BSkyB has signed a deal with Hallmark Entertainment Network that will see a UK version of the family-oriented channel launch on Sky Digital early next year. The channel initially will be available exclusively via DTH, but will be made available to cable in 2001. Hallmark Entertainment Network UK, will include Hallmark Entertainment product and third party material, including some from BSkyB.

The Hallmark channel will air a range of product, including day-part programming and children’s blocks, with movies and mini-series occupying prime-time. A BSkyB spokesman said that BSkyB would also get right of first refusal to a range of Hallmark programming, some of which would likely be shown on Sky Premier. BSkyB and Hallmark Entertainment are currently co-producing a $40 million, 10-hour drama series, Tenth Kingdom, to be shown next year

Meanwhile, the Money Channel, the personal finance service backed by Adam Faith, has singed a deal with BSkyB to broadcast on its network, although it will not be marketed by BSkyB. The Money Channel is set to launch in February.