and it is a challenge to anticipate what content will be successful at any point in time. While we aim to consistently create and distribute offerings that appeal to the prevailing consumer tastes at any point in time, some of our content and services may not be accepted by our target audience. Other factors, including the availability of alternative forms of entertainment and leisure time activities, general

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economic conditions and the growing competition for consumer discretionary spending may also affect our target audience's acceptance of our content and services. If our Networks do not achieve sufficient consumer acceptance, revenues may decline and adversely affect our profitability.

We face cybersecurity and similar risks, which could result in the disclosure of confidential information, disruption of our programming services, damage to our brands and reputation, legal exposure and financial losses

        Our online, mobile and app offerings, as well as our internal systems, involve the storage and transmission of our and our users' proprietary information, and we and our partners rely on various technology systems in connection with the production and distribution of our programming. Despite our efforts, our security measures may be breached due to employee error, computer malware, viruses, hacking and phishing attacks, or otherwise. Additionally, outside parties may attempt to fraudulently induce employees or users to disclose sensitive or confidential information in order to gain access to our data or our users' data. Moreover, because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service, or sabotage systems change frequently and often are not recognized until launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventative measures. Any such breach or unauthorized access could result in a loss of our or our users' proprietary information, a disruption of our services or a reduction of the revenues we are able to generate from such services, damage to our brands and reputation, a loss of confidence in the security of our offerings and services, and significant legal and financial exposure, each of which could potentially have a material adverse effect on our business.

New distribution technologies may fundamentally change the way we distribute our Networks and could significantly decrease our revenue or require us to incur significant capital expenditures.

        Our future success will depend, in part, on our ability to anticipate and adapt to technological changes and to offer, on a timely basis, services that meet customer demands and evolving industry standards. The pay television industry has been, and is likely to continue to be, subject to

•

rapid and significant technological change, including continuing developments in technology which do not presently have widely accepted standards; and



•

frequent introductions of new services and alternative technologies, including new technologies for providing video services.

        For example, the advent of digital technology is likely to accelerate the convergence of broadcast, telecommunications, Internet and other media and could result in material changes in the economics, regulations, intellectual property usage and technical platforms on which our business relies, including lower retail rates for video services. These changes could fundamentally affect the scale, source, and volatility of our revenue streams, cost structures, and operating results, and may require us to significantly change our operations. If we fail to adapt to these changes, there could be a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        We also rely in part on third parties for the development of, and access to, communications and network technology. As a result, we may be unable to distribute our content via new technology on a timely basis or on satisfactory terms, which could harm our business and prospects.

        Moreover, the increased capacity of digital distribution platforms, may reduce the competition for the right to carry networks and allow development of extra services at low incremental cost. These lower incremental costs could lower barriers to entry for competing networks, and place pressure on our operating margins and market position.

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Economic problems in the United States or in other parts of the world could adversely affect our results of operations.

        Our business is significantly affected by prevailing economic conditions and by disruption to financial markets. In particular, we derive substantial revenues from advertisers, and these expenditures are sensitive to general economic conditions and consumer buying patterns. Financial instability or a general decline in economic conditions in areas where our Networks are distributed could adversely affect advertising rates and volume, resulting in a decrease in our advertising revenues. In addition, decreases in consumer discretionary spending may affect television subscriptions. This could lead to a decrease in the number of subscribers receiving our programming from our distributors. Similarly, a decrease in viewing subscribers would also have a negative effect on our ratings, which may impact the rates we are able to charge our advertisers. Although we believe that our operating cash flow and current access to capital and credit markets, including our existing credit facilities, will give us the ability to meet our financial needs through 2015, there can be no assurance that future volatility and disruption in the global capital and credit markets will not impair our liquidity or increase our cost of borrowing.

        Economic conditions also affect the business of our partners. The companies who purchase advertising on our Networks may reduce their spending on advertising or our business partners may default on obligations owed to us.

Turmoil in the financial markets could increase our cost of borrowing and impede access to or increase the cost of financing our operations.

        Past disruptions in the U.S. and global credit and equity markets made it difficult for many businesses to obtain financing on acceptable terms. These conditions impacted financial institutions and tended to increase the cost of borrowing and if they recur, our cost of borrowing could increase and it may be more difficult to obtain financing for our operations. In addition, our borrowing costs could be affected by short- and long-term debt ratings assigned by independent rating agencies that are based, in part, on our performance as measured by credit metrics such as interest coverage and leverage ratios. A low rating would likely increase our cost of borrowing and/or make it more difficult for us to obtain financing.

Our business is subject to risks of adverse changes in laws and regulations, which could result in reduced distribution of our Networks and have a material adverse effect on our business.

        Our programming and the distributors of our Networks are regulated by U.S. federal laws and regulations issued and administered by various federal agencies, including the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC"), as well as by state and local governments. While we believe we are in material compliance with applicable laws, there can be no assurance that our operations will continue to materially comply with all applicable laws. In addition, Congress and the FCC currently have under consideration and may in the future adopt new laws, regulations and policies regarding a wide variety of matters that could, directly or indirectly, affect our operations. For example, regulations that would allow for the unbundling of program services could reduce the distribution of our Networks, thereby leading to reduced ratings, increased marketing expenses, and lower subscription and advertising revenue. Any noncompliance with laws, regulations or policies currently applicable to our business or the enactment or adoption of new laws, regulations or policies applicable to our business could have a material adverse effect on our business.

ITEM 1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments

        Not applicable.

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ITEM 2.    Properties

        The following table provides certain summary information with respect to the principal real properties leased by us. We do not own any real property. The leases for these offices and facilities expire between 2016 and 2020. We believe the facilities, office space and other real properties leased are adequate for our current operations.

        We own most of the equipment and furnishings used in our businesses, except for satellite transponders and compression and uplink facilities, which are leased. See Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information on our leasing of property and equipment.

ITEM 3.    Legal Proceedings

        Not applicable.

ITEM 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures

        Not applicable.

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PART II

ITEM 5.    Market for Our Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Market Information

        Our Common Stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Market under the ticker symbol "CRWN." Set forth below are the high and low sales prices for our Common Stock for each quarterly period in 2013 and 2014, as reported on the NASDAQ Global Market.

Holders

        As of February 10, 2015, there were 46 record holders of our Common Stock.

Dividends

        We have not paid any cash dividends on our Common Stock since inception and there are currently no plans to do so in the future. In 2011 we paid cash dividends of $13.8 million on our redeemable Preferred Stock through July 14, 2011, at which time all of our outstanding Preferred Stock was redeemed. See Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation—2011 Refinancing" and Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation—Senior Notes" in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information on restrictions that may materially limit our ability pay dividends in the future.

Performance Graph

        The following graph presents the total stockholder return of $100 invested in our Common Stock for the period from December 31, 2009, through December 31, 2014. It also presents comparative results for (i) $100 invested in a peer group index comprising initially equal dollar investments in the common stocks of Discovery Communications, Inc. (DISCA), Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. (SNI) and The Walt Disney Company (DIS) and (ii) the relative performance of the NASDAQ Composite index, also relative to an initial measure of $100. Dividends, if any, are assumed to have been reinvested in shares of the respective company's stock at the closing price on the related dividend payment date. The closing price of our stock on December 31, 2009, the last trading day of that year, was $1.45. The closing price of our stock on December 31, 2014, the last trading day of that year, was $3.54.

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Relative Performance of Crown Media Holdings, Inc.
Class A Common Stock

ITEM 6.    Selected Financial Data

Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data of Crown Media Holdings

        In the table below, we provide you with selected historical consolidated financial and other data of Crown Media Holdings and its subsidiaries. The following selected consolidated statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014, and selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014, are derived from the audited financial statements of Crown Media Holdings and its subsidiaries. This data should be read together with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" included in Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and our Consolidated Financial

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Statements and related notes for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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ITEM 7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

        Our Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K should be read in conjunction with the discussion and analysis that follows.

Current Challenges

        We face numerous operating challenges. Among such challenges are maintaining and increasing viewership ratings, advertising revenue, acquiring rights to meet the demands of new technologies, distribution of the Networks, and controlling costs and expenses.

Ratings

        Ratings success plays a significant role in our ability to achieve our distribution and advertising goals. We believe our ratings are affected by our ability to (i) acquire the broadcast rights for and produce series and original movies that appeal to our target demographic and (ii) develop a programming schedule that attracts a high number of viewers. Original productions are our most high profile programs and generate Hallmark Channel's highest ratings. We have typically incurred additional marketing and promotional expenses to help drive higher ratings for original programming such as for the series Cedar Cove in 2013 and 2014 and When Calls the Heart and Signed, Sealed, Delivered in 2014. We plan to maintain or increase the number of our original productions and develop a programming schedule that attracts a greater number of viewers in our target demographic, all while controlling the costs and expenses relating to these actions.

Advertising Revenue

        During the three months ended December 31, 2014, CPMs for commitments in the 2014/2015 Scatter Market for Hallmark Channel were 48% greater than the CPMs for commitments during the 2013/2014 Upfront Season and were generally 16% greater than achieved during the three months ended December 31, 2013, during the 2013/2014 Scatter Market. Increased holiday spending in such categories as retail, automotive, and theatrical, had a positive impact on the 2014/2015 Scatter Market CPM's. During the three months ended December 31, 2014, CPMs for commitments in the 2014/2015 Scatter Market for Hallmark Movies and Mysteries were 40% greater than the CPMs for commitments during the 2013/2014 Upfront Season and were generally 20% greater than achieved during the three months ended December 31, 2013, during the 2013/2014 Scatter Market. New business combined with a rebranded network contributed to these rate increases.

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        Our direct response rates for Hallmark Channel during the three months ended December 31, 2014, were 4% higher than those during the three months ended December 31, 2013. Our direct response rates for Hallmark Movies and Mysteries during the three months ended December 31, 2014, were 39% higher than those during the three months ended December 31, 2013. Limited direct response inventory supply resulting from a strong Scatter Market contributed to the increase in direct response rates.

        During the 2013/2014 and the 2014/2015 Upfront Seasons, we entered into agreements with major advertising firms covering approximately 44% and 41%, respectively, of our advertising inventory for Hallmark Channel. Advertising units committed during the 2014/2015 Upfront Season for Hallmark Channel were at CPMs 2% higher than the CPMs for those committed during the 2013/2014 Upfront Season, reflecting, in part, increases in rates related to our original primetime series. We sold the balance of our 2013/2014 broadcast season inventory in the Scatter Market.

        During the 2013/2014 and the 2014/2015 Upfront Seasons, Hallmark Movies and Mysteries entered into advertising commitments for approximately 32% and 30% of its advertising inventory, respectively. Advertising units committed during the 2014/2015 Upfront Season for Hallmark Movies and Mysteries were at CPMs flat as compared to the CPMs for those committed during the 2013/2014 Upfront Season.

Distribution Agreements

        Distribution agreements with multiple systems operators are important because they affect our number of subscribers, which in turn has a major impact on our subscriber fees, the number of persons viewing our programming, and the rates charged for advertising. Our long-term distribution challenge will be obtaining favorable renewals of our major distribution agreements as they expire. Our major distribution agreements have terms which expire at various times from December 2015 through December 2032.

        The universe of cable and satellite TV subscribers in the United States is approximately 104 million homes. The top 25 cable TV networks in the United States, measured by the number of subscribers, have 95 million or more subscribers. It is a mature market with relatively high penetration. According to Nielsen, at December 31, 2014, Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies and Mysteries were distributed to 85.3 million subscribers and 55.6 million subscribers, respectively.

        The emergence of new digital technologies, industry standards, and viewer preferences require us to update the methods we use to distribute and deliver our programming to viewers, adopting some technologies and discarding others. We are increasingly providing programming to consumers on-demand through our authenticated services and those of our distributors, our own on-line presence and other electronic resellers. We continue to seek revenue opportunities from the increasing number of persons viewing our content on these platforms while controlling the costs incurred.

Demographics

        Each pay television network attracts a different audience with different viewer demographics (i.e., viewers categorized by characteristics such as age, gender and income). As a result, advertisers are able to target the specific groups of viewers who are most likely to purchase their products by advertising on networks which attract the desired viewer demographic.

        We believe that the key demographics for Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies and Mysteries are the viewers in the groups adults aged 25 to 54 and women aged 25 to 54. The average viewing age for Hallmark Channel was 57.4 and 59.0 for 2013 and 2014, respectively. The average viewing age for Hallmark Movies and Mysteries was 63.8 and 65.0 for 2013 and 2014, respectively. In order to achieve our revenue goals, we need to draw in our target audience.

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Revenue from Continuing Operations

        Our revenue consists primarily of advertising fees and subscriber fees. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 revenue from the sale of advertising time on our Networks was approximately $271.2 million, $294.8 million and $327.7 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 revenue derived from subscriber fees for the Networks was approximately $78.0 million, $81.8 million and $82.9 million, respectively. Information relating to advertising fees and subscriber fees is presented above in "Item 1 Business—Sources of Revenue" included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Cost of Services

        Our cost of services consists primarily of the amortization of programming rights, the cost of signal distribution and the cost of promotional segments that are aired between programs.

Critical Accounting Policies, Judgments and Estimates

        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

        For further information regarding our critical accounting policies, judgments and estimates, please see the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

        The following discussion concerns certain accounting estimates and assumptions that are considered to be material due to the levels of subjectivity and judgment necessary to account for uncertain matters and the susceptibility of such matters to changes.

Programming Rights

        Programming rights principally consist of rights to off-network, theatrical and original movies; off-network and original scripted series; and original unscripted series and specials. Original series and specials consist of lifestyle, dramatic and other entertainment programming. Programming aired on our television Networks is primarily obtained from third-party production companies and distributors and is classified as acquired or original programming in the notes to consolidated financial statements. Programming aired on our television Networks obtained from subsidiaries of Hallmark Cards is classified as affiliate programming.

        Acquired programming consists of series, films and specials that have been previously produced and have often been previously exhibited by third parties for which we license limited broadcast rights for a specific time period. The licensed exhibitions can vary from a single broadcast to multiple broadcasts over several years, and the license typically requires payments during the term of the license. The cost of acquired programming is capitalized when the license period begins and the program is available for use. Original programming consists of movies, series and specials that are specifically produced for our television Networks. We often fund the production of original programs prior to completion of production and initial broadcast; these payments are classified as prepaid programming rights until the program is available for use.

        Capitalized programming costs are stated at the lower of cost less accumulated amortization or net realizable value (fair value for owned programming). Amortization of programming rights is recognized over the contractual term on a straight-line basis or the estimated useful life, if shorter. Amortization of the capitalized costs of licensed programming commences when the license period begins and the program is available for use. Amortization of the capitalized costs of owned programming is amortized over the expected and likely broadcasts of the program. The portion of the unamortized programming

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rights that will be amortized within one year is classified as current programming rights on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Although we estimate that all of the unamortized owned programming will be amortized within the next twelve months, it is classified as long-term programming rights on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification (the "ASC") Topic 926, Entertainment—Films.

        We periodically evaluate the net realizable value of our licensed programming rights by considering expected future revenue generation. Estimates of future revenue consider historical airing patterns and future plans for airing programming, including any changes in strategy. Estimated future revenue may differ from actual revenue based on changes in expectations related to market acceptance, advertising demand, the number of cable and satellite television subscribers receiving our Networks, and program usage. Accordingly, we continually review revenue estimates and planned usage and revise our assumptions if necessary. Given the significant estimates and judgments involved, actual demand or market conditions may be less favorable than those projected, requiring a write-down to net realizable value.

Goodwill

        At December 31, 2014, we had a stockholders' equity of $493.6 million and a goodwill asset of $314.0 million. All of our goodwill relates to our Networks, which is also our only segment. In November 2014, we first assessed qualitatively whether it was necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. We did not believe, as a result of our qualitative assessment, that it was more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting period was less than its carrying amount, and, therefore, the quantitative two-step goodwill impairment test was not required. In order to further support our qualitative assessment, we also performed the first step of the goodwill impairment test. We note that if our fair value estimate was 50% lower, we would still not have failed the initial test and no impairment charge would be taken.

Deferred Tax Asset

        We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statements and tax bases of assets and liabilities, including related operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

        Net deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that management believes these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such determination, management considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations. In the event management subsequently determines that we would likely be able to realize deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, an adjustment to the valuation allowance would be recorded with a corresponding reduction in the provision for income taxes.

        We released $22.8 million of valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets and recorded tax expense of $28.9 million during the fourth quarter of 2014. We have reported pre-tax income since 2010. Based on positive evidence, including the five year cumulative positive income and a reasonable expectation of continued profitability in future years, the absence of significant negative evidence and certain other matters, we determined it is more likely than not that our deferred tax assets will be realized except for certain deferred tax assets attributable to state net operating losses. We note that there is inherent estimate risk related to projected, future earnings.

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        Management periodically evaluates the sustainability of tax positions taken. Whenever management estimates the probability of sustaining a tax position is at least more likely than not (i.e., greater than 50%), the tax position is deemed warranted and is recognized at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recognized as income tax expense.

Revenue Recognition

        Advertising revenue, net of agency commissions, is recognized in the period in which related commercial spots or long form programming are aired. If the ratings guarantees associated with the programming in which the advertiser appears are not achieved, recognition of a portion of the revenue form the advertising is deferred until the guarantees are satisfied by providing the advertisers with additional advertising time. Agency commissions are calculated based on a stated percentage applied to gross billing revenue for our broadcasting operations. Customers remit the gross billing amount to their respective agencies, after which each agency remits the amount collected less its commission to us. Payments received in advance of being earned are recorded as deferred revenue or ADUs.

        Subscriber revenue from pay television distributors is recognized as revenue when an agreement is executed, programming is provided, the price is fixed and determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Subscriber fees from pay television distributors are recorded net of amortization of promotion and placement costs.

        Revenues associated with digital distribution arrangements are recognized when we transfer control and the rights to distribute the content to a customer. Internet advertising revenue that is based upon the number of impressions delivered or the number of click-throughs is recognized as impressions are delivered or click-throughs occur.

        Revenues from the licensing of television programming are recorded when the content is available for telecast by the licensee and when certain other conditions are met.

Audience Deficiency Liability

        ADUs are units of inventory that are made available to advertisers as compensation for a program's failure to deliver its guaranteed audience. An audience deficiency liability results when impressions delivered on guaranteed ratings are less than the impressions guaranteed to advertisers. The liability is reduced when we air the advertisement during another program to "make-good" on the under-delivery of impressions.

        With respect to television movies intended for broadcast, the most sensitive factor affecting estimates of Ultimate Revenues is the program's rating and the strength of the advertising market. Program ratings, which are an indication of market acceptance, directly affect our ability to generate advertising revenues during the airing of the program.

Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data of Crown Media Holdings

        In the table below, we provide selected historical consolidated financial and other data (unaudited ratings and subscriber information) of Crown Media Holdings and its subsidiaries. The following selected consolidated statements of operations and cash flow data for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, are derived from the audited financial statements of Crown Media Holdings and

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its subsidiaries. This data should be read together with our Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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Results of Operations

Year Ended December 31, 2013 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2014

        Revenue.    Our revenue from continuing operations, comprised primarily of advertising and subscriber fees, increased $37.8 million or 10% during 2014, as compared to 2013 primarily as a result of an increase in our advertising revenue.

        The $32.9 million or 11% increase in advertising revenue is due to the strength of pricing across both channels. Changes in programming strategy and the associated rebranding of Hallmark Movie Channel to Hallmark Movies and Mysteries had a positive impact on full year advertising revenue.

        Our subscriber fee revenue increased $1.1 million or 1% due to rate increases under certain distribution agreements. The amount of promotion and placement fees that was recorded as a reduction of subscriber fee revenue was approximately $1.1 million for both 2013 and 2014.

        Other revenue increased $3.8 million during 2014, as compared to 2013 primarily due to revenue from program licensing agreements with Netflix, Inc. and Cinedigm Corporation and revenue from film assets.

        Cost of services.    Cost of services as a percent of revenue increased to 40% in 2014 as compared to 39% in 2013. This increase results primarily from the 11% increase in programming costs discussed below.

        Programming costs increased $14.6 million or 11% during 2014, compared to 2013, primarily due to the amortization related to our original series When Calls the Heart and Signed, Sealed, Delivered. Additionally, amortization increased due to an increase in the number of original episodes of our daily lifestyle program, Home & Family, and amortization of syndicated programming, including The Middle. Operating costs increased $1.4 million during 2014, compared to 2013, primarily due to $1.8 million of increases in employee costs, graphics, music stock and playback and uplink, offset, in part by a $688,000 decrease in bad debt expense. Bad debt expense decreased from $875,000 during 2013 compared to $187,000 during 2014.

        Selling, general and administrative expense.    Our selling, general and administrative expense for 2014, increased $5.8 million or 9% from 2013, primarily due to a $4.3 million or 13% increase in employee costs, including contingent compensation and severance expense, and an $897,000 increase in amortization, depreciation and rent expense.

        Marketing expense.    Our marketing expense increased $892,000 or 8% during 2014 versus 2013 to support the increase in our original programming.

        Gain on extinguishment.    In November 2013, we recorded a $121,000 gain on extinguishment of a liability as a result of making an early payment that resulted in a discount of cash owed.

        Interest expense.    Interest expense decreased $3.3 million or 8% for 2014, as compared to 2013. The decrease primarily reflects (i) a $69.7 million (principal amounts reduced from March 2013 through December 2014) reduction in the principal outstanding under the Term Loan and (ii) a reduction in the effective interest rate in 2014. Interest expense on the Term Loan was $8.8 million and

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$6.6 million for 2013 and 2014, respectively. The decrease also reflects a $28.5 million reduction in principal outstanding under the Notes.

        Loss on early extinguishment of debt.    In August 2014, we repurchased $8.5 million in principal amount of our Notes due July 2019 for a price of $9.5 million and retired a portion of the related debt issuance costs of $160,000, which resulted in aggregate a pre-tax loss on early extinguishment of debt of $1.2 million. Additionally, in October 2014, we repurchased $20.0 million in principal amount of our Notes due July 2019 for a purchase price of $22.1 million and retired a portion of the related debt issuance costs of $368,000, which resulted in aggregate a pre-tax loss on early extinguishment of debt of $2.5 million.

        Income tax benefit.    Provision for income tax of $41.6 million for 2013 reflect corresponding effective tax rates of 38.1%. The Company released $22.8 million of valuation allowance during the fourth quarter of 2014 as additional taxable earnings are anticipated. A significant portion of each provision consists of a deferred component that represents a non-cash expense.

        Loss on sale of discontinued operations.    The terms of our April 2005 sale of the international business require that we reimburse the buyer for certain costs. At the time of the sale, we recorded an estimate of our liability for these obligations and considered the amount in our determination of our loss from the sale of discontinued operations as reported in 2005. During the fourth quarter of 2014, we adjusted our estimate upward for these amounts. This change in estimate was reflected as a $1.0 million loss on sale of discontinued operations, net of $371,000 of tax.

Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2013

        Revenue.    Revenue from continuing operations, comprised primarily of advertising and subscriber fees, increased $27.9 million, or 8%, in 2013 as compared to 2012. The $23.6 million or 9% increase in advertising revenue is due to a 6% and 24% increases in Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel advertising revenue, respectively, primarily due to the increase in ratings for certain of our key demographics and growth in Hallmark Movie Channel subscribers and CPMs. Our subscriber fee revenue increased $3.8 million, or 5%, due to rate increases under certain distribution agreements. The amount of promotion and placement fees that was recorded as a reduction of subscriber fee revenue was approximately $1.2 million and $1.1 million for 2012 and 2013, respectively.

        Cost of services.    Cost of services as a percent of revenue decreased to 39% in 2013 as compared to 42% in 2012. This decrease results primarily from the 8% increase in total revenue discussed above.

        Programming costs decreased $548,000 or less than 1% during 2013 compared to 2012, due to the expiration of a number of programming license agreements and the end of The Martha Stewart Show agreement in 2012, offset, in part by the amortization of Cedar Cove. Operating costs for 2013 increased $1.4 million compared to 2012 primarily due to an $836,000 increase in bad debt expense from $39,000 during 2012 to $875,000 during 2013, and a $632,000 increase in employee and playback costs.

        Selling, general and administrative expense.    Selling, general and administrative expense increased $4.7 million from 2012, primarily related to a $3.8 million increase in employee costs, a $345,000 increase in rent, a $260,000 increase in third party costs directly expensed in conjunction with Amendment No. 1 and a $373,000 increase in depreciation and amortization expense.

        Marketing expense.    Marketing expense increased from $10.2 million to $11.5 million during 2013 versus 2012 because we allocated more funds to marketing to drive additional audience, particularly around our first original series Cedar Cove.

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        Gain on extinguishment.    In November 2013, we recorded a $121,000 gain on extinguishment of a liability as a result of making an early payment that resulted in a discount of cash owed.

        Interest expense.    Interest expense decreased $3.5 million for 2013 as compared to 2012 due to Amendment No. 1 that reduced our minimum rate on LIBOR borrowings under the Term Loan from 5.75% to 4.00%, effective March 29, 2013, and $33.2 million of principal payments made during 2013. Interest expense on the Term Loan was $12.2 million and $8.8 million for 2012 and 2013, respectively. Interest expense on the Notes was $32.2 million and $32.3 million for 2012 and 2013, respectively.

        Income tax benefit.    We recorded income tax benefit of $22.6 million during 2012. During 2012 we released $54.2 million of the valuation allowance previously recorded against our deferred tax asset, resulting in an unreserved deferred tax asset of approximately $259.3 million on our balance sheet as of December 31, 2012. This also resulted in a non-cash reduction in income tax expense. The release of the valuation allowance occurred when we, after evaluating positive and negative evidence, including recent earnings history, determined that it was more likely than not that it would utilize portions of our tax loss carry-forwards and other deferred tax assets. During 2012, the valuation allowance decreased an additional $229.7 million, principally because of the elimination of the deferred tax asset relating to losses incurred while we were included in the Hallmark Cards' consolidated federal returns. The $41.6 million provision for income tax in 2013 reflects an effective tax rate of 38.1%. The provision for income taxes differs from the amount that would be provided by applying the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate to pre-tax income primarily because of state income taxes.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Year Ended December 31, 2013 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2014

        In 2013, our cash provided by operating activities was $57.6 million as compared to $69.3 million for 2014. Our net income for 2014 increased $26.8 million to net income of $94.5 million from $67.7 million for 2013. We released $22.8 million of deferred tax valuation allowance during 2014. Our depreciation and amortization expense for 2014 increased $15.4 million to $155.3 million from $139.9 million in 2013. We made interest payments of $7.8 million and $5.5 million, respectively, on the Term Loan during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014.The Company made programming payments of $168.0 million and $190.6 million during 2013 and 2014, respectively. Cash receipts during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014 were $363.2 million and $401.8 million, respectively.

        Cash used in investing activities was $1.5 million and $2.7 million during 2013 and 2014, respectively, as a result of the expansion of the Los Angeles office and information technology and conference room upgrades during 2014.

        Cash used in financing activities was $36.0 million and $69.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively. We made principal payments on our Term Loan of $33.2 million and $36.5 million during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively. In conjunction with Amendment No. 1, we paid $1.1 million of debt issuance costs and $430,000 of debt discount in March 2013. Additionally, in 2014, the Company repurchased $28.5 million in principal amount of its Notes, at a price of $31.6 million.

Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2013

        In 2012, our cash provided by operating activities was $30.7 million as compared to $57.6 million for 2013. Our net income for 2013 decreased $39.6 million to net income of $67.7 million from $107.4 million for 2012, as we released $54.2 million of our valuation allowance during 2012. Our depreciation and amortization expense for 2013 increased $6.7 million to $139.9 million from $133.2 million in 2012. We made interest payments of $14.0 million and $7.8 million, respectively, on the Term Loan during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013.We made programming payments

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of $150.8 million and $168.0 million during 2012 and 2013, respectively. Cash receipts during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013 were $336.9 million and $363.2 million, respectively.

        Cash used in investing activities was $1.4 million and $1.5 million during 2012 and 2013, respectively, as a result of purchasing additional computer equipment during 2013.

        Cash used in financing activities was $20.8 million and $36.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively. We made principal payments on our Term Loan of $19.6 million and $33.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively. In conjunction with Amendment No. 1, we paid $1.1 million of debt issuance costs and $430,000 of debt discount in March 2013.

Cash Flows

        Our management anticipates that the principal uses of cash during the twelve month period ending December 31, 2015 will include the payment of operating expenses, accounts payable and accrued expenses, programming costs, principal and interest of approximately $52.7 million under the Term Loan and Notes, and such additional principal payments made from excess cash flows as defined, as may become due under the Term Loan. We believe that cash on hand, cash generated by operations, and borrowing available under our credit facilities, will be sufficient to fund our operations and enable us to meet our liquidity needs through December 31, 2015.

        We may from time to time seek to retire or purchase our outstanding debt through cash purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Such repurchases, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material. We may use a substantial portion of our free cash over the course of the next year to repurchase our outstanding Notes and/or to accelerate the repayment of our Term Loan. The amount of Notes we actually repurchase, if any, is dependent on market conditions and the amount of cash permitted for such repurchases under our outstanding credit facility. Among other methods for deleveraging, we entered into 10b5-1 trading plans, which enable us to regularly repurchase a certain amount of Notes under pre-determined terms and conditions. There can be no assurance that we will accelerate our Term Loan repayment. Furthermore, although we have repurchased Notes under a trading plan, there can be no assurance that we will repurchase any additional Notes through such plans or otherwise.

Recapitalization and 2011 Refinancing

Recapitalization

        On June 29, 2010 we consummated the Recapitalization pursuant to a Master Recapitalization Agreement dated February 26, 2010, with Hallmark Cards, HCC and related entities.

        Among other things, the Recapitalization included the following:

•

Exchange of approximately $1.162 billion of debt (the "HCC Debt") for new debt, Preferred Stock and Common Stock;



•

Mergers of two intermediate holding companies, HEIC and Hallmark Entertainment Holdings, Inc. ("HEH"), with and into Crown Media Holdings (collectively, the "Mergers");



•

Reclassification of shares of Class B Common Stock into shares of Class A Common Stock upon the filing of the Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation; and



•

Approval and authorization for the future filing of the Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the principal effect of which was a reverse split of shares of our Common Stock at such time as authorized by our Board of Directors.

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        The following were issued in exchange for HCC Debt:

•

$315.0 million principal amount of new debt issued pursuant to the terms of the credit agreement with HCC in two tranches: (i) the $200.0 million Term A Loan bearing interest at 9.5% per annum through December 31, 2011, and 12% thereafter and (ii) the $115.0 million Term B Loan bearing interest at 11.5% through December 31, 2011, and 14.0% thereafter ;



•

185,000 shares of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value, with the terms summarized under "Preferred Stock Terms" below; and



•

254,887,860 shares of our Class A Common Stock in exchange for the residual amount of HCC Debt converted at $2.5969 per share.

        In addition, the transactions resulted in the following:

•

The increase of the authorized shares of our Class A Common Stock to 500,000,000 shares; the decrease of the authorized Preferred Stock to 1,000,000 shares; and the elimination of our Class B Common Stock;



•

Amendment No. 2 to the Tax Sharing Agreement between us and Hallmark Cards, to among other things, (i) permit Hallmark Cards to defer any future tax benefit payable to us for application against our future tax liabilities (ii) allow us to deduct interest accrued on the 10.25% senior secured note from January 1, 2010, through June 29, 2010; and (iii) provide for the treatment of the Recapitalization under the Tax Sharing Agreement;



•

Execution of the registration rights agreement, by and among us, HCC and certain HEIC stockholders (the "HCC Registration Rights Agreement");



•

Extension of our $30.0 million revolving line of credit with JP Morgan Chase Bank to June 30, 2011, and Hallmark Card's agreement to guarantee up to $30.0 million for such revolving line of credit; and



•

A Stockholders Agreement, dated June 29, 2010, by and among us, HCC and Hallmark Cards (the "Stockholders Agreement"), pursuant to which, among other things, Hallmark Cards entities agreed not to acquire, through December 31, 2013, additional shares of our Class A Common Stock, subject to certain exceptions, and agreed to certain restrictions on their ability to sell or transfer shares of our Class A Common Stock until December 31, 2013 and, subject to lesser restrictions, until December 31, 2020.

        Immediately after consummation of the Mergers and issuance of our Common Stock in partial exchange for HCC Debt, HCC owned approximately 90.3% of our Class A Common Stock and all of the outstanding Preferred Stock.

        In connection with the 2011 Refinancing, we paid off the Term A and Term B Loans and used the proceeds of the outstanding notes to redeem all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock. Through its beneficial ownership of over 90.3% of our Company's Class A Common Stock, Hallmark Cards possesses voting and investment control.

Refinancing

        On July 14, 2011 we used the proceeds from a new $210.0 million senior secured term loan (the "Term Loan") and $300.0 million of senior unsecured notes (the "Notes") to repay the Term A Loan and the Term B Loan and redeem all of the outstanding Preferred Stock (collectively, the "2011 Refinancing").

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Credit Facilities and Term Loan

        On July 14, 2011, in connection with the 2011 Refinancing, we entered into a new $240.0 million credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with a lender syndicate and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent. The Credit Agreement provides for the Term Loan, a seven year $210.0 million senior secured term loan facility, and the five year $30.0 million senior secured, super-priority revolving credit facility referred to above. The Term Loan was issued at a discount of 1.0% or $2.1 million.

        On March 29, 2013, we and the lender syndicate amended the Company's credit agreement dated July 14, 2011. Among other things, the amendment served to (i) significantly reduce the nominal interest rates applicable to principal and (ii) extend the maturity of the $30.0 million revolving credit facility.

        The amendment also served to modify the lender syndicate supporting the Term Loan. For financial reporting purposes, we treated the transaction as a modification, as the present value of the cash flows did not substantially change.

        We incurred costs of approximately $1.8 million in connection with the amendment, of which (i) $430,000, representing a 0.25% discount paid to all members of the lender syndicate, and (ii) $1.1 million of debt issuance costs paid to creditors have been capitalized with respect to the Term Loan and will be amortized along with previously unamortized amounts related to syndicate members. Third-party debt issuance costs of $260,000 were expensed and are included in selling, general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013.

        The amendment reduced our minimum rate on LIBOR borrowings under the Term Loan from 5.75% to 4.00% (the latter comprising a LIBOR floor of 1.00% plus an applicable rate of 3.00%). The LIBOR floor was reduced by 25 basis points and the applicable rate was reduced by 150 basis points. The July 14, 2018 maturity date for the Term Loan remains unchanged.

        Prior to March 29, 2013, we made principal payments of $525,000 at each quarter's end. Under the amended Term Loan, we made quarterly principal payments of $430,000 through September 2013. Subsequent to that date, we are no longer required to make these principal payments due to our voluntary payment. We continue to be subject to requirements to remit additional principal payments in amounts equal to (1) 50% of excess cash flow (as defined in the amended credit agreement) as determined annually, which percentage will be reduced to 25% if the consolidated leverage ratio (as defined in the amended credit agreement) is equal to or less than 4.25 to 1 but greater than 3.25 to 1, and 0% if the consolidated leverage ratio is equal to or less than 3.25 to 1, respectively; (2) 100% of net cash proceeds resulting from dispositions or casualty events if such proceeds have not been reinvested within one year after the occurrence of the disposition or casualty event; and (3) 100% of net cash proceeds from issuance of debt or preferred stock not otherwise permitted by the amended credit agreement. At both December 31, 2013 and 2014, our consolidated leverage ratio was less than 3.25.

        Under the amended revolving credit facility, the maturity date was extended from July 14, 2016, to January 14, 2018. The interest rate applicable to future borrowings, if any, was reduced from LIBOR plus 3.5% to LIBOR plus 2.75%. At December 31, 2013 and 2014, we had no outstanding borrowings under the amended revolving credit facility.

        The covenants in the amended credit agreement continue to limit our, and certain of our subsidiaries, ability to (1) incur indebtedness; (2) create or permit liens on assets; (3) make certain dividends, stock repurchases and redemptions and other restricted payments; (4) make certain investments; (5) prepay indebtedness; (6) enter into certain transactions with our affiliates; (7) dispose of substantially all of our assets; (8) merge or consolidate; (9) enter into new unrelated lines of businesses; and (10) enter into sale and leaseback transactions. The amended credit agreement also

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requires compliance with a maximum total leverage ratio test and a maximum total secured leverage ratio test, but permits, with certain limitations, certain equity contributions to be made to us to enhance our ability to comply with such ratio tests.

        The amended credit agreement contains a number of affirmative and negative covenants. We were in compliance with these covenants as of December 31, 2014.

        At December 31, 2013, and 2014, the outstanding balance under the Term Loan, net of unamortized discount, was $154.3 million and $118.2 million, respectively. We made principal payments of $19.6 million, $33.2 million and $36.5 under the Term Loan during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. Interest expense under the Term Loan was $12.2 million, $8.8 million and $6.6 million for years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.

        The effective interest rate under the Term Loan was approximately 6.41%, 5.28% and 5.06% during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. The weighted average nominal interest rate was approximately 5.84%, 4.54% and 4.05% during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.

        Interest expense under the revolving credit facility for years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively, was $0. One letter of credit was outstanding in the amount of $202,000 at both December 31, 2013 and 2014. Commitment fees on the revolving credit facility are payable on the unused revolving credit commitment at the rate of 0.50% per annum, payable quarterly. Commitment fee expense for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, was $152,000, $152,000 and $151,000, respectively.

Senior Notes

        On July 14, 2011, we issued the Notes in a private placement conducted pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Notes are guaranteed on a senior basis by each of our subsidiaries.

        Commencing January 15, 2012, interest is payable each January 15^th and July 15^th. We are not required to make mandatory sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes.

        The covenants in the related indenture limit the our ability to, among other things (1) incur additional debt; (2) pay dividends or make other restricted payments; (3) purchase, redeem or retire capital stock or subordinated debt; (4) make asset sales, including by way of sale leaseback transactions; (5) provide subsidiary guarantees; (6) enter into transactions with affiliates; (7) incur liens; (8) make investments; and (9) merge or consolidate with any other person.

        During any period in which the Notes have an investment grade rating from both Moody's and S&P (at least Baa3 by Moody's and BBB– by S&P), and no default has occurred and is continuing under the Indenture, we and our restricted subsidiaries will not be required to comply with the covenants in the Indenture that limit the ability to (1) incur additional debt; (2) pay dividends or make other restricted payments; (3) purchase, redeem or retire capital stock or subordinated debt; (4) make asset sales; (5) provide subsidiary guarantees; and (6) enter into transactions with affiliates. We were in compliance with these covenants as of December 31, 2014.

        Interest expense under the Notes was $32.2 million, $32.3 million and $31.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. After giving effect to the amortization of associated debt issuance costs, the effective interest rate of the Notes was approximately 11.0% during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

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Debt Repurchase

        In August 2014, we repurchased $8.5 million in principal amount of our Notes due July 2019 for a price of $9.5 million and retired a portion of the related debt issuance costs of $160,000, which resulted in aggregate a pre-tax loss on early extinguishment of debt of $1.2 million. In October 2014, we repurchased $20.0 million in principal amount of our Notes due July 2019 for a purchase price of $22.1 million and retired a portion of the related debt issuance costs of $368,000, which resulted in aggregate a pre-tax loss on early extinguishment of debt of $2.5 million.

Contractual Obligations

        The following table summarizes the future cash disbursements to which we are contractually committed as of December 31, 2014.

Impact of Related Party Agreements

        We have entered into a number of material transactions with Hallmark Cards and certain of its subsidiaries. Payments made in connection with such agreements in place during the year ended

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December 31, 2014 are presented in the table below and the terms of these transactions are summarized below the table.

Federal and State Tax Sharing Agreements

        On March 11, 2003, we became a member of Hallmark Cards consolidated federal tax group and entered into a federal tax sharing agreement with Hallmark Cards (the "Tax Sharing Agreement"). Until the Federal Tax Deconsolidation described below, Hallmark Cards included us in its consolidated federal income tax returns. Accordingly, Hallmark Cards benefited from past tax losses. Based on the original Tax Sharing Agreement, Hallmark Cards paid us all of the benefits realized by Hallmark Cards as a result of consolidation, 75% in cash on a quarterly basis and the balance when we became a taxpayer. Under that Tax Sharing Agreement, at Hallmark Cards' option, this 25% balance could be applied as an offset against any amounts we owed to any member of the Hallmark Cards consolidated group under any loan, line of credit or other payable, subject to any limitations under any loan indentures or contracts restricting such offsets.

        In connection with the Recapitalization, the Tax Sharing Agreement was amended, effective as of January 1, 2010. Since May 9, 2000, we have been included in certain combined state income tax returns of Hallmark Cards or HEH. Consequently, we entered into a state tax sharing agreement with HEH. Under the state tax sharing agreement, Hallmark Cards (as successor to HEH) and we file consolidated, combined or unitary state tax returns. We make tax-sharing payments to (or receives payments from) Hallmark Cards equal to the taxes (or tax refunds) that we would pay (or receive) if we filed on a stand-alone basis. Such payments are computed based on our taxable income (loss) and other tax items beginning the day following the May 9, 2000, reorganization.

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Federal Tax Deconsolidation

        On October 31, 2012, pursuant to an agreement dated October 29, 2012, Hallmark Cards caused 40 million shares of our Common Stock to be transferred from HCC to a German subsidiary of Hallmark Cards, which is not part of Hallmark Cards' consolidated federal tax group, reducing the ownership of Hallmark Cards' consolidated federal tax group from 90.3% to 79.2%. As a result of such transfer, we are no longer part of the Hallmark Cards' consolidated federal tax group for federal income tax purposes.

        As required pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement, the German subsidiary executed a joinder agreement thereby becoming a party to the Stockholders Agreement. As a condition of the Federal Tax Deconsolidation, we agreed that consistent with the terms of the Stockholders Agreement, we will not impede future transfers of the 40 million shares back to an affiliate of Hallmark Cards. Further, we agreed that if any taxing authority determines that the Federal Tax Deconsolidation did not result in us no longer being a member of the Hallmark Cards' consolidated federal tax group, then the Tax Sharing Agreement will be deemed to have been continuously in effect.

        The Federal Tax Deconsolidation enabled us to access $692.0 million of net operating losses we incurred prior to March 11, 2003 (the "NOLs"), the date we became part of Hallmark Cards' consolidated federal tax group. Because of limitations in the Internal Revenue Code, Hallmark Cards' consolidated federal tax group was restricted in its ability to utilize these NOLs. As a separate company taxpayer, we will be limited in the use of the NOLs only by our ability to generate sufficient future taxable income.

        In September 2012, we obtained a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service in support of our position that as a result of the Federal Tax Deconsolidation, we would no longer be part of Hallmark Cards' consolidated federal tax group and the restrictions on its ability to utilize the NOLs will no longer apply.

Intercompany Services Agreement with Hallmark Cards

        Hallmark Cards provides us with tax, risk management, health safety, environmental, insurance, legal, treasury, human resources, cash management and real estate consulting services. In exchange, we are obligated to pay Hallmark Cards a fee, plus out-of-pocket expenses and third party fees, in arrears on the last business day of each quarter.

Lease Guarantees with Hallmark Cards

        Lease Guarantee—California.    On February 24, 2010, we executed a letter of credit/guaranty commitment with respect to a certain lease agreement with 12700 Investments, Ltd. for the office space at 12700 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City, California. The landlord required that Crown Media United States, the entity which executed the lease, provide a letter of credit of $1.6 million securing certain obligations of Crown Media United States. Consequently, Hallmark Cards agreed to guarantee the issuer of such letter of credit against any loss thereon pursuant to the guaranty. As an inducement for Hallmark Cards to issue the guaranty, Crown Media United States agreed to pay Hallmark Cards a fee which equals 0.75% per annum of the outstanding letter of credit obligation. Additionally, in the event that Hallmark Cards is required to pay any amount under the guaranty, Crown Media United States must reimburse Hallmark Cards for any such amount plus any fees and charges associated with making such payment, any interest applicable to such amount and any costs and expenses of Hallmark Cards in connection with protecting its rights under the guaranty.

        Lease Guarantee—New York.    On September 2, 2008, Hallmark Cards issued a guaranty for the benefit of Crown Media United States, which guaranty pertains to a lease agreement with Paramount Group, Inc. for the office space at 1325 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York. As a condition

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to executing the lease agreement, the landlord required Hallmark Cards to guaranty all obligations of Crown Media United States under the lease agreement. As an inducement for Hallmark Cards to issue the guaranty, Crown Media United States paid Hallmark Cards a fee which equals 0.28% per annum of the outstanding obligation under the lease agreement. Additionally, in the event that Hallmark Cards is required to pay any amount under the guaranty, Crown Media United States must reimburse Hallmark Cards for any such amount plus any fees and charges associated with making such payment, any interest applicable to such amount and any costs and expenses of Hallmark Cards in connection with protecting its rights under the guaranty.

Hallmark Hall of Fame Agreements

        In 2008, Crown Media United States entered into an agreement with Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions, LLC for the exclusive television license of 58 "Hallmark Hall of Fame" movies, consisting of 16 contemporary Hallmark Hall of Fame titles (i.e., produced from 2003 to 2008) and 42 older titles, for exhibition on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies and Mysteries. These titles are licensed for ten year windows, with windows commencing at various times between 2007 and 2010, depending on availability. The total license fee for these movies is $17.2 million and is payable in equal monthly installments over the various ten-year exhibition windows.

        In 2011 Crown Media United States entered into an additional agreement with Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions, LLC for the exclusive television license of 16 "Hallmark Hall of Fame" movies produced from 2009 through 2014, for exhibition on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies and Mysteries. These titles are licensed for ten year windows, with windows commencing at various times between 2011 and 2014, depending on availability. The total license fee for these movies is $10.0 million and is payable in equal monthly installments over the various ten-year exhibition windows.

        Effective October 1, 2014, Crown Media United States entered into an additional agreement with Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions, LLC for the exclusive television license of "Hallmark Hall of Fame" movies produced from 2014 through 2016, for exhibition on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. These titles are licensed for ten-year windows, with windows commencing at times as agreed to by the parties. The license fee for these movies is $660,000 per movie and is payable in equal yearlly installments over the license term.

Hallmark Hall of Fame Production and License Agreement

        On July 6, 2011, we entered into an agreement with Hallmark Cards whereby Hallmark Cards purchased advertising time from us and provided us one-week, limited play licenses for each of six new "Hallmark Hall of Fame" two-hour movies produced by Hallmark Cards over the two-year contract term. We recognized total advertising revenue of approximately $4.4 million as we fulfilled our advertising obligation to Hallmark Cards. As of December 31, 2013, all of such movies have aired on Hallmark Channel.

        Effective July 6, 2013, we and Hallmark Cards extended the July 6, 2011 agreement for another year, whereby Hallmark Cards purchased advertising time from us and provided one-week, limited play licenses for each of two new "Hallmark Hall of Fame" two-hour movies produced by Hallmark Cards and up to two additional Hallmark Hall of Fame movies premiered in a previous year. We recognized advertising revenue of approximately $2.1 million as we fulfilled our advertising obligation to Hallmark Cards. As of December 31, 2014, three movies have aired on Hallmark Channel.

        Effective September 12, 2014, we entered into an agreement with Hallmark Cards whereby Hallmark Cards has and will continue to purchase advertising time from us and provide to us exclusive premier rights to the two new "Hallmark Hall of Fame" two-hour movies, which has and will be produced over the next year. Additionally, we have and will continue to have exclusive rights to broadcast two "Hallmark Hall of Fame" two-hour movies, which have premiered in a previous year. We

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will receive a total payment from Hallmark Cards of $3.0 million under this agreement in connection with Hallmark Cards' advertising on Hallmark Channel. We recognized advertising revenue of approximately $2.6 million as we fulfilled our advertising obligations to Hallmark Cards. As of December 31, 2014, two movies have aired on Hallmark Channel.

Northpole

        We produced Northpole, a Hallmark Channel original holiday movie, which premiered during the 2014 holiday season. It was the first full-length, two-hour original holiday movie by Hallmark Channel based on Hallmark Cards' intellectual property. Costs related to this movie have been capitalized and are included in long term programming rights on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. The Company recognized $900,000 of licensing revenue related to this agreement.

Northpole II

        We are producing Northpole II, a Hallmark Channel original holiday movie, which will premier during the 2015 holiday season. It will be the second full-length, two-hour original holiday movie by Hallmark Channel based on Hallmark Cards' intellectual property. Certain costs related to this movie have been capitalized and are included in long term programming rights on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. We anticipate similar agreements in the future.

hoops & yoyo and Jingle Pup

        During November and December of 2009 and February of 2010, hoops & yoyo, popular animated characters created and owned by Hallmark Cards, hosted certain of our original movies airing on Hallmark Channel. The characters appeared intermittently during the airing of the movies to provide commentaries and narratives pertinent to the movies. Hallmark Cards provided the content and we did not pay a license fee to Hallmark Cards for such content.

        During the holiday season in 2011, Jingle Pup and hoops & yoyo animated specials, each of which is 30-minutes in length, aired on Hallmark Channel. The license term for Jingle Pup is from November 2011 through December 2020 and the term for hoops & yoyo is from December 2011 through December 2016. We entered into license agreements with Hallmark Cards for two animated specials, hoops & yoyo Haunted Halloween and Jingle & Bell's Christmas Star, which aired in 2012. The license term for hoops & yoyo Haunted Halloween and Jingle & Bell's Christmas Star is from 2012 through 2016 and from 2012 through 2021, respectively.

Stockholders Agreement

        Pursuant to the Recapitalization, we entered into the Stockholders Agreement with Hallmark Cards and HCC, which provides for, among other things, the following.

Co-sale provisions:

        Through December 31, 2013, HCC was restricted from selling or transferring its Common Stock to a third party except for certain enumerated sales and transfers.

        From and after January 1, 2014 until the earlier of December 31, 2020, or such time as Hallmark Cards and its controlled affiliates no longer beneficially own a majority of our Common Stock, HCC will not sell or transfer, in one or a series of related transactions, a majority of our outstanding shares of Common Stock to a third party, unless (x) in a Permitted Transfer (as defined below), (y) with the prior approval of a special committee of our Board of Directors or (z) all stockholders unaffiliated with Hallmark Cards will at Hallmark Card's option be entitled to either participate in such transaction on

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the same terms as HCC or receive cash consideration equivalent in value to the highest consideration per share of our Common Stock received by HCC in connection with such transaction.

        "Permitted Transfer" means any sale or transfer by HCC of its common stock to an affiliate of Hallmark Cards or pursuant to a bona fide pledge of the shares to a lender that is not an affiliate of Hallmark Cards.

Subscription rights:

        Except as otherwise set forth below, any time we propose to issue equity securities of any kind, including any warrants, options or other rights to acquire equity securities and debt securities convertible into equity securities ("Proposed Securities"), we will

          (i)  give written notice setting forth in reasonable detail (w) the designation and all of the terms and provisions of the Proposed Securities, including the voting powers, preferences and relative participating, optional or other special rights, and the qualification, limitations or restrictions thereof and interest rate and maturity, (x) the price and other terms of the proposed sale of such securities, (y) the amount of such securities proposed to be issued, and (z) such other information as HCC reasonably requests in order to evaluate the proposed issuance; and

         (ii)  offer to issue to HCC or its affiliate a portion of the Proposed Securities equal to a percentage (the "Fully Diluted Ownership Percentage") determined by dividing (x) the number of shares owned by HCC and its affiliates immediately prior to the issuance of the Proposed Securities by (y) the total number of shares of our Common Stock then outstanding, including for purposes of this calculation all shares outstanding on a fully diluted basis.

        If the Proposed Securities are to be issued to our employees or our affiliates' employees as compensation with the approval of our Board of Directors (the "Employee Proposed Securities"), we must comply with the following:

          (i)  If the Employee Proposed Securities are shares of capital stock, subject to vesting or other similar conditions ("Restricted Stock"), then HCC and, if applicable, its affiliates have the right to purchase capital stock of the same class as the Restricted Stock but which is not subject to vesting or other similar conditions. HCC or its affiliates may purchase up to the number of shares of capital stock equal to the number of shares of Restricted Stock to be issued multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the Fully Diluted Ownership Percentage and the denominator of which is 100% minus the Fully Diluted Ownership Percentage. The purchase price for such securities will be the fair market value of the Restricted Stock on the date of issuance.

         (ii)  If the Employee Proposed Securities are options to acquire our capital stock, then the issuance of the Proposed Securities will be deemed to occur upon the exercise of the options and not upon the issuance of the options, and HCC and, if applicable, its affiliates, will have the right to purchase, prior to the expiration of 10 business days after receipt of notice of such exercise from us, capital stock of the same class as the underlying security. HCC or its affiliates may purchase up to the number of shares of capital stock equal to the number of shares of the underlying security to be issued upon the exercise of such Employee Proposed Securities multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the Fully Diluted Ownership Percentage and the denominator of which is the quantity 100% minus the Fully Diluted Ownership Percentage. The issuance price will be deemed to be the fair market value of the underlying security on the date of exercise and not the exercise price of the option or right.

        If the Proposed Securities are options or rights to acquire our capital stock but are not Employee Proposed Securities, then the issuance of the Proposed Securities will be deemed to occur upon the exercise of the options or rights and not upon the issuance of the options or rights, and HCC and, if applicable, its affiliates have the right to purchase capital stock of the same class as the underlying

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security. HCC or its affiliates may purchase up to the number of shares of capital stock equal to the number of shares of the underlying security to be issued upon the exercise of such Proposed Securities multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the Fully Diluted Ownership Percentage and the denominator of which is the quantity 100% minus the Fully Diluted Ownership Percentage. The issuance price will be deemed to be the sum of the purchase price for such options or rights, plus any additional consideration paid upon exercise of such options or rights.

        HCC and, if applicable, its affiliates, must exercise their purchase rights within 10 business days after receipt of such notice from us. Upon the expiration of the offering period, we will be free to sell such Proposed Securities that HCC and its affiliates have not elected to purchase during the 90 days following such expiration on terms and conditions no more favorable to the purchasers thereof than those offered HCC and its affiliates. The Stockholders Agreement terminates on the earliest of (i) such time as Hallmark Cards and its controlled affiliates cease to hold a majority of the Common Stock, (ii) such time as Hallmark Cards and its affiliates own all of our outstanding Common Stock and (iii) December 31, 2020.

Registration Rights Agreement

        In connection with the Recapitalization, we and HCC are parties to the HCC Registration Rights Agreement relating to the shares of our Common Stock (i) issued to HCC or any joined party in connection with the Mergers, (ii) issuable to HCC upon conversion of the HCC Debt and upon conversion of any Preferred Stock, (iii) acquired by HCC pursuant to its subscription rights as set forth in the Stockholders Agreement and (iv) issued as a dividend or other distribution with respect to, or in exchange for or in replacement of the shares of our Common Stock referred to in clauses (i)-(iii) (the shares described in clauses (i)-(iv) collectively, the "Registrable Securities"). The HCC Registration Rights Agreement grants (i) three demand registration rights exercisable by the holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities, (ii) three resale shelf demand rights exercisable by holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities and (iii) unlimited piggyback rights. We will bear the expenses of any of these registrations.

Trademark Agreement with Hallmark Cards

        Crown Media United States operates under the benefit of a limited trademark license agreement with Hallmark Licensing, LLC, dated March 27, 2001, which has been extended through the earlier of (i) July 14, 2019 and (ii) the later of (x) the expiration or termination of the Credit Agreement and (y) the redemption of all of the Notes, subject to any earlier termination of such license agreement pursuant to the respective terms of such license agreement. The amended and restated Crown Media United States trademark agreement permits Crown Media United States to name its network service as the "Hallmark Channel." The agreement contains usage standards, which limit certain types of programming and programming content aired on Crown Media United States' network. Crown Media United States also has a similar trademark license agreement with Hallmark Licensing, LLC, which is effective January 1, 2004, and has been extended through the earlier of (i) July 14, 2019 and (ii) the later of (x) the expiration or termination of the Credit Agreement and (y) the redemption of all of the Notes, subject to any earlier termination of such license agreement pursuant to the respective terms of such license agreement, to permit the use of the Hallmark trademark in the name of the "Hallmark Movies and Mysteries."

        Under the agreement, if Hallmark Cards notifies us in writing that it has determined that we have failed to comply with the usage standards set forth in the agreement or have otherwise breached our obligations under the agreement, we are required to stop activity in non-compliance within ten days of that notice or we may be in default of the agreement. We also may be in default if Hallmark Cards delivers such a written notice to us with respect to its standards three or more times in any 12-month period. In addition, there may be a default under the agreement if we fail to make any payments due

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under loan agreements within five days of the due date, or if we receive an opinion from our auditors that shows that we no longer are a going concern.

        The license agreements can be terminated immediately and without notice if we transfer in any way our rights under the license agreements, if we have an event of default under the agreement or in events of bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceedings.

        We have accounted for the agreement pursuant to the contractual terms of the arrangement, which is royalty free. Accordingly, no corresponding amounts have been reflected in our Consolidated Balance Sheets or Consolidated Statements of Operations included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Certain Business Relationships and Conflicts of Interest

        Hallmark Cards, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries HCC and Hallmark Cards GmbH holds approximately 90.3% of our outstanding shares of Common Stock. Hallmark Cards' control could discourage others from initiating potential merger, takeover or other change of control transactions that may otherwise be beneficial to our businesses or holders of our Common Stock. As a result, the market price of our Common Stock or our business could suffer.

        Hallmark Cards' control relationship with us also could give rise to conflicts of interest, including

•

conflicts between Hallmark Cards, as our controlling stockholder, and our other stockholders, whose interests may differ with respect to, among other things, our strategic direction or significant corporate transactions;



•

conflicts related to corporate opportunities that could be pursued by us, on the one hand, or by Hallmark Cards or its other affiliates, on the other hand; or



•

conflicts related to existing or new contractual relationships between us, on the one hand, and Hallmark Cards and its affiliates, on the other hand.

        In addition, our directors, who may also be officers or directors of Hallmark Cards or its affiliates, which may create, or create the appearance of, conflicts of interest when those directors are allocating time between the companies and when they are faced with decision that could different implications for Hallmark Cards, including its affiliates, and us. Such directors will have fiduciary duties, including duties of loyalty, to both companies.

        Our certificate of incorporation provides that Hallmark Cards will have no duty to refrain from engaging in activities or lines of business that are the same as or similar to the activities or lines of business in which we engage, and neither Hallmark Cards nor any officer or director of Hallmark Cards, except as provided below, will be liable to us or to our stockholders for breach of any fiduciary duty by reason of any such activities of Hallmark Cards. In the event that Hallmark Cards acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or matter which may be a corporate opportunity for both Hallmark Cards and us, Hallmark Cards will have no duty to communicate or offer that corporate opportunity to us and will not be liable to us or our stockholders for breach of any fiduciary duty as a stockholder by reason of the fact that Hallmark Cards pursues or acquires that corporate opportunity for itself, directs that corporate opportunity to another person, or does not communicate information regarding that corporate opportunity to us.

        In the event that one of our directors or officers who is also a director or officer of Hallmark Cards acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or matter which may be a corporate opportunity for both us and Hallmark Cards, that director or officer will have fully satisfied his or her fiduciary duty to us and our stockholders with respect to, and we have renounced any interest or expectancy in

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or being offered an opportunity to participate in, that corporate opportunity if that director or officer acts in a manner consistent with the following policy:

•

A business opportunity offered to any person who is one of our officers, and who is also a director but not an officer of Hallmark Cards, will belong to us.



•

A business opportunity offered to any person who is one of our directors but not one of our officers, and who is also a director or officer of Hallmark Cards, will belong to us if that opportunity is expressly offered to that person in his or her capacity as one of our directors, and otherwise will belong to Hallmark Cards.



•

A business opportunity offered to any person who is one of our officers and an officer of Hallmark Cards will belong to us if that opportunity is expressly offered to that person in his or her capacity as one of our officers, and otherwise will belong to Hallmark Cards.



•

A corporate transaction opportunity will belong to Hallmark Cards and any person who is an officer or director of us and an officer or director of Hallmark Cards shall have no duty to communicate such corporate transaction opportunity to us.

        For purposes of the policy

•

a "business opportunity" is any corporate opportunity relating to the operation of a multichannel video programming provider, other than a corporate transaction opportunity;



•

a "corporate transaction opportunity" is any corporate opportunity relating to the acquisition by a third party unaffiliated with Hallmark Cards of the Company or of all or a material portion of its equity, debt, assets or voting power; and



•

a director who is Chairman of our Board of Directors or Chairman of a committee of our Board of Directors will not be deemed to be one of our officers by reason of holding that position, unless that person is one of our full-time employees.

The foregoing provisions of our certificate of incorporation will expire on the date that Hallmark Cards ceases to own beneficially Common Stock representing at least 20% of the total voting power of all of our classes of our outstanding capital stock and no person who is one of our directors or officers is also a director or officer of Hallmark Cards or any of its subsidiaries.

ITEM 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

        As of December 31, 2014, our cash had a fair value of $60.9 million. In the past, the primary purpose of our investing activities has been to preserve principal until the cash is required to fund operations. Consequently, the size of this portfolio fluctuated significantly as cash was provided by and used in our business.

        We have not used derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. As of December 31, 2014, we are not hedged or otherwise protected against risks associated with any of our investing or financing activities.

We are exposed to market risk.

        We are exposed to market risk, including changes to interest rates. To reduce the volatility relating to these exposures, we may enter into various derivative investment transactions in the near term pursuant to our investment and risk management policies and procedures in areas such as hedging and counterparty exposure practices. We have not used derivatives for speculative purposes.

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        If we use risk management control policies, there will be inherent risks that may only be partially offset by our hedging programs should there be any unfavorable movements in interest rates or equity investment prices.

        The estimated exposure discussed below is intended to measure the maximum amount we could lose from adverse market movements in interest rates and equity investment prices, given a specified confidence level, over a given period of time. Loss is defined in the value at risk estimation as fair market value loss.

Our interest income and expense is subject to fluctuations in interest rates.

        Our material liability subject to interest rate risk consisted of our Term Loan. The balance of this liability was $118.2 million, or 21% of total liabilities, as of December 31, 2014. Net interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2014, was $39.3 million, 9%, of our total revenue. Our net interest expense for this liability is sensitive to changes in the general level of interest rates, primarily U.S. and LIBOR interest rates. In this regard, changes in U.S. and LIBOR interest rates affect the fair value of interest bearing liabilities.

        Our variable rate Term Loan is subject to an interest rate floor of 1.0% and a margin of 3.0%. Accordingly, if the relevant market interest rate had been 1% greater or lower, the effect on the Term Loan's effective interest rate and resulting interest expense for the period would have been negligible.

ITEM 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

        Our Consolidated Financial Statements begin at page F-1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 9.    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

        None.

ITEM 9A.    Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

        We, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of December 31, 2014. In performing such assessment of our internal control over financial reporting, our management used the criteria set forth in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based upon this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of that date for purposes of recording, processing, summarizing and timely reporting information required to be disclosed in reports that we file under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

        Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the

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risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

        Management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on the criteria for effective internal control described in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on its assessment, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2014. Our independent auditor, KPMG LLP, also concluded that we maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as set forth in its Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm which is included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

        There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2014, that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. On May 14, 2013, the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission published an updated in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) and related illustrative documents. We adopted the new framework in 2014.

        Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, will be or have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, control may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitation in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

ITEM 9B.    Other Information

        On February 18, 2015, the Company amended an employment agreement it has with William Abbott, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Under the amendment, the term of Mr. Abbott's employment has been extended through December 31, 2016. Additionally, (i) effective March 1, 2015, Mr. Abbott's annual base salary will be increased to $872,000 and (ii) commencing with calendar year 2015, Mr. Abbott's performance bonus target will increase to 80% of his annual base salary earned and long term incentive award target will increase to 85% of his annual base salary.

PART III

        The information required by this Part III is incorporated by reference to information in the definitive proxy statement for our 2014 annual meeting of stockholders (the "Proxy Statement") under the headings "Election of Directors," "The Board of Directors," "Corporate Governance," "Compensation Committee Report," "Compensation of Executive Officers," "Compensation Discussion and Analysis," "Director Compensation," "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance," "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" and "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions." We intend to file the Proxy Statement with the SEC on or prior to April 30, 2015.

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ITEM 10.    Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

        The information required by this Item 10 is set forth in the Proxy Statement under the headings "Election of Directors," "Board of Directors," "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance," "Corporate Governance," and "The Board of Directors" and is incorporated by reference herein.

ITEM 11.    Executive Compensation

        The information required by this Item 11 is set forth in the Proxy Statement under the headings and subheadings "Compensation of Executive Officers," "Compensation Discussion and Analysis," "Director Compensation," and "Compensation Committee Report," and is incorporated by reference herein.

ITEM 12.    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

        The information required by this Item 12 is set forth in the Proxy Statement under the heading and subheadings "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" and "Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans" and is incorporated by reference herein.

ITEM 13.    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence

        The information required by this Item 13 is set forth in the Proxy Statement under the headings "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" and "Corporate Governance" and is incorporated by reference herein.

ITEM 14.    Principal Accountant Fees and Services

        The information required by this Item 14 is set forth in the Proxy Statement under the headings "Audit Committee" and is incorporated by reference herein.

PART IV

ITEM 15.    Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

(A)

List of Documents Filed as Part of This Report



(1)

Consolidated Financial Statements

(2)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



(3)

Exhibits

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

February 20, 2015

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

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INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Crown Media Holdings, Inc.:

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Crown Media Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2013 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of Crown Media Holdings, Inc.'s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

        We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Crown Media Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2013 and 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

        We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Crown Media Holdings, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 20, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of Crown Media Holdings, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting.

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Crown Media Holdings, Inc.:

        We have audited Crown Media Holdings, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Crown Media Holdings, Inc.'s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying "Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting". Our responsibility is to express an opinion on Crown Media Holdings, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

        We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on assessed risk. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

        Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

        In our opinion, Crown Media Holdings, Inc., in all material respects, maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

        We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Crown Media Holdings, Inc. as of December 31, 2013 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014, and our report dated February 20, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

Denver, Colorado
February 20, 2015

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CROWN MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except par value and number of shares)

   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance sheets.

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CROWN MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share data)

   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements of operations.

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CROWN MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

(In thousands)

   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements of stockholders' equity.

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CROWN MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements of cash flows.

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CROWN MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014

1. Business and Organization

        Crown Media Holdings, Inc. ("Crown Media Holdings" or the "Company"), through its wholly-owned subsidiary Crown Media United States, LLC ("Crown Media United States") owns and operates pay television networks dedicated to high quality, entertainment programming for adults and families in the United States. Majority ownership of the Company is held by Hallmark Cards, Incorporated ("Hallmark Cards") through its subsidiaries H C Crown, LLC ("HCC") and Hallmark Cards GmbH.

        The Company's continuing operations are currently organized into one operating segment, the Networks.

        On July 14, 2011 the Company used the proceeds from a new $210.0 million senior secured term loan (the "Term Loan") and $300.0 million of senior unsecured notes (the "Notes") to repay the Term A Loan and the Term B Loan and redeem all of the outstanding Preferred Stock (collectively, the "2011 Refinancing"). Additionally, on March 29, 2013, the Term Loan was amended to provide, among other things, a reduced borrowing rate. All of these instruments are described further below.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates

Basis of Presentation

        The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Crown Media Holdings and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

        The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events. These estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reported, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities, and reported amounts of revenue and expenses. Such estimates include the collectibility of accounts receivable, the valuation of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets, the net realizable value of programming rights, legal contingencies, indemnifications, barter transactions, audience deficiency reserve obligations and assumptions used in the calculation of income taxes and related valuation allowance, among others.

        All of the estimates that are employed are based on management's best estimates and judgment. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Management adjusts such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes, if any, in those estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the financial statements in future periods.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

        Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less that are readily convertible into cash and are not subject to significant risk from

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CROWN MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates (Continued)

fluctuations in interest rates. As a result, the carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

        The allowance for doubtful accounts is based upon the Company's assessment of probable loss related to uncollectible accounts receivable. The Company uses a number of factors in determining the allowance, including, among other things, the financial condition of specific customers and collection trends.

        The activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for each of the three years ended December 31, 2012, 2013, and 2014, is as follows (in thousands):

Programming Rights

        Programming rights usually comprise feature films, series, shows, and other broadcastable productions that make up a broadcaster's television schedules. Individual rights on which these parts of programming assets are based are also referred to as film rights. Film rights comprise the rights associated with a film or program that a television broadcaster must hold in order to exploit it on the market. Such film rights are usually acquired in the form of a film or television licensing agreement, for example with license sellers, or in the form of production agreements with producers. Among other things, a licensing agreement stipulates the type and amount of the license fee, the broadcast area, broadcast time, number of broadcasts, and the form of exploitation.

        The Company's programming rights principally consist of rights to off-network, theatrical and original movies; off-network and original scripted series; original unscripted series and specials. Original series and specials consist of lifestyle, dramatic and other entertainment programming. Programming aired on the Company's television Networks is primarily obtained from third-party production companies and distributors and is classified as acquired or original programming in the footnotes to these financial statements. Programming aired on the Company's television Networks obtained from subsidiaries of Hallmark Cards is classified as affiliate programming. See note 4 below for programming rights assets and payable related to Hallmark Cards.

        Acquired programming consists of series, films and specials that have been previously produced and have often been previously exhibited by third parties for which the Company licenses limited broadcast rights for a specific time period. The licensed exhibitions can vary from a single broadcast to multiple broadcasts over several years, and the license typically requires payments during the term of the license. The cost of acquired programming is capitalized when the license period begins and the program is available for use. Original programming consists of movies, series and specials that are

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CROWN MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates (Continued)

specifically produced for the Company's television Networks. The Company often funds the production of original programs; this production funding is classified as prepaid programming rights until production is completed and the program is available for use.

        Capitalized programming costs are stated at the lower of cost less accumulated amortization or net realizable value (fair value for owned programming). Amortization of licensed programming rights is recognized over the contractual term on a straight-line basis or the estimated useful life, if shorter. Amortization of the capitalized costs of licensed programming commences when the license period begins and the program is available for use. The portion of the unamortized programming rights that will be amortized within one year is classified as current programming rights on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

        The Company periodically evaluates the net realizable value of its licensed programming rights by considering expected future revenue generation. Estimates of future revenue consider historical airing patterns and future plans for airing programming, including any changes in strategy. Estimated future revenue may differ from actual revenue based on changes in expectations related to market acceptance, advertising demand, the number of cable and satellite television subscribers receiving the Company's Networks, program usage and actual performance of the Company's programming. Accordingly, the Company continually reviews revenue estimates and planned usage and revises its assumptions if necessary. Given the significant estimates and judgments involved, actual demand or market conditions may be less favorable than those projected, requiring a write-down to net realizable value.

        Certain original programs are fully owned and produced by the Company. Therefore, these are classified as owned programming. Amortization of the capitalized costs of owned programming is amortized over the expected and likely broadcasts of the program. The Company's unamortized owned programming of $8.1 million is classified as long-term programming rights on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification (the "ASC") Topic 926, Entertainment—Films.

Property and Equipment

        Property and equipment is stated at historical cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Equipment under capital leases is initially recorded at the present value of the respective minimum lease payments.

        Depreciation on equipment is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Equipment held under capital leases and leasehold improvements are amortized straight-line over the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life of the asset.

        When property and equipment is sold or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation or amortization are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is included in the results of operations. The costs of normal maintenance and repairs are charged to expense when incurred.

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CROWN MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates (Continued)

Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill

        The Company reviews long-lived assets, other than goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives, for impairment whenever facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of the assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is evaluated by comparing the carrying amount of an asset to the estimated undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset including its ultimate disposal. If the asset's carrying value was estimated to be not recoverable from future cash flows, an impairment charge would be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value. The Company estimates fair values by using a combination of comparable market values and discounted cash flows, as appropriate.

        In September 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2011-08, Testing for Goodwill Impairment (Topic 350), (ASU 2011-08). ASU 2011-08 allows entities to first assess qualitatively whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. If an entity believes, as a result of its qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the quantitative two-step goodwill impairment test is required. An entity has the unconditional option to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to performing the first step of the goodwill impairment test.

        Goodwill is reviewed for impairment annually as of November 30 and whenever the occurrence of an event or a change in circumstances would suggest that the carrying value of goodwill might be in excess of its fair value. All of the Company's goodwill relates to the Company's Networks, which is also the Company's only reporting unit. At November 30, 2014, the date of the Company's most recent assessment, the Company concluded it was not more likely than not that the fair value of the its sole reporting unit was less than the related carrying amount.

Legal Costs and Contingencies

        In the normal course of business, the Company incurs costs to hire and retain external legal counsel to advise it on regulatory, litigation and other matters. The Company expenses these costs as the related services are received.

        If a loss is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated, the Company recognizes an expense for the estimated loss. If the Company has the potential to recover a portion of the estimated loss from a third party, the Company makes a separate assessment of recoverability and reduces the estimated loss if recovery is also deemed probable.

Leases

        The Company recognizes rent expense on a straight line basis over the lease term.

        Assets subject to capital leases are capitalized as property and equipment at the inception of the lease and depreciated over the shorter of the lease term or their estimated useful lives. The related liabilities are included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

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CROWN MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates (Continued)

Barter Transactions

        The Company enters into transactions that involve the exchange of its on-air advertising spots, in part, for other products and services, such as programming rights. Programming rights and the related deferred advertising revenue that result from such transactions are recognized at the estimated fair value when the programming is available for telecast. Barter programming rights are amortized in the same manner as non-barter programming rights and advertising revenue is recognized when delivered. The Company recognized $794,000, $2.4 million and $2.8 million in barter advertising revenue during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. The Company recognized $884,000, $2.2 million and $3.0 million in barter expense during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

        ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, provides guidance which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and specifies disclosures about fair value measurements. We determine fair value as an exit price, representing the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants.

        The Company does not have balance sheet items measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Significant balance sheet items which are subject to non-recurring fair value measurements consist of impairment valuations of goodwill, promotion and placement fees, property and equipment and owned programming.

Revenue Recognition

        Subscriber revenue from pay television distributors is recognized as revenue when an agreement is executed, programming is provided, the price is fixed and determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. Subscriber fees from pay television distributors are recorded net of amortization of promotion and placement costs.

        Advertising revenue, net of agency commissions, is recognized in the period in which related commercial spots or long form programming are aired. If the ratings guarantees associated with the programming in which the advertising appears are not achieved, recognition of a portion of the revenue from the advertising is deferred until the guarantees are satisfied by providing the advertisers with additional advertising time. Agency commissions are calculated based on a stated percentage applied to gross billing revenue for the Company's broadcasting operations. Customers remit the gross billing amount to their respective agencies, after which each agency remits the amount collected less its commission to the Company.

        Payments received in advance of being earned are recorded as deferred revenue. Included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2013 and 2014, is $699,000 and $2.9 million, respectively, of deferred revenue. Further, $0 and $5.9 million, respectively, are included in the long term portion of accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2013 and 2014.

        Revenues from the licensing of television programming are recorded when the content is available for telecast by the licensee and when certain other conditions are met.

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CROWN MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates (Continued)

Audience Deficiency Unit Liability

        Audience deficiency units ("ADUs") are units of inventory (rights to utilize future advertising timeframes) that are made available to advertisers as fulfillment for past advertisements in programs that under-delivered on the guaranteed viewership ratings. The related liability results when impressions delivered on guaranteed ratings are less than the impressions guaranteed to advertisers. The liability is reduced and revenue is recognized when the Company airs the advertisement during another program to "make-good" on the under-delivery of impressions or the obligation expires contractually or by statute.

Marketing Expense

        The Company expenses marketing costs as incurred.

Taxes on Income

        Income tax expense or benefit comprises (i) amounts estimated to be payable or receivable with respect to the Company's income or loss for the period pursuant to the statutory provisions of the various federal, state and local jurisdictions in which the Company is subject to taxation and (ii) the changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities during the period.

        The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statements and tax bases of assets and liabilities, including related operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

        Net deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that management believes these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such determination, management considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations. In the event management subsequently determines that the Company would likely be able to realize deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, an adjustment to the valuation allowance would be recorded with a corresponding reduction in the provision for income taxes.

        Management periodically evaluates the sustainability of tax positions taken. Whenever management estimates the probability of sustaining a tax position is at least more likely than not (i.e., greater than 50%), the tax position is deemed warranted and is recognized at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recognized as income tax expense.

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CROWN MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates (Continued)

Share-Based Compensation

        Share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense on a straight-line basis over the period during which the holder is required to provide services in exchange for the award, i.e., usually the vesting period. See Note 13 for further information regarding our share-based compensation assumptions and expenses.

Net Income per Share

        Basic net income per share for each period is computed by dividing net income attributable to common stock by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share for each period is computed by dividing net income attributable to common stock by the weighted average number of common shares plus potentially dilutive common shares outstanding except whenever any such effect would be antidilutive. Potential common shares consist of incremental common shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options and common shares issuable upon conversion of the Company's Preferred Stock. Approximately 9,000, 0 and 0 stock options for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively, have been excluded from the determination of diluted net income or loss per share because the individual effect in each instance was antidilutive.

Concentration of Credit Risk

        Financial instruments, which potentially subject Crown Media Holdings to a concentration of credit risk, consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents and accounts receivable. Generally, Crown Media Holdings does not require collateral to secure receivables. Crown Media Holdings has no significant off-balance sheet financial instruments with risk of accounting losses.

        Five of the Company's distributors, with whom we have long term contracts, each accounted for more than 10% of subscriber revenue for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively, and together accounted for a total of 86%, 88% and 88% of subscriber revenue. Two of our distributors each accounted for approximately 15% or more of the Company's subscribers for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, and together accounted for 44%, 46% and 45% of Hallmark Channel subscribers, respectively. The loss of one of these distributors could have a significant impact on the Company's operations.

        Three and four of the Company's programming content providers each accounted for more than 10% of total programming rights payable as of both December 31, 2013 and 2014, and together accounted for a total of 69% and 74% of the programming rights payable, respectively.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

        In 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued a new accounting standard that will require the presentation of certain unrecognized tax benefits as reductions to deferred tax assets rather than as liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The Company adopted this new standard on a prospective basis during the first quarter of 2014. This adoption did not have an impact on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

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CROWN MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates (Continued)

        In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This ASU supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification 605—Revenue Recognition and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Codification. The standard requires that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This accounting standards update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact of the adoption of accounting standards update No. 2014-09 on its financial position and results of operations.

        In August 2014, FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15 Preparation of Financial Statements—Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40), Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. Under generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), continuation of a reporting entity as a going concern is presumed as the basis for preparing financial statements unless and until the entity's liquidation becomes imminent. Preparation of financial statements under this presumption is commonly referred to as the going concern basis of accounting. If and when an entity's liquidation becomes imminent, financial statements should be prepared under the liquidation basis of accounting in accordance with Subtopic 205-30, Presentation of Financial Statements—Liquidation Basis of Accounting. Even when an entity's liquidation is not imminent, there may be conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern. In those situations, financial statements should continue to be prepared under the going concern basis of accounting, but the amendments in this Update should be followed to determine whether to disclose information about the relevant conditions and events. The amendments in this Update are effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. The Company will evaluate the going concern considerations in this ASU, however, management does not believe that it has met conditions which would subject these financial statements for additional disclosure.

        In January 2015, the FASB issued new accounting rules that remove the concept of extraordinary items from U.S. GAAP. Under the existing guidance, an entity is required to separately disclose extraordinary items, net of tax, in the income statement after income from continuing operations if an event or transaction is of an unusual nature and occurs infrequently. This separate, net-of-tax presentation (and corresponding earnings per share impact) will no longer be allowed. The new rules will be effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2016. The Company does not expect the adoption of the new accounting rules to have a material impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

3. International Residual and Participation Obligation and Sale of Domestic Film Library

International Residual and Participation Obligation

        Accounts payable and accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2013 and 2014, also includes $473,000 and $1.5 million, respectively, for the estimated cost of residuals and participations that the buyer of our international business (which included the international rights to our film library) would otherwise be obligated to pay to third parties in connection with international film library sales between the April

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CROWN MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014

3. International Residual and Participation Obligation and Sale of Domestic Film Library (Continued)

2005 sale and April 2015. The Company's actual cost of this obligation will depend on the actual internal usage or sales of these films by the buyer.

        The Company received correspondence for the period January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013 to make good on its payment obligations. At December 31, 2014, the obligation was estimated to be $1.5 million. In December 2014, the Company concluded that payments for residuals and participations under its liability to the buyer of the international business would be greater than estimated. Accordingly, the Company increased the carrying amount of the liability by $1.0 million and recognized a corresponding loss from the sale of discontinued operations in the accompanying statement of operations, net of $371,000 of tax.

Sale of Domestic Film Library

        In December 2011 the Company and Sonar Entertainment, Inc. ("Sonar"), executed an agreement pursuant to which the Company acquired program licenses and was relieved of its remaining residuals and participations reimbursement obligations under the 2006 film library sale agreement, all in exchange for concurrent and future fixed cash payments. In November 2013, the Company recorded a $121,000 gain on extinguishment of this liability as a result of the Company making an early payment that resulted in a discount of cash owed.

4. Programming Rights

        Programming rights are comprised of the following:

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CROWN MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014

4. Programming Rights (Continued)

        Programming costs included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, were $134.5 million, $134.0 million and $148.6 million, respectively.

        In the regular course of evaluating the remaining usefulness of its various program rights, the Company may determine that certain rights may be of little future program value. In such instances, the Company shortens the estimated remaining life of the asset to zero, thereby accelerating amortization of the remaining net book value. During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, such changes in estimates resulted in additional amortization of programming rights of $4.0 million, $4.5 million and $7,000, respectively. Additionally, the Company evaluated the remaining usefulness of its owned programming asset and recognized $1.3 million of impairment expense during the year ended December 31, 2012. This expense is included as a component of non-affiliate programming costs in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. The Company expects to amortize $5.0 million to $6.0 million of the $8.1 million net book value of owned programming during the year ended December 31, 2015.

        At December 31, 2013 and 2014, $36.6 million and $39.8 million, respectively, of programming rights were included in prepaid programming rights in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The various license periods associated with such amounts had not commenced as of the respective balance sheet dates.

        Programming rights payable are comprised of the following:

        Under certain license agreements with Sonar, the Company was obligated to pay $5.3 million through December 1, 2013. In connection with its reorganization in bankruptcy, Sonar assigned its right to receive these license payments to Hallmark Cards. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company reclassified $848,000 from programming rights payable (to non-affiliates) to payables to Hallmark Cards affiliates. During the same period the Company remitted payment of $1.5 million to Hallmark Cards. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company reclassified $1.5 million from programming rights payable (to non-affiliates) to payables to Hallmark Cards affiliates. During the same period the Company remitted payment of $2.5 million to Hallmark Cards. At both December 31, 2013 and 2014, the payable to Hallmark Cards affiliates includes $0 related to this assignment.

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CROWN MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014

5. Property and Equipment

        Property and equipment are comprised of the following:

        Depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment was $2.3 million, $2.6 million and $2.8 million, for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.

        Software and other intangible assets of $984,000 and $1.1 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively, have been included in prepaid and other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

6. Leases

        The Company leases uplink and transponder capacity and copiers under long-term lease agreements that are accounted for as capital leases. The capital lease liabilities are included as components of both accounts payable and accrued liabilities and non-current accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. In addition, the Company leases uplink services and office facilities under operating leases that are generally non-cancelable. These leases expire at various dates

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CROWN MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014

6. Leases (Continued)

through 2020, and some contain escalation clauses and renewal options. Future minimum lease payments under the agreements as of December 31, 2014, are as follows:

        Rent expense under the operating leases was $3.4 million, $3.7 million and $4.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. Amortization of the uplink and transponder asset held under a capital lease is recorded as amortization of capital lease in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

        The Company accrues and recognizes rent expense for operating leases on a straight line basis over the term of the lease, including free rent holiday periods, if any.

        Revenue associated with the Company's sale of excess digital network capacity on a transponder is included in other revenue. Such amounts were $262,000 in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

7. Revolving Credit Facilities, Term Loan, and the Notes

Credit Facilities and Term Loan

        On July 14, 2011, in connection with the 2011 Refinancing, the Company entered into a new $240.0 million credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with a lender syndicate and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent. The Credit Agreement provides for the Term Loan, a seven year $210.0 million senior secured term loan facility, and the five year $30.0 million senior secured, super-priority revolving credit facility. The Term Loan was issued at a discount of 1.0% or $2.1 million.

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CROWN MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014

7. Revolving Credit Facilities, Term Loan, and the Notes (Continued)

        On March 29, 2013, the Company and the lender syndicate amended the Company's credit agreement dated July 14, 2011. Among other things, the amendment served to (i) significantly reduce the nominal interest rates applicable to principal owed by the Company and (ii) extend the maturity of the $30.0 million revolving credit facility.

        The amendment also served to modify the lender syndicate supporting the Term Loan. For financial reporting purposes, the Company treated the transaction as a modification, as the present value of the cash flows did not substantially change.

        The Company incurred costs of approximately $1.8 million in connection with the amendment, of which (i) $430,000, representing a 0.25% discount paid to all members of the lender syndicate, and (ii) $1.1 million of debt issuance costs paid to creditors have been capitalized with respect to the Term Loan and will be amortized along with previously unamortized amounts related to syndicate members. Third-party debt issuance costs of $260,000 were expensed and are included in selling, general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013.

        The amendment reduced the Company's minimum rate on LIBOR borrowings under the Term Loan from 5.75% to 4.00% (the latter comprising a LIBOR floor of 1.00% plus an applicable rate of 3.00%). The LIBOR floor was reduced by 25 basis points and the applicable rate was reduced by 150 basis points. The July 14, 2018 maturity date for the Term Loan remains unchanged.

        Prior to March 29, 2013, the Company made principal payments of $525,000 at each quarter's end. Under the amended Term Loan, the Company made quarterly principal payments of $430,000 through September 2013. Subsequent to that date, the Company is no longer required to make these principal payments due to its voluntary payment. The Company continues to be subject to requirements to remit additional principal payments in amounts equal to (1) 50% of excess cash flow (as defined in the amended credit agreement) as determined annually, which percentage will be reduced to 25% if the consolidated leverage ratio (as defined in the amended credit agreement) is equal to or less than 4.25 to 1 but greater than 3.25 to 1, and 0% if the consolidated leverage ratio is equal to or less than 3.25 to 1, respectively; (2) 100% of net cash proceeds resulting from dispositions or casualty events if such proceeds have not been reinvested within one year after the occurrence of the disposition or casualty event; and (3) 100% of net cash proceeds from issuance of debt or preferred stock not otherwise permitted by the amended credit agreement. At both December 31, 2013 and 2014, the Company's consolidated leverage ratio was less than 3.25.

        Under the amended revolving credit facility, the maturity date was extended from July 14, 2016, to January 14, 2018. The interest rate applicable to future borrowings, if any, was reduced from LIBOR plus 3.5% to LIBOR plus 2.75%. At December 31, 2013 and 2014, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the amended revolving credit facility.

        The covenants in the amended credit agreement continue to limit the ability of Crown Media Holdings and certain of its subsidiaries to (1) incur indebtedness; (2) create or permit liens on assets; (3) make certain dividends, stock repurchases and redemptions and other restricted payments; (4) make certain investments; (5) prepay indebtedness; (6) enter into certain transactions with Crown Media Holdings' affiliates; (7) dispose of substantially all of the assets of Crown Media Holdings; (8) merge or consolidate; (9) enter into new unrelated lines of businesses; and (10) enter into sale and leaseback

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CROWN MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014

7. Revolving Credit Facilities, Term Loan, and the Notes (Continued)

transactions. The amended credit agreement also requires compliance with a maximum total leverage ratio test and a maximum total secured leverage ratio test, but permits, with certain limitations, certain equity contributions to be made to Crown Media Holdings to enhance its ability to comply with such ratio tests.

        The amended credit agreement contains a number of affirmative and negative covenants. The Company was in compliance with these covenants as of December 31, 2014.

        At December 31, 2013, and 2014, the outstanding balance under the Term Loan, net of unamortized discount, was $154.3 million and $118.2 million, respectively. The Company made principal payments of $19.6 million, $33.2 million and $36.5 under the Term Loan during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. Interest expense under the Term Loan was $12.2 million, $8.8 million and $6.6 million for years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.

        The effective interest rate under the Term Loan was approximately 6.41%, 5.28% and 5.06% during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. The weighted average nominal interest rate was approximately 5.84%, 4.54% and 4.05% during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.

        Interest expense under the revolving credit facility for years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively, was $0. One letter of credit was outstanding in the amount of $202,000 at both December 31, 2013 and 2014. Commitment fees on the revolving credit facility are payable on the unused revolving credit commitment at the rate of 0.50% per annum, payable quarterly. Commitment fee expense for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, was $152,000, $152,000 and $151,000, respectively.

The Notes

        On July 14, 2011, the Company issued the Notes in a private placement conducted pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Notes are guaranteed on a senior basis by each of Crown Media Holdings' subsidiaries.

        Commencing January 15, 2012, interest is payable each January 15^th and July 15^th. The Company is not required to make mandatory sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes.

        The covenants in the related indenture limit the ability of the Company to, among other things (1) incur additional debt; (2) pay dividends or make other restricted payments; (3) purchase, redeem or retire capital stock or subordinated debt; (4) make asset sales, including by way of sale leaseback transactions; (5) provide subsidiary guarantees; (6) enter into transactions with affiliates; (7) incur liens; (8) make investments; and (9) merge or consolidate with any other person.

        During any period in which the Notes have an investment grade rating from both Moody's and S&P (at least Baa3 by Moody's and BBB– by S&P), and no default has occurred and is continuing under the Indenture, Crown Media Holdings and its restricted subsidiaries will not be required to comply with the covenants in the Indenture that limit their ability to (1) incur additional debt; (2) pay dividends or make other restricted payments; (3) purchase, redeem or retire capital stock or subordinated debt; (4) make asset sales; (5) provide subsidiary guarantees; and (6) enter into

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CROWN MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014

7. Revolving Credit Facilities, Term Loan, and the Notes (Continued)

transactions with affiliates. The Company was in compliance with these covenants as of December 31, 2014.

        Interest expense under the Notes was $32.2 million, $32.3 million and $31.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. After giving effect to the amortization of associated debt issuance costs, the effective interest rate of the Notes was approximately 11.0% during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Debt Repurchase

        In August 2014, the Company repurchased $8.5 million in principal amount of its Notes due July 2019 for a price of $9.5 million and retired a portion of the related debt issuance costs of $160,000, which resulted in aggregate a pre-tax loss on early extinguishment of debt of $1.2 million. In October 2014, the Company repurchased $20.0 million in principal amount of its Notes due July 2019 for a purchase price of $22.1 million and retired a portion of the related debt issuance costs of $368,000, which resulted in aggregate a pre-tax loss on early extinguishment of debt of $2.5 million.

Debt Service Requirements

        Debt service requirements, including estimated future interest, for each of the five years subsequent to December 31, 2014, and the period thereafter, are as follows:

Guarantees

        Crown Media Holdings has no independent assets or operations, the guarantees by the subsidiary guarantors are full and unconditional, joint and several, and there are no subsidiaries of Crown Media Holdings that are not subsidiary guarantors. With certain exceptions described above, the Notes and the Credit Facilities impose restrictions on the payment of dividends by Crown Media Holdings and the subsidiary guarantors.

8. Related Party Transactions

Lease Guarantees with Hallmark Cards

        On February 24, 2010, the Company executed a letter of credit/guaranty commitment with respect to a certain lease agreement with 12700 Investments, Ltd. for the office space at 12700 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City, California. The landlord required that Crown Media United States, the entity which executed the lease, provide a letter of credit of $1.6 million securing certain obligations of Crown Media United States. Consequently, Hallmark Cards agreed to guarantee the issuer of such letter of credit against any loss thereon pursuant to the guaranty. As an inducement for Hallmark Cards to issue

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CROWN MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014

8. Related Party Transactions (Continued)

the guaranty, Crown Media United States agreed to pay Hallmark Cards a fee which equals 0.75% per annum of the outstanding letter of credit obligation. Additionally, in the event that Hallmark Cards is required to pay any amount under the guaranty, Crown Media United States must reimburse Hallmark Cards for any such amount plus any fees and charges associated with making such payment, any interest applicable to such amount and any costs and expenses of Hallmark Cards in connection with protecting its rights under the guaranty.

        On September 2, 2008, Hallmark Cards issued a guaranty for the benefit of Crown Media United States, which guaranty pertains to a lease agreement with Paramount Group, Inc. for the office space at 1325 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York. As a condition to executing the lease agreement, the landlord required Hallmark Cards to guaranty all obligations of Crown Media United States under the lease agreement. As an inducement for Hallmark Cards to issue the guaranty, Crown Media United States agreed to pay Hallmark Cards a fee which equals 0.28% per annum of the outstanding obligation under the lease agreement. Additionally, in the event that Hallmark Cards is required to pay any amount under the guaranty, Crown Media United States must reimburse Hallmark Cards for any such amount plus any fees and charges associated with making such payment, any interest applicable to such amount and any costs and expenses of Hallmark Cards in connection with protecting its rights under the guaranty.

Tax Sharing Agreements

        Pursuant to the federal tax sharing agreement entered into with Hallmark Cards on March 11, 2003, the Company's results of operations for federal income tax reporting purposes became a part of Hallmark Cards' consolidated federal tax group and remained so until October 31, 2012. On that later date, Hallmark Cards transferred ownership of 40 million shares of the Company's common stock to a German subsidiary of Hallmark Cards that is not part of Hallmark Cards' consolidated federal tax group. This transfer of Company stock reduced the percentage of the Company's common stock collectively owned by members of Hallmark Cards' consolidated federal tax group to less than 80%, the minimum threshold required for inclusion in a consolidated federal income tax return. Effective November 1, 2012, the Company became a separate-company taxpayer for federal income tax reporting purposes. The stock transfer and resulting separate-company taxpayer status are referred to as the "Federal Tax Deconsolidation."

        The Federal Tax Deconsolidation enabled the Company to access approximately $692.0 million of net operating losses ("NOLs") it incurred prior to March 11, 2003 (the "SRLY NOLs"). Because of limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code of the United States, Hallmark Cards was restricted in its ability to utilize the SRLY NOLs. As a separate-company taxpayer, the Company will be limited in the use of the SRLY NOLs only by its ability to generate sufficient future taxable income. If not utilized, the SRLY NOLs will expire in periods from 2019 through 2021.

        For each of the periods in which it was a member of Hallmark Cards' consolidated federal tax group, the Company either (i) received from Hallmark Cards the incremental tax benefit related to the loss it contributed to the consolidated return or (ii) paid Hallmark Cards the incremental tax associated with the taxable income it contributed to the consolidated return. Payments received from Hallmark Cards or credited against amounts owed by the Company to any other member of Hallmark Cards' consolidated federal tax group have been recorded as additions to paid-in capital. Amounts owed or

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CROWN MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014

8. Related Party Transactions (Continued)

payments made to Hallmark Cards or to any member of Hallmark Cards' consolidated group in excess of current tax expense have been recorded as reductions to paid-in capital.

        Amounts owed and paid to Hallmark Cards pursuant to the federal tax sharing agreement for 2012, 2013 and 2014 are summarized below.

        Since May 9, 2000, the Company has been included in certain combined state income tax returns of Hallmark Cards or Hallmark Entertainment Holdings, Inc. ("HEH"). In connection therewith, HEH and the Company entered into a state tax sharing agreement. Under the state tax sharing agreement, Hallmark Cards (as successor to HEH upon the Recapitalization) and the Company file consolidated, combined or unitary state tax returns in some states. The Company makes tax-sharing payments to (or receives payments from) Hallmark Cards equal to the taxes (or tax refunds) that the Company would pay (or receive) if it filed on a stand-alone basis. Such payments are computed based on the Company's taxable income (loss) and other tax items beginning the day following the May 9, 2000, reorganization. In connection with the Recapitalization, Hallmark Cards agreed to waive the Company's state tax liability associated with the 2010 cancellation of debt income in those states in which Hallmark Cards and the Company file a combined return.

        During 2012, the Company reimbursed Hallmark Cards approximately $495,000 with respect to the state tax sharing agreement for the 2011 tax year. During 2013, the Company reimbursed Hallmark Cards approximately $264,000 with respect to the state tax sharing agreement for the 2012 tax year. During 2014, the Company reimbursed Hallmark Cards approximately $385,000 with respect to the state tax sharing agreement for the 2013 tax year. For the tax year ended December 31, 2014, it is estimated that the Company will owe Hallmark Cards approximately $75,000 with respect to the state tax sharing agreement, which will be paid during 2015. This amount will be payable two days prior to the due date of the state tax returns.

        The Company will continue to be included in Hallmark Cards' consolidated or combined returns for certain states.

Services Agreement with Hallmark Cards

        Hallmark Cards provides Crown Media Holdings with tax, risk management, health safety, environmental, insurance, legal, treasury, human resources, cash management and real estate consulting

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CROWN MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014

8. Related Party Transactions (Continued)

services. In exchange, the Company is obligated to pay Hallmark Cards a fee, plus out-of-pocket expenses and third party fees, in arrears on the last business day of each month. Fees for Hallmark Cards' services were $457,000 for 2012, $347,000 for 2013 and $342,000 for 2014.

        At December 31, 2013, and 2014, the Company's payables to Hallmark Cards affiliates in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets were $466,000 and $150,000, respectively. The December 31, 2013, balance was comprised of $465,000 of taxes and $1,000 of invoices paid on the Company's behalf. The December 31, 2014, balance was comprised of $150,000 of taxes.

"Hallmark Hall of Fame" Programming License Agreement

        In 2008, Crown Media United States entered into an agreement with Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions, LLC for the exclusive television license of 58 "Hallmark Hall of Fame" movies, consisting of 16 contemporary Hallmark Hall of Fame titles (i.e., produced from 2003 to 2008) and 42 older titles, for exhibition on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel. These titles are licensed for ten year windows, which commenced at various times between 2007 and 2010. The total license fee for these movies is $17.2 million and is payable in equal monthly installments over the various ten-year exhibition windows.

        In 2011, Crown Media United States entered into an additional agreement with Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions, LLC for the exclusive television license of 16 "Hallmark Hall of Fame" movies produced from 2009 through 2014, for exhibition on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel. These titles are licensed for ten-year windows, with windows commencing at various times between 2011 and 2014, depending on availability. The total license fee for these movies is $10.0 million and is payable in equal monthly installments over the various ten-year exhibition windows.

        On July 6, 2011, the Company and Hallmark Cards entered into an agreement whereby Hallmark Cards purchased advertising time from the Company and provided one-week, limited play licenses for each of six new "Hallmark Hall of Fame" two-hour movies produced by Hallmark Cards over the two-year contract term. The Company recognized advertising revenue of approximately $4.4 million as it fulfilled its advertising obligation to Hallmark Cards. As of December 31, 2013, all of such movies have aired on Hallmark Channel.

        Effective July 6, 2013, the Company and Hallmark Cards extended the July 6, 2011 agreement for another year, whereby Hallmark Cards purchased advertising time from the Company and provided one-week, limited play licenses for each of two new "Hallmark Hall of Fame" two-hour movies produced by Hallmark Cards and up to two additional Hallmark Hall of Fame movies premiered in a previous year. The Company recognized advertising revenue of approximately $2.1 million as it fulfilled its advertising obligation to Hallmark Cards. As of December 31, 2014, three movies have aired on Hallmark Channel.

        Effective September 12, 2014, the Company entered into an agreement with Hallmark Cards whereby Hallmark Cards has and will continue to purchase advertising time from the Company and has and will continue to provide exclusive premier rights to the two new "Hallmark Hall of Fame" two-hour movies, which have been produced. Additionally, the Company has exclusive rights to broadcast two "Hallmark Hall of Fame" two-hour movies, which have premiered in a previous year. The Company will receive a total payment from Hallmark Cards of $3.0 million under this agreement

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CROWN MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014

8. Related Party Transactions (Continued)

in connection with Hallmark Cards' advertising on Hallmark Channel. The Company recognized advertising revenue of approximately $2.6 million as it fulfilled its advertising obligations to Hallmark Cards. As of December 31, 2014, two movies have aired on Hallmark Channel.

        Effective October 1, 2014, Crown Media United States entered into an additional agreement with Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions, LLC for the exclusive television license of "Hallmark Hall of Fame" movies produced from 2014 through 2016, for exhibition on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. These titles are licensed for ten-year windows, with windows commencing at times as agreed to by the parties. The license fee for these movies is $660,000 per movie and is payable in equal yearly installments over the license term.

Northpole

        The Company has produced Northpole, a Hallmark Channel original holiday movie, which premiered during the 2014 holiday season. It was the first full-length, two-hour original holiday movie by Hallmark Channel based on Hallmark Cards' intellectual property. Costs related to this movie have been capitalized and are included in long term programming rights on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. The Company recognized licensing revenue of approximately $900,000 related to this agreement.

Northpole II

        The Company is producing Northpole II, a Hallmark Channel original holiday movie, which will premier during the 2015 holiday season. It will be the second full-length, two-hour original holiday movie by Hallmark Channel based on Hallmark Cards' intellectual property. Certain costs related to this movie have been capitalized and are included in long term programming rights on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. The Company anticipates similar agreements in the future.

hoops & yoyo and Jingle Pup

        During 2011 and 2012, Hallmark Channel licensed 30-minute animated specials separately featuring hoops & yoyo or Jingle Pup, popular animated characters created and owned by Hallmark Cards. The hoops & yoyo license expires in 2016. The Jingle Pup licenses expire in 2020 and 2021, respectively.

Trademark Agreement with Hallmark Cards

        Crown Media United States has a trademark license agreement with Hallmark Licensing, LLC, an affiliate of Hallmark Cards, for use of the "Hallmark" mark for Hallmark Channel and for Hallmark Movie Channel. In connection with the 2011 Refinancing, Hallmark Licensing, LLC extended these existing trademark licenses for an additional period terminating the earlier of (i) July 14, 2019 and (ii) the later of (x) the expiration or termination of the Credit Agreement and (y) the redemption of all of the Notes, subject to any earlier termination of such license agreements pursuant to the respective terms of such license agreements.

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CROWN MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014

8. Related Party Transactions (Continued)

        The Company is not required to pay any royalty fees under the trademark license agreements. Accordingly, no amounts have been reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets or consolidated statements of operations of the Company for these licenses.

        Under the license agreement, we would be in default if we (i) fail to make any payment due under any loan agreement within five days of its due date or (ii) receive an opinion from our auditors that expresses their doubt with respect to our ability to continue as a going concern.

9. Stockholders' Equity

        The Company has not paid any cash dividends on its common stock since inception. It has been prohibited from doing so by prior debt agreements including the Term A and Term B Loans. The provisions of the Term Loan and the Notes likewise place significant restrictions on the payment of common stock dividends.

10. Income Taxes

        As a result of the Federal Tax Deconsolidation in 2012, the Company filed a separate federal tax return for 2013 and will file a separate return also for 2014.

        At December 31, 2012, management determined that it was more likely than not that the Company will realize an additional portion of the benefit of its deferred tax assets. Accordingly, during the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company released $54.2 million of the valuation allowance.

        Notwithstanding the periods during which the Company was a member of Hallmark Cards' consolidated federal tax group, the Company has continuously accounted for income taxes as if it were a separate-company taxpayer. For financial reporting purposes, the losses incurred while the Company was included in the Hallmark consolidated returns were recorded as a tax benefit offset by a valuation allowance. However, upon exit from Hallmark Cards' consolidated federal tax group, since the Company would be filing tax returns on a separate company basis, that portion of the Company's net operating losses that had previously been utilized by Hallmark Cards' consolidated federal tax group, was not available to the Company as a separate-company taxpayer. Accordingly, in the fourth of quarter of 2012, deferred tax assets, specifically the component related to net operating losses and the valuation allowance, were each reduced by $229.7 million.

        Based on positive evidence, including the five year cumulative positive income and a reasonable expectation of continued profitability in future years, the absence of significant negative evidence and certain other matters, management determined it is more likely than not that its deferred tax assets will be realized except for certain deferred tax assets attributable to state net operating losses. Accordingly, during the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company released an additional $22.8 million of the valuation allowance.

        For 2013 and 2014, the Company generated federal and state taxable income for both regular tax and alternative minimum tax ("AMT") purposes. For regular tax purposes, this income will be fully offset by net operating loss carryforwards. However, for federal AMT purposes, loss carryforwards used to offset the AMT income are subject to a 90% limitation.

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CROWN MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014

10. Income Taxes (Continued)

        Prior to the Federal Tax Deconsolidation, as a result of being included in the consolidated tax return of Hallmark Cards, this AMT expense was not required to be paid to the Internal Revenue Service nor to Hallmark Cards under the tax sharing agreement through October 31, 2012. Accordingly, the Company reduced the liability for the AMT and increased paid-in capital. The net result for AMT calculated as if the Company was a separate taxpayer was a charge to the consolidated statements of operations and a corresponding credit to paid-in capital. The accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2014 included $38,000 for 2013 and $45,000 for 2014, respectively, as components of accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

        In recent years, changes enacted by various states have served to defer the effectiveness of the Company's net operating loss carryforwards. Also, Colorado has suspended NOLs in excess of $250,000 for 2011 through 2013 and Illinois has suspended the use of NOLs for 2011 through 2013.

        Income tax (benefit) expense for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, comprised the following:

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CROWN MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014

10. Income Taxes (Continued)

        The following table reconciles the income tax provision at the U.S. statutory rate to the provision per the consolidated financial statements:

        The components of Crown Media Holdings' deferred tax assets and liabilities are comprised of the following:

        The Federal Tax Deconsolidation removes the limitation on the Company's use of losses incurred prior to being included in the Hallmark Cards' consolidated federal tax group ("SRLY NOLs") and thus the related valuation allowance was removed. In addition, the deferred tax asset and valuation allowance related to the federal NOLs incurred while the Company was included in Hallmark Cards' consolidated federal tax group and utilized by Hallmark Cards' consolidated federal tax group have also been removed. The deferred tax asset and related valuation allowance related to the AMT credits

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CROWN MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014

10. Income Taxes (Continued)

recognized while the Company was included in Hallmark Cards' consolidated federal tax group and calculated as if the Company were a separate taxpayer have also been removed. Accordingly, the Company had a deferred tax asset of $200.0 million and $156.6 million related to the cumulative SRLY NOLs as of December 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively.

        As of December 31, 2013 and 2014, the Company has federal NOL carry-forwards of $571.6 million and $447.3 million, respectively, and various state NOL carry-forwards. The $3.4 million of valuation allowance described below is comprised of state NOLs. The federal NOLs will expire between 2019 and 2021, and the state NOLs will expire between 2015 and 2032.

        The activity in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets for each of the three years ended December 31, 2012, 2013, and 2014, is as follows (in thousands):

        At December 31, 2013 and 2014, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions was $0. The Company recognized no increase or decrease in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions. At December 31, 2013 and 2014, the Company had no accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions.

        By virtue of its inclusion in Hallmark Cards consolidated tax returns, the Company is subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for periods subsequent to March 10, 2003, and prior to the Federal Tax Deconsolidation. The IRS audited the Hallmark Cards consolidated tax returns for 2010 and 2011. The separate tax returns of the Company from November 1 through December 31, 2012, and 2013 are also subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. Further, net operating loss carry-forwards are subject to examination in the year they are utilized regardless of whether the tax year in which they were generated has been closed by statute. The amount subject to disallowance is limited to the NOL utilized. Accordingly, the Company is subject to examination for SRLY NOLs generated prior to March 11, 2003, as such NOLs are utilized.

        In September 2012, the Company obtained a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service in support of its position that as a result of the Federal Tax Deconsolidation, it will no longer be part of Hallmark Cards' consolidated federal tax group and the restrictions on its ability to utilize the SRLY NOLs will no longer apply.

        As of 2013 and 2014, the Company has separate company nexus in New York and Georgia and has also been included in the combined state tax returns of Hallmark Cards or its subsidiaries for California, Colorado and Illinois.

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CROWN MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014

11. Fair Value

        The following table presents the carrying amounts (including interest) and estimated fair values (including interest) of the Company's financial instruments at December 31, 2013 and 2014.

        ASC Topic 820 Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures defines fair value of a liability as the price that would be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Company estimated the fair value of the Notes using the trading prices obtained from Bloomberg on December 31, 2013 and 2014, a Level 2 input, due to the limited amount of trading activity. The Company estimated the fair value of its Term Loan using a yield-to-maturity rate obtained from a pricing service, a Level 3 input.

        At December 31, 2013 and 2014, the fair values of the Level 3 financial instruments were $150.9 million and $116.0 million, respectively. No transfers between levels occurred during 2013 and 2014.

        Accounts payable and receivable are carried at reasonable estimates of their fair values because of the short-term nature of these instruments. Interest rates on borrowings under the bank credit facility are for relatively short periods and variable. Therefore, the fair value of this debt is not significantly affected by fluctuations in interest rates. The credit spread on the debt is fixed, but the market rate will fluctuate. Only a significant change in the creditworthiness of the Company would impact the credit spread. The Company believes that there has not been a significant change in this regard since issuance.

12. Share-Based Compensation

        Crown Media Holdings had one stock option plan, the Amended and Restated Crown Media Holdings, Inc. 2000 Long Term Incentive Plan, which covered Restricted Stock Units ("RSU"). The Company now has one incentive plan, the 2012 Crown Media Holdings, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan (the "Plan"). The Plan covers stock appreciation rights ("SAR"), long term incentive awards ("LTIP Awards") and other awards that are not stock-based.

General Restricted Stock Unit Information

        The Company's restricted stock units ("RSUs") vested based on continued service and market conditions. RSUs vested in one-third increments on the anniversary of the grant date in each of the three years following the grant. The Company's RSUs were settled in cash. The Company historically settled the RSUs in cash, and had classified its RSUs as liability awards for accounting purposes.

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CROWN MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014

12. Share-Based Compensation (Continued)

        The Company recognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, over the vesting term and included changes in fair value at each reporting period. Its cash settlements for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 were as follows:

        A summary of the status of the Company's RSUs at December 31, 2013 and 2014, and changes during the years then ended is presented below:

        The Company recorded $237,000, $242,000 and $36,000 of compensation expense associated with the employment and performance RSUs during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively, which has been included in selling, general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. These awards were included as liabilities in accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets due to the Company's history of settling these awards in cash.

        As of December 31, 2013 and 2014, there was no unrecognized compensation cost, related to non-vested stock options granted to the Company's employees. The closing price of a share of the Company's common stock, which is used to calculate the year end RSU liabilities, was $3.53 on December 31, 2013. As of December 31, 2013 and 2014, there was unrecognized compensation cost, related to non-vested RSUs granted to the Company's directors, in the amount of $40,000 and $0, respectively, using the aforementioned stock price.

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CROWN MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014

13. Employee Benefits

Benefit Plans

        All employees of Crown Media Holdings are automatically enrolled in the Company's 401(k) retirement plan. Employees have 90 days to terminate his or her participation in the plan and the plan will refund any contributions. Participating employees may contribute up to 60% of their pre-tax salary, subject to a maximum contribution limit as determined by the Internal Revenue Service, and up to 16% of after-tax salary, not to exceed 60% total of combined pre-tax and after-tax contributions. During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, the Company recognized discretionary matching contributions of $430,000, $432,000 and $505,000, respectively, which are included in selling, general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Deferred Compensation Plans

        The Company sponsors a deferred compensation plan for its management. Participants in this plan earn interest on their deferred compensation. Related liabilities of $2.1 million and $2.3 million at December 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively, are included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets among current and non-current accrued liabilities.

        The Company also sponsors a deferred compensation plan for its Board of Directors. Participants in this plan earn interest on their deferred compensation. Related liabilities of $345,000 and $340,000 at December 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively, are included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets among current and non-current accrued liabilities.

Long Term Incentive Compensation Agreements

Employee

        The Company grants incentive awards pursuant to the 2012 Long Term Incentive Plan (the "2012 Plan"). For awards granted in 2012 through 2014, the target amount of an award granted was based on a percentage of each employee's annual base salary ranging from 18% to 85%. Each award is comprised of a Performance Award and an Employment Award. For awards granted in 2010 through 2012, the Performance Award and the Employment Award each constituted half of the award. For awards granted in 2013 and 2014, the Performance Award constituted 60% of the award and the Employment Award constituted 40% of the award. The Performance Award is based on the Company's achievement of a predetermined cash flow goal and an adjusted EBITDA goal over a three year performance period.

        In the first quarter of 2010, the Company granted incentive compensation ranging from $25,000 to $536,000 per employee. The 50% Employment Awards vested and were settled in cash on August 31, 2012, in the amount of $1.2 million. A portion of the Performance Awards vested on December 31, 2012, and was settled during the first quarter of 2013 in the amount of $640,000; the remainder did not vest.

        In the second quarter of 2011, the Company granted incentive compensation ranging from $23,000 to $550,000 per employee. The 50% Employment Awards vested on August 31, 2013, and were settled in cash on September 6, 2013, in the aggregate amount of $1.5 million. The Performance Awards

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014

13. Employee Benefits (Continued)

vested on December 31, 2013, and were settled in cash in the amount of $1.6 million on March 14, 2014.

        In the first quarter of 2012, the Company granted incentive compensation ranging from $22,000 to $652,000 per employee. The 50% Employment Awards vested on August 31, 2014, and were settled in cash on September 5, 2014, in the aggregate amount of $1.5 million. The Performance Awards vested on December 31, 2014, and will be settled in cash during the first quarter of 2015 in the amount of $1.9 million.

        In the first quarter of 2013, the Company granted incentive compensation ranging from $20,000 to $680,000 per employee. Each of the 40% Employment Awards, subject to continued employment, and each of the 60% Performance Awards, subject to the Company's achievement of financial performance criteria, will vest on December 31, 2015, and be settled in cash the later of January 30, 2016, or 15 days after the Company issues its audited financials for 2015, but no later than March 15, 2016. Each award is also subject to earlier pro rata settlement as provided in the 2012 Plan.

        In the first quarter of 2014, the Company granted incentive compensation ranging from $27,000 to $707,000 per employee. Each of the 40% Employment Awards, subject to continued employment, and each of the 60% Performance Awards, subject to the Company's achievement of financial performance criteria, will vest on December 31, 2016, and be settled in cash the later of January 30, 2017, or 15 days after the Company issues its audited financials for 2016, but no later than March 15, 2017. Each award is also subject to earlier pro rata settlement as provided in the 2012 Plan.

Independent Directors

        During the third quarter of 2012, the Company entered into agreements granting $20,000 incentive compensation to each director who is not an employee of the Company or Hallmark Cards or their respective subsidiaries subject to continued membership on the board. On December 31, 2012, the performance criteria were achieved and on August 16, 2013, the awards vested. On August 23, 2013, the awards were settled in cash in the aggregate amount of $132,000.

        Additionally, in August 2012, the Company entered into agreements granting $50,000 incentive compensation to each director who is not an employee of the Company or Hallmark Cards or their respective subsidiaries subject to continued membership on the board. On December 31, 2014, the performance criteria were achieved. During the first quarter of 2015, the awards will be settled in cash in the aggregate amount of $306,000.

        In March 2013, the Company entered into agreements granting $50,000 incentive compensation to each director who is not an employee of the Company or Hallmark Cards or their respective subsidiaries subject to continued membership on the board through December 31, 2015, the vesting date, and achievement of the financial performance criteria. Each award will be settled in cash by the later of January 30, 2016, or 15 days after the Company issues its audited financials for 2015, but no later than March 15, 2016. Each award is also subject to earlier pro rata settlement as provided in each agreement.

        During the third quarter of 2013, the Company entered into agreements granting $35,000 incentive compensation to each director who is not an employee of the Company or Hallmark Cards or their

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CROWN MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014

13. Employee Benefits (Continued)

respective subsidiaries subject to continued membership on the board. On December 31, 2013, the performance criteria were achieved. On August 15, 2014, the awards vested and on August 19, 2014, the awards were settled in cash in the aggregate amount of $262,000.

        In March 2014, the Company entered into agreements granting $50,000 incentive compensation to each director who is not an employee of the Company or Hallmark Cards or their respective subsidiaries subject to continued membership on the board through December 31, 2016, the vesting date, and achievement of the financial performance criteria. Each award will be settled in cash by the later of January 30, 2017, or 15 days after the Company issues its audited financials for 2016, but no later than March 15, 2017. Each award is also subject to earlier pro rata settlement as provided in each agreement.

Vesting

        The 2012 Performance Awards vested on December 31, 2014, and were be determined in accordance with the Company performance criteria concerning adjusted EBITDA and cash flow. Vesting of the 2013 and 2014 Performance Awards will also be determined in accordance with the Company performance criteria concerning adjusted EBITDA and cash flow. Each award is subject to earlier pro rata settlement as provided in the related agreement.

        The Company recorded $2.8 million, $3.7 million and $4.2 million of expense included in selling, general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively, related to these agreements. Additionally, the $5.1 million and $5.9 million liabilities for these agreements was included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively.

14. Commitments and Contingencies

        In the normal course of business, the Company has entered into agreements that commit it to make cash payments in future periods with respect to non-cancelable leases and programming contracts.

        An entity providing licensed programming is required to report an asset and liability for the rights licensed under a programming agreement only when the license period has begun and when certain other defined requirements are met. As such, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets do not reflect both gross assets and liabilities of $198.4 million and $132.4 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively, related to committed programming rights payable with airing windows which begin subsequent to period-end.

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CROWN MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014

14. Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)

        Contractual maturities of long-term obligations over the next five years and the period thereafter are as follows:

Litigation

        From time to time, the Company and/or various officers and directors may be named as defendants in legal actions involving various claims incident to the conduct of its business. Whenever the Company concludes that an adverse outcome in any such action is probable and a loss amount can reasonably be estimated, the Company records such loss amount. Related legal costs, net of anticipated insurance reimbursements, are expensed as incurred.

15. Segment Reporting

        During 2012, 2013 and 2014, the Networks comprise the Company's sole operating segment. The Company has evaluated performance and allocated resources based on the results of this segment. The key operating performance criteria used in this evaluation include revenue, loss from continuing operations and total assets.

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Table of Contents

CROWN MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014

16. Quarterly Information (Unaudited)

        The following tables contain unaudited quarterly financial data (in thousands, except per share amounts) for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014.

 

        See notes 3 and 10 above for discussions regarding non-routine quarterly activity.

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