Bill Abbott, who ran the squeaky-clean Hallmark Channel, is looking to turn cable networks recently acquired by his GAC Media into a new family friendly entertainment destination. The Great American Country channel, acquired from Discovery for $90 million, is becoming GAC Family, effective Sept. 27 and Ride TV will become GAC Living.
Bill Abbott is leaving a month after the Hallmark Channel faced an outcry over a decision to pull an ad with a lesbian couple kissing. No reason was given for his departure, and no replacement was immediately named.
