1. Business and Organization

        Crown Media Holdings, Inc. ("Crown Media Holdings" or the "Company"), through its wholly-owned subsidiary Crown Media United States, owns and operates pay television networks (collectively, the "Networks" or the "networks") dedicated to high quality, entertainment programming for adults and families, in the United States. The significant investor in the Company is H C Crown, LLC ("HCC"), a subsidiary of Hallmark Cards, Incorporated ("Hallmark Cards").

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

        On June 29, 2010, the Company consummated a series of recapitalization transactions (the "Recapitalization"). 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"). All of these instruments are described further below.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates

Basis of Presentation

        The 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 accompanying 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 revenues and expenses. Such estimates include the collectibility of accounts receivable, the valuation of goodwill, intangible assets, and other long-lived assets, legal contingencies, indemnifications, and assumptions used in the calculation of income taxes and related valuation allowance, among others. A significant non-recurring use of estimates occurred in the course of recording the Company's June 2010 troubled debt restructuring which required that the Company estimate the fair values of preferred stock and common stock issued in the Recapitalization.

        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. Illiquid credit markets, volatile equity markets, and declines in consumer spending have combined to increase the uncertainty inherent in such estimates and assumptions. 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 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, collection trends.

        The activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for each of the three years ended December 31, 2009, 2010, and 2011, is as follows (in thousands):

Program License Fees

        Program license fees are incurred in connection with the Company's acquisition of rights to broadcast programs acquired from others. The cost of individual program rights is deferred and then amortized on a straight-line basis over its contractual license period or, if shorter, the period of its anticipated use. As a measure of recoverability, the Company, when necessary, compares the aggregate carrying value of its program licenses to the estimated future revenue associated with their future broadcast use. If the measure indicated that the carrying value exceeded estimated future revenue, the Company would reduce the carrying value to an amount equal to the estimated net realizable revenue with a corresponding impairment charge to programming costs.

Subscriber Acquisition Fees

        In the past, under certain agreements with major domestic pay distributor systems, Crown Media United States was obligated to pay subscriber acquisition fees if defined subscriber levels were met or in order to obtain additional carriage of Hallmark Channel by those pay distributors.

        Such fees are being amortized over the contractual life of the respective distribution agreements (ranging from 5 months to 6 years) as a reduction of subscriber fee revenue. Crown Media Holdings assesses the recoverability of these costs periodically by comparing the net carrying amount to the estimates of future subscriber fee revenue. The Company also assesses the recoverability of these fees whenever events such as changes in distributor relationships occur or other indicators suggest impairment.

        Subscriber acquisition fee assets are a component of prepaid and other assets and subscriber acquisition fee liabilities are a component of accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Property and Equipment

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

Long-Lived Assets

        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.

        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 our goodwill relates to our network operations segment, which is also our only reporting unit. Under the new accounting standard, we are only required to perform all steps in the goodwill impairment test for a reporting unit whose carrying value is zero or negative if it is more likely than not (more than 50%) that goodwill impairment exists based on qualitative factors. We concluded, as a result of its annual assessment, that goodwill was not impaired.

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 accrues 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. Capitalized lease assets are depreciated over their estimated useful lives; the related liabilities are included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

        Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification (the "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 carried 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 and property and equipment. In the course of recording the Company's June 2010 troubled debt restructuring, the Company estimated the fair values of its preferred and common stock issued in the Recapitalization. The standard did not have a significant impact on the determination of fair value related to non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities in 2011.

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 subscriber acquisition costs.

        Advertising revenue, net of agency commissions, is recognized in the period in which related commercial spots or long form programming are aired and as ratings guarantees to advertisers are achieved. 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 agency and the agency remits gross billings less their commission to the Company. Payments received in advance of being earned are recorded as deferred revenue.

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.

Marketing Expense

        The Company expenses marketing costs as incurred. Marketing expense was $6.6 million, $10.2 million and $9.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively.

Taxes on Income

        Pursuant to the tax sharing agreement entered into with Hallmark Cards in March 2003, the Company's results of operations for tax purposes became a part of the Hallmark Cards consolidated federal tax return as of and subsequent to March 2003. However, the Company continues to account for income taxes on a separate return basis. Accordingly, the Company accounts for income taxes using an asset and liability method which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences attributable to (i) differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and (ii) net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to be applied to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The Company reduces deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized without regard to the Tax Sharing Agreement. All payments received from Hallmark Cards under the tax sharing agreement are recorded as increases in additional paid-in capital and amounts the Company owes Hallmark Cards for its share of the consolidated federal tax liability caused by the inclusion of the Company in the consolidated group are treated as a reduction to paid-in capital, but only to the extent of prior payments received.

Stock-Based Compensation

        Stock-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 14 for further information regarding our stock-based compensation assumptions and expenses.

Net Income (Loss) per Share

        Basic net income (loss) per share for each period is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common stock by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share for each period is computed by dividing net income (loss) 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 preferred stock. Approximately 252,000, 87,000 and 44,000 stock options for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively, and 71.2 million shares upon the conversion of the preferred stock for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, have been excluded from the determination of diluted net income or loss per share because the individual effect in each instance was antidilutive.

        Net income attributable to common stockholders for 2010 and 2011, reflects the following allocations, stated respectively, in favor of preferred stockholders: (i) imputed preferred stock dividends for financial reporting purposes of $13.9 million and $1.8 million, (ii) cumulative preferred stock dividends of $0 and $13.8 million, and (iii) the potential participation in common stock dividends (equivalent to approximately 71.2 million shares of common stock) of $2.4 million and $54.4 million.

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, four and five of our distributors each accounted for more than 10% of our subscriber revenue for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively, and together accounted for a total of 75%, 66% and 83% of subscriber revenue during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively. Three, three and two of our distributors each accounted for approximately 15% or more of our subscribers for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively, and together accounted for 61%, 60% and 46% of our Hallmark Channel subscribers during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively. The loss of one of these distributors could have a significant impact on the Company's operations.

        Three of our programming content providers accounted for more than 10% of our total license fees payable as of both December 31, 2010 and 2011, and together accounted for a total of 53% and 56% of the license fees payable, respectively.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

        In October 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update, 2009-13, Revenue Recognition (ASC Topic 605): Multiple Deliverable Revenue Arrangements—A Consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force. This update provides application guidance on whether multiple deliverables exist, how the deliverables should be separated and how the consideration should be allocated to one or more units of accounting. This update establishes a selling price hierarchy for determining the selling price of a deliverable. The selling price used for each deliverable will be based on vendor-specific objective evidence, if available, third-party evidence if vendor-specific objective evidence is not available, or estimated selling price if neither vendor-specific nor third-party evidence is available. The adoption of this guidance on January 1, 2011, did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

        In January 2010, the FASB issued guidance that requires reporting entities to make new disclosures about recurring or nonrecurring fair-value measurements including significant transfers into and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and information on purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements on a gross basis in the reconciliation of Level 3 fair value measurements. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

        On January 1, 2011, the Company adopted changes issued by the FASB regarding the testing of goodwill for impairment. These changes require an entity to perform all steps in the test for a reporting unit whose carrying value is zero or negative if it is more likely than not (more than 50%) that a goodwill impairment exists based on qualitative factors. This will result in the elimination of an entity's ability to assert that such a reporting unit's goodwill is not impaired and additional testing is not necessary despite the existence of qualitative factors that indicate otherwise. Based on the most recent impairment review of the Company's goodwill (November 2011), the adoption of these changes had no impact on our consolidated financial statements.

        In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurements (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs, ("ASU 2011-04"). ASU 2011-04 changes the wording used to describe many of the requirements in U.S. GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements to ensure consistency between U.S. GAAP and IFRS. ASU 2011-04 also expands the disclosures for fair value measurements that are estimated using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs. This new guidance is to be applied prospectively. The Company anticipates that the adoption of this standard will not materially change its consolidated financial statement disclosures.

        In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income. ASU No. 2011-05 requires that all nonowner changes in stockholders' equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements, eliminating the option to present other comprehensive income in the statement of changes in equity. Under either choice, items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income are required to be presented on the face of the financial statements where the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are presented. This amendment is effective for the Company in 2012 and will be applied retrospectively. This amendment will not change the manner in which the Company presents comprehensive income.

        In September 2011, the FASB issued 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 period 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. The Company elected to adopt this accounting guidance at the beginning of its fourth quarter of 2011 on a prospective basis for goodwill impairment tests. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures.

3. Sale of Membership Interest in Crown Media Distribution, Residual and Participation Liability and Third Party Indemnity

        In December 2006, the Company sold its film library consisting of domestic rights and certain international ancillary rights to approximately 620 television movies, mini-series and series (the "Crown Library") to RHI Entertainment LLC ("RHI"). As a condition of the sale, the Company agreed to pay up to $22.5 million for residuals and profit participations related to RHI's domestic exploitation of the Crown Library for a ten-year period ending December 14, 2016. The Company estimated the fair value of this obligation to be approximately $10.6 million at December 15, 2006, assuming the maximum payout.

        In December 2009 the Company concluded that payments for residuals and participations under its liability to RHI would occur generally later than originally estimated in December 2006. Accordingly, the Company reduced the carrying amount of the liability by $682,000 and recognized a corresponding gain from sale of film assets in the accompanying statement of operations. In July 2010, the Company received notification of pending requests for payments of approximately $8.0 million related to exploitation of the Crown Library through mid-2010. Accordingly, the Company increased the carrying amount of the liability by $155,000 and recognized a corresponding loss from sale of film assets in the second quarter of 2010. During the fourth quarter of 2010, the Company received requests for payments of an additional $2.0 million and expected to pay the total amount of approximately $10.0 million in March 2011. Notwithstanding the acceleration of payments ahead of the Company's prior expectations, in December 2010 management revised its estimated payment stream because of ongoing operating and financial difficulties being experienced by RHI, including reorganization in bankruptcy. As of December 31, 2010, management believed that fulfillment of its indemnification obligation would occur over a period longer than previously estimated. Accordingly, in the fourth quarter of 2010, the Company decreased the carrying amount of the liability by $874,000 and recognized a corresponding gain from sale of film assets in the accompanying statement of operations. The carrying amount of this liability of $14.2 million as of December 31, 2010, is included in accrued liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

        In December 2011 the Company and RHI executed an agreement pursuant to which the Company acquired program licenses and was relieved of its remaining obligation under the indemnification agreement, all in exchange for concurrent and future fixed cash payments of $8.1 million. The program license assets were recorded at their estimated fair values of approximately $3.8 million with corresponding recognition of license fees payable. The remainder of the payment obligations was recorded at it estimated fair value of approximately $4.1 million. The carrying amount of this liability as of December 31, 2011 was $3.5 million and is included among accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Extinguishment of the indemnification obligation resulted in a gain of approximately $1.2 million which is reflected in the accompanying statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2011.

        Also, included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2010 and 2011, is $411,000 and $406,000, 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 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.

        In December 2009 and in December 2011, the Company concluded that payments for residuals and participations under its liability to the buyer of the international business would occur generally later than estimated. Accordingly, the Company reduced the carrying amount of the liability by $12,000 and $57,000, respectively, and recognized corresponding decreases in interest expense in the accompanying statements of operations.

        In 2011, the Company concluded that certain estimated liabilities no longer represented obligations for cash payments. Accordingly, the Company reduced the carrying amount of the liability by $189,000 and recognized a corresponding gain from the sale of discontinued operations in the accompanying statement of operations.

4. Program License Fees

        Program license fees are comprised of the following:

        Programming costs included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, were $127.5 million, $125.2 million and $136.8 million, respectively.

        In the regular course of evaluating the remaining usefulness of its various program licenses, the Company may determine that certain licenses may be of little future program value to it. In such instances, the Company shortens the estimated remaining lives to zero, thereby accelerating amortization of the remaining net book values. The Company made no such changes in estimates during the year ended December 31, 2009. During the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, such changes in estimates resulted in additional amortization of program license fees of $227,000 and $600,000, respectively.

        At December 31, 2010 and 2011, $4.1 million and $11.5 million, respectively, of program license fees were included in prepaid and other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as the Company made payments for the program license fees prior to commencement of the license period.

        License fees payable are comprised of the following:

        Under certain license agreements with RHI Entertainment Distribution, LLC ("RHIED") the Company is obligated to pay $5.3 million through December 1, 2013. In connection with its reorganization in bankruptcy, RHIED assigned its right to receive these license payments to Hallmark Cards. During 2011 the Company reclassified $2.5 million from license fees payable (to non-affiliates) to payables to Hallmark Cards affiliates. During the same period the Company remitted payment of $1.3 million to Hallmark Cards. Therefore, at December 31, 2011, the payable to Hallmark Cards affiliates includes $1.3 million related to this assignment. The remaining $2.7 million relates to license periods that have not commenced as of December 31, 2011; accordingly, such amount is not reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. See Commitments and Contingencies below.

        During 2011 the Company capitalized film costs of $1.6 million related to one agreement, including $30,000 of interest. These costs will be amortized as each episode is aired in 2012.

5. Property and Equipment

        Property and equipment are comprised of the following:

        Depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment was $2.6 million, $2.2 million and $2.2 million, for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively.

        Software and other intangible assets of $515,000 and $350,000 as of December 31, 2010 and 2011, respectively, have been included in prepaid and other assets on 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 a component 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 through June 2019, and some contain escalation clauses and renewal options. Future minimum lease payments under the agreements at December 31, 2011, are as follows:

        Rent expense under the operating leases was $2.9 million, $3.2 million and $3.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively. Amortization of the uplink and transponder asset held under a capital lease is recorded as amortization of capital lease on the accompanying statements of operations.

        The Company accrues and recognizes rent expense on a straight line basis over the term of the lease, including rental holidays. The Company uses the initial lease term, including the free rent holiday period, to determine the lease term.

        The Company recognizes revenue for selling excess digital network capacity on a transponder leased to third parties as Other Revenue. Revenue for the excess capacity was $126,000 and $252,000 in 2010 and 2011, respectively, and will be $252,000 in 2012 and 2013 and $105,000 in 2014.

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

Credit Facilities and Term Loan

        At December 31, 2010 the Company had no outstanding borrowings under a $30.0 million revolving credit facility issued by JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. as most recently amended June 29, 2011. This agreement expired July 14, 2011. At December 31, 2011, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under a $30.0 million revolving credit facility issued by JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. on July 14, 2011. There were no letters of credit outstanding at either December 31, 2010, or December 31, 2011. Interest expense on borrowings under the credit facilities for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, was $350,000, $4,000, and $0, respectively. Commitment fee expense for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, was $101,000, $123,000 and $132,000, respectively.

        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 the lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent. The Credit Agreement provides for a seven year $210.0 million senior secured term loan facility (the "Term Loan") 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.

        The Term Loan was drawn on July 14, 2011, at LIBOR at the Company's election. All LIBOR term loans will bear interest at the LIBOR Rate (subject to a minimum rate of 1.25%) plus 4.50%. The interest rate at December 31, 2011, was 5.75%. 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.

        The provisions of the Term Loan require Crown Media Holdings to make principal payments of $525,000 at each quarter's end, commencing September 30, 2011, until maturity on July 14, 2018. The Company is required to make additional principal payments in amounts equal to (1) 50% of excess cash flow (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of Crown Media Holdings for the remainder of 2011, and each year thereafter, which percentage will be reduced to 25% if the Consolidated Leverage Ratio (as defined in the 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 of dispositions or casualty events if Crown Media Holdings has not invested such proceeds 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 Credit Agreement. The Company plans to make a combined mandatory and discretionary payment for the remainder of 2011 of $17.5 million, which is included among current maturities of long-term debt in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

        The covenants in the Credit Agreement 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 transactions. The 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 credit facility contains a number of affirmative and negative covenants. The Company was in compliance with these covenants as of December 31, 2011.

        The Company made principal payments of $1.1 million under the Term Loan during 2011. Interest expense under the Term Loan was $6.0 million for year ended December 31, 2011. After giving effect to the amortization of associated debt issuance costs and original issue discount, the effective interest rate of the Term Loan was approximately 6.3% during the year ended December 31, 2011.

The Notes

        On July 14, 2011, also as part of the 2011 Refinancing, the Company issued $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 10.5% Senior Notes, at par, due July 15, 2019 (the "Notes") in a private placement conducted pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). The Notes are guaranteed on a senior basis by each of Crown Media Holdings' subsidiaries (the "Guarantors").

        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 transactions with affiliates.

        Interest expense under the Notes was $14.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. After giving effect to the amortization of associated debt issuance costs, the effective interest rate of the Notes was approximately 11.0% during the year ended December 31, 2011.

Maturities

        The aggregate maturities of long-term debt including future interest for each of the five years subsequent to December 31, 2011, and the period thereafter, are as follows:

Early Extinguishment of Debt and Redemption of Preferred Stock

        The proceeds of the Term Loan and the Notes were used by the Company to (i) repay borrowings under the Term A Loan and Term B Loan, both of which were payable to HCC and (ii) redeem all of the Company's outstanding Series A Preferred Stock, all of which was held by HCC.

        At the time of the 2011 Refinancing, the carrying amounts of the Term A Loan, the Term B Loan and Preferred Stock exceeded the respective reacquisition and redemption prices by approximately $87.3 million and $15.7 million, respectively. In consideration of these carrying amounts having been derived from the provisions of the Recapitalization in which HCC was a significant participant, the benefits arising from the extinguishments and redemption, $103.0 million in the aggregate, have been deemed capital contributions by HCC. Accordingly, such benefits have been credited to additional paid-in capital, net of tax, in the accompanying balance sheet. The tax impact of these deemed capital contributions was $0, which is reflective of a reduction in the gross deferred tax assets related to the Term A and Term B loans of $32.5 million and offsetting reduction in the deferred tax valuation allowance of $32.5 million.

Registration Rights Agreement

        The holders of the Notes were entitled to the benefits of a Registration Rights Agreement dated July 14, 2011 (the "Registration Rights Agreement"), by and among Crown Media Holdings, the Guarantors and the initial purchaser. Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, Crown Media Holdings and the Guarantors agreed to file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission for an offer to exchange the Notes for new, substantially identical notes issued under the Securities Act and to use their commercially reasonable efforts to cause the registration statement to be declared effective on or before April 10, 2012 or otherwise be subject to specified default interest rate provisions until the commitment was fulfilled. Such registration statement was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 4, 2011. The exchange offer concluded in November 2011 with all of the Notes being exchanged.

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 Obligations

2011 Refinancing Transaction

        The proceeds of the Notes, the Term Loan and extensions of credit under the Credit Agreement were used to repay all borrowings under the Term A and Term B Loans and to redeem all the Series A Preferred Stock, consisting of 185,000 shares held by HCC. On July 14, 2011, the Company paid principal and interest of $191.4 million and $115.5 million under its Term A and Term B Loans, respectively, and redeemed its Preferred Stock of $185.0 million and paid dividends on its Preferred Stock of $993,000.

Related Party Long-Term Obligations

        The Company paid principal of $330.4 million and interest of $1.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2011, on the Term A and Term B Loans. The Company paid principal of $14.4 million and interest of $1.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2010, on the Term A and Term B notes.

Recapitalization

        For financial reporting purposes, the Recapitalization has been accounted for as a troubled debt restructuring in accordance with the guidance of ASC Topic 470-60 Debt—Troubled Debt Restructurings. Identification of the Recapitalization as a troubled debt restructuring involved both qualitative and quantitative aspects. Among the qualitative aspects considered were (i) the Company's expectations that it would have been unable to fulfill the debt service requirements associated with approximately $342.2 million of principal and interest payable to HCC on May 1, 2010 upon the expiration of the waiver agreement (which was extended to August 31, 2010 pursuant to the master recapitalization agreement), along with an additional $784.6 million of principal and interest that would have become immediately due pursuant to cross-default provisions, and (ii) the going concern opinion rendered by the Company's independent registered public accounting firm in connection with the financial statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009. Quantitatively, Hallmark Cards is deemed to have granted a "concession" within the meaning of ASC 470-60. Prior to consummation of the Recapitalization, the weighted average interest rate of HCC debt was approximately 8.3%. After consideration of (x) the estimated fair values of Preferred Stock and Common Stock issued in the Recapitalization and (y) the debt service requirements of New Debt, the overall effective interest rate on the New Debt resulting from the Recapitalization was less than 1%.

        Pursuant to the guidance in the ASC, we (1) recorded the issuance of Preferred Stock and Common Stock at their respective estimated fair values as of June 29, 2010 and (2) recorded New Debt in an amount equal to the residual of (i) the carrying value of HCC Debt less (ii) the estimated fair values of such Preferred Stock and Common Stock. New Debt was apportioned between the Term A and Term B Loans on the basis of their relative fair values. The amounts by which the apportioned Term Loans exceeded the respective stated amounts of principal were amortized over the terms of the loans as reductions of the interest expense that otherwise would have arisen from the stated cash interest rates. The resulting effective interest rates were approximately 0.789% and 1.002%, for the Term A Loan and Term B Loan, respectively.

        The Recapitalization also provided for the mergers of Hallmark Entertainment Holdings, Inc. ("HEH") and Hallmark Entertainment Investments Co. ("HEI") into the Company. HEH and HEI, both intermediate parents of the Company, were non-substantive subsidiaries of Hallmark Cards. The mergers were recorded at carry-over basis pursuant to the guidance of ASC Topic 805-50 Business Combinations—Related Issues. HEH and HEI had no assets other than their investment in the Company.

        The following table summarizes the accounting for the Recapitalization:

        See Note 11 for information related to an imputed discount that arose with the issuance of Preferred Stock and the related effect on the determination of net income (loss) per share.

Senior Secured Note

        In August 2003, the Company issued a senior note to HCC for $400.0 million. Cash payments for interest were not required from inception through June 29, 2010. The principal amount of the senior secured note accreted at 10.25% per annum, compounding semi-annually, to June 29, 2010. The Company's obligations under this note, including $797.4 million of principal and accrued interest, were extinguished on June 29, 2010, in connection with the Recapitalization.

Notes and Interest Payable to HCC

        On December 14, 2001, the Company executed a $75.0 million promissory note with HCC. Interest was payable in cash, quarterly in arrears five days after the end of each calendar quarter. During 2009 and 2010 the Company paid $6.3 million and $4.3 million, respectively, for interest. The Company's obligations under this note, including $108.6 million of principal, were extinguished on June 29, 2010, in connection with the Recapitalization.

        On October 1, 2005, the Company converted approximately $132.8 million of its license fees payable to a Hallmark Cards affiliate to a promissory note subsequently transferred to HCC. During 2009 and 2010 the Company paid $9.8 million and $6.8 million, respectively, for interest. The Company's obligations under this note, including $170.1 of principal, were extinguished on June 29, 2010, in connection with the Recapitalization.

        On March 21, 2006, the Company converted approximately $70.4 million of its payable to a Hallmark Cards affiliate to a promissory note subsequently transferred to HCC. During 2009 and 2010 the Company paid $3.6 million and $2.5 million, respectively, for interest. The Company's obligations under this note, including $62.0 million of principal, were extinguished on June 29, 2010, in connection with the Recapitalization.

Hallmark Guarantee; Interest and Fee Reductions

        Hallmark Cards unconditionally guaranteed the Company's obligations to JPMorgan Chase Bank under the credit facility that expired on July 14, 2011. This credit support provided by Hallmark Cards resulted in reductions in the interest rate and commitment fees under the credit facility through July 14, 2011; however, the Company agreed to pay and has paid an amount equal to the reductions in the interest rate and commitment fees to Hallmark Cards. The Company paid Hallmark Cards a reduction amount of the interest rate and commitment fees equal to 0.75% and 0.125%, respectively. Interest expense to HCC in connection with the JPMorgan Chase Bank credit facility was $963,000, $1,000, and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively. Commitment fee expense for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, was $50,000, $41,000, and $20,000, respectively.

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 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 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.

9. Related Party Transactions

Tax Sharing Agreement

• Overview

        On March 11, 2003, the Company became a member of Hallmark Cards' consolidated federal tax group and entered into a federal tax sharing agreement with Hallmark Cards (the "federal tax sharing agreement"). Hallmark Cards includes the Company in its consolidated federal income tax return. Accordingly, Hallmark Cards has benefited from subsequent tax losses and may benefit from future federal tax losses, which may be generated by the Company. Based on the original federal tax sharing agreement, Hallmark Cards agreed to pay the Company all of the benefits realized by Hallmark Cards as a result of including the Company in its consolidated income tax return. Also, taxable income recognized by the Company that is included in the Hallmark Cards consolidated tax return will result in a payment by the Company to Hallmark Cards.

        On a quarterly basis through December 31, 2008, Hallmark Cards paid the Company cash for 75% of the estimated benefit from losses with the balance applied as an offset against other amounts owed by the Company to any member of the Hallmark Cards consolidated group under any loan, line of credit or other payable, subject to limitations under any loan indentures or contracts restricting such offsets. As part of the Recapitalization, the federal tax sharing agreement was amended to provide that 100% of any such benefit will be deferred for application against future tax liabilities of the Company. Pursuant to the August 2003 amendment to the federal tax sharing agreement, the benefit that would otherwise have resulted from interest accrued on the 10.25% senior secured note was not available to the Company until such interest was paid in cash. As a result of the Recapitalization, such interest accrued from January 1, 2010, through June 29, 2010, was treated as a deduction under the amended federal tax sharing agreement.

        At December 31, 2009, the Company owed Hallmark Cards $8.5 million under the federal tax sharing agreement for 2009. The liability was satisfied on June 29, 2010, in connection with the Recapitalization. For the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company owed Hallmark Cards $12.9 million for tax as calculated pursuant to the amended federal tax sharing agreement and this amount was paid to Hallmark Cards in December 2010. The Company owed Hallmark Cards $15.3 million under the federal tax sharing agreement for 2011 with $10.5 million paid in cash and the balance will be offset against the overpayment of the 2010 tax sharing payment and any amounts remaining will be paid in cash to Hallmark Cards during 2012.

        Since May 9, 2000, the Company has been included in certain combined state income tax returns of Hallmark Cards or Hallmark Entertainment Holdings. Consequently, Hallmark Entertainment Holdings and the Company entered into a state tax sharing agreement. Under the state tax sharing agreement, Hallmark Cards (as successor to Hallmark Entertainment Holdings) and the Company file consolidated, combined or unitary state tax returns. 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 state tax liability associated with the 2010 cancellation of debt income in those states in which Hallmark Cards files a combined return. Accordingly, the Company has reduced the liability for the state taxes and credited paid-in capital for that amount. For the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company owed Hallmark Cards $751,000 with respect to the state tax sharing payment primarily related to changes in California tax law. As of December 31, 2011, it is estimated that the Company will owe Hallmark Cards approximately $539,000 with respect to the state tax sharing payments relating to 2011. This amount will be payable two days prior to the due date of the state tax returns. In October 2011, the Company paid $742,000 to Hallmark Cards related to 2010 California state taxes. During December 2011, the Company paid $9,000 to Hallmark Cards related to 2010 New York and New York City taxes. During 2011 the Company made estimated tax payments of $20,000 related to 2011 Colorado state taxes.

        Any payments received from Hallmark Cards or credited against amounts owed by the Company to any member of the Hallmark Cards consolidated group under the tax sharing agreements have been recorded as additions to paid-in capital in the accompanying consolidated statements of stockholders' (deficit) equity. Any amounts owed or payments made to Hallmark Cards or to any member of the Hallmark Cards consolidated group under the tax sharing agreement in excess of current tax expense have been recorded as reductions to paid-in capital.

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 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 quarter. Fees for Hallmark Cards' services were $455,000 for 2009, $387,000 for 2010 and $448,000 for 2011.

        At December 31, 2010, and 2011, the Company's payables to Hallmark Cards affiliates on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets were $1.0 million and $4.1 million, respectively. The December 31, 2010, balance was comprised of $757,000 of state taxes due under the state tax sharing agreement and $248,000 of non-interest bearing unpaid accrued service fees and unreimbursed expenses. The December 31, 2011, balance was comprised of $2.8 million of taxes due under the federal and state tax sharing agreements and $1.3 million of assigned license payments. The $15.2 million outstanding at December 31, 2009, was satisfied on June 29, 2010, in connection with the Recapitalization.

"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, 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 10-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 10-year exhibition windows.

        On July 6, 2011, the Company and Hallmark Cards entered into an agreement whereby Hallmark Cards will provide the Company one-week, limited play licenses for each of six new "Hallmark Hall of Fame" two-hour movies to be produced by Hallmark Cards over the two-year contract term. In exchange for approximately two-thirds of the advertising units otherwise available during each airing of the movies, Hallmark Cards will pay the Company $3.4 million of cash ratably as the individual licenses open. The Company has estimated the fair value of the program licenses to be approximately $1.0 million. The Company will recognize total advertising revenue of approximately $4.4 million as it fulfills its advertising obligation to Hallmark Cards. As of the date of this Report, two of such movies aired on Hallmark Channel.

Trademark Agreement with Hallmark Cards

        In connection with the 2011 Refinancing, Hallmark Licensing, LLC, an affiliate of Hallmark Cards, extended two existing trademark licenses (the "Extended Licenses") with Crown Media United States 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.

        Crown Media United States has a trademark license agreement with Hallmark Licensing, LLC for use of the "Hallmark" mark for Hallmark Channel and for Hallmark Movie Channel. The Company is not required to pay any fees under the trademark license agreements. The Company has accounted for the agreement pursuant to the contractual terms of the arrangement, which is royalty free. Accordingly, no amounts have been reflected in the consolidated balance sheets or consolidated statements of operations and of the Company.

        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.

10. Company Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Interest and NICC License Agreements

        Pursuant to a 1998 agreement among the Company and others then owning membership interests in Crown Media United States (the "Company Agreement"), VISN Management Corp. ("VISN," a wholly-owned subsidiary of National Interfaith Cable Coalition, Inc., "NICC") owned a $25.0 million mandatorily redeemable, preferred membership interest (the "preferred interest"), which was redeemed in December 2010.

        On January 2, 2008, the Company and NICC executed an agreement (the "Modification Agreement") to resolve mutual disputes related to a December 2005 agreement (the "December 2005 NICC Agreement"). As part of the Modification Agreement, we agreed to pay NICC $3.8 million in equal installments on each January 20 of 2008, 2009 and 2010. We also agreed to provide NICC a two-hour broadcast period granted each Sunday morning during the two year period ended December 31, 2009. We also agreed to pay NICC an estimated $3.7 million in yearly installments at the rate of 6% of the outstanding liquidation preference of the preferred interest. These costs and the related liability were recorded in December 2007 at a discounted amount of $8.2 million. At December 31, 2008, the Company recorded additional programming expense of approximately $744,000 to give effect to revisions of anticipated dates on which preferred interest redemptions would occur.

        In addition to paying VISN $25.0 million in 2010 for the redemption of the preferred interest, the Company paid NICC $4.6 million, $2.8 million and $0 during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively, in connection with the provisions of the Company Agreement, the December 2005 NICC Agreement and the Modification Agreement. Such payments fulfilled the Company's obligations to NICC and VISN.

11. Stockholders' Equity

        The June 2010 Recapitalization caused changes to the Company's authorized shares of capital stock. The authorized number of shares of preferred stock was reduced from 10.0 million to 1.0 million. The authorized number of shares of Class A common stock was increased from 200.0 million shares to 500.0 million shares. All shares of Class B common were automatically reclassified to shares of Class A common stock. The authorized number of shares of Class B common stock was reduced from 120.0 million to zero.

        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.

        Commencing in the first quarter of 2011, holders of Preferred Stock were entitled to mandatory, cumulative quarterly dividends at the following annual rates: 14% during 2011 and 16%, (the perpetual rate) during 2012 and all periods thereafter. There was no Preferred Stock dividend entitlement during 2010. During 2011 holders of Preferred Stock received cash dividends of approximately $13.8 million.

        The Company estimated that the absence of perpetual rate dividends during 2010 and 2011 resulted in an implicit discount of $17.4 million in the estimated fair value of Preferred Stock upon issuance at June 29, 2010. Such discount was amortized through July 14, 2011. Amortization of $14.0 million and $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, and the period from January 1 through July 14, 2011, respectively, was reflected as an increase in accumulated deficit and an increase in redeemable preferred stock.

        Holders of Preferred Stock were entitled to vote together with holders of Common Stock as a single class, with the Preferred Stock voting on an "as converted" basis. Holders of Preferred Stock, as a separate class, were also required to approve certain specified actions that could negatively impact the holders of the Preferred Stock.

        The following table summarizes the issuance and transactions related to the redeemable Preferred Stock in 2010 and 2011:

12. Income Taxes

        Hallmark Cards will include the Company's 2011 taxable income in its 2011 consolidated federal tax return. Historically, the Company has accounted for income taxes as if it were a separate taxpayer not included in the consolidated tax return of Hallmark Cards. Because of this, the provision and temporary differences, which are recorded as if the Company were a separate taxpayer may not exist on the consolidated tax return of Hallmark Cards. Prior to 2011, the entire amount of the Company's net deferred tax assets was offset by a valuation allowance through December 31, 2010. During 2011, the valuation allowance decreased by $300.1 million primarily related to current taxable income, the expected future utilization of net operating loss carryforwards, a change in the effective tax rate, and the difference between the book and tax basis of the new HC Crown debt as a result of the recapitalization. The Company may ultimately reverse the remaining valuation allowance and record a tax benefit if it is determined to be more likely than not that the Company could realize the tax benefit if it were treated as a stand-alone taxpayer.

        Because the Company accounts for income taxes as if it were a separate tax payer, the Recapitalization generated net cancellation of debt income of $147.0 million. Accordingly, the Company generated federal and state taxable income in 2010 for both regular tax and alternative minimum tax ("AMT") purposes. For regular tax purposes, this income was fully offset by net operating loss carryforwards. However, for federal AMT purposes, loss carryforwards were used against AMT income but are limited to 90% of that income. As a result, the Company recorded an income tax expense of $3.3 million for the AMT in its consolidated statements of operations since the Company was not able to recognize an offsetting deferred tax benefit from the AMT credit carryforward because of its full valuation allowance on deferred tax assets. In 2011, the AMT expense recognized was $862,000.

        However, as a result of being included in the consolidated tax return of Hallmark Cards, this AMT expense is not required to be paid to the Internal Revenue Service nor to Hallmark Cards under the tax sharing agreement. Accordingly, the Company has reduced the liability for the aforementioned AMT and increased paid-in capital. The net result for AMT calculated as if the Company is a separate taxpayer is a charge to the consolidated statements of operations and a corresponding credit to paid-in capital.

        For state income tax purposes the Company also has a tax expense on a separate company stand-alone basis. Effective October 2010, California suspended the use of tax loss carryforwards for 2010 and 2011. 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. Additionally, New York and New York City have taxes based on capital.

        The stand-alone income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

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

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

        As of December 31, 2011, the Company's stand-alone cumulative federal net operating losses were approximately $1.4 billion, which would expire in 2021 through 2029 under the carryforward provisions provided by the tax code. Of this amount, approximately $692.0 million is federal net operating losses that have not yet been utilized by Hallmark Cards in its consolidated returns and will begin to expire in 2019 through 2022. The Company has recorded a reduction in its deferred tax asset from net operating loss carryforwards of $16.0 million related to the taxable income generated during the year ended December 31, 2011. The Company has recorded a net deferred tax asset of $530.5 million related to the cumulative losses generated. The Company has apportioned state net operating losses of approximately $796.4 million which expire in 2012 through 2032.

Release of Valuation Allowance

        The Company had established a deferred tax asset of $610.2 million as of December 31, 2010, and had recorded a full valuation allowance against it. During 2011, after evaluating positive and negative evidence, including recent earnings history, the Company determined that it is more likely than not that it will utilize a portion of its tax loss carry forwards, as if separate returns were filed.

        During 2011, in consideration of the expected realization of deferred tax assets in years beyond 2011, in particular, (i) the expected future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences and (ii) expected future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carry forwards, the Company released $236.0 million of its valuation allowance. Correspondingly, an unreserved deferred tax asset of $236.0 million is reflected on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2011. The related $236.0 million effect on the accompanying statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2011 is a non-cash income tax benefit.

        The Company will continue to evaluate the available positive and negative evidence available in subsequent periods and adjust its remaining valuation allowance to an amount it determines to be more likely than not to be realized.

Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes

        An evaluation process is required under applicable accounting standards for all tax positions taken. If the probability for sustaining a tax position is at least more likely than not, then the tax position is warranted and recognition should be at the highest amount which is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. At December 31, 2010 and 2011, 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.

        The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. At December 31, 2010 and 2011, we have 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. Further, net operating loss carryforwards ("NOL's") 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 NOL's generated prior to March 11, 2003 if and when such NOL's are utilized in future tax returns.

        The Company has separate company nexus in Colorado and Georgia and has also been included in the combined state tax returns of Hallmark Cards or HCC for California, Illinois, and New York. NOL's 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.

13. Fair Value

        The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments at December 31, 2010 and 2011.

        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's debt obligations with HCC had limited or no observable market data available on or around December 31, 2010. Fair value measurements for these instruments are included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy of ASC Topic 820. These fair value measurements were based primarily upon the Company's own estimates and reflect its current pricing policy, the current economic and competitive environment, the characteristics of the instrument, credit and interest rate risks, and other such factors. Therefore, the results cannot be determined with precision, cannot be substantiated by comparison to quoted prices in active markets, and may not be realized in an immediate settlement of the liability. Additionally, there are inherent uncertainties in any fair value measurement technique, and changes in the underlying assumptions used, including discount rates, liquidity risks, and estimates of future cash flows, could significantly affect the fair value measurement amounts.

        The Company estimated the fair value of the Notes using the trading price obtained from Bloomberg on December 30, 2011, 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, 2010 and 2011, the fair values of the Level 3 financial instruments were $318.9 million and $201.3 million, respectively. No transfers between levels occurred during 2010 and 2011.

        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.

14. Share-Based Compensation

        Crown Media Holdings has one stock option plan, the Amended and Restated Crown Media Holdings, Inc. 2000 Long Term Incentive Plan (the "Plan"). The Plan covers three types of share-based compensation: Stock Options, Restricted Stock Units ("RSU") and Share Appreciation Rights ("SAR").

Stock-Based Compensation

        The Company recorded $324,000 and $67,000 of compensation expense associated with the employment and performance RSUs during the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, respectively, which has been included in selling, general and administrative expense on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The Company recorded $269,000 of compensation benefit associated with the employment and performance RSUs during the year ended December 31, 2009, which has been included in selling, general and administrative expense on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. These awards are 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, 2010 and 2011, 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 $2.62 and $1.21 on December 31, 2010 and 2011, respectively. As of December 31, 2010 and 2011, there was unrecognized compensation cost, related to non-vested RSUs granted to the Company's directors, in the amount of $375,000 and $236,000, respectively, using the aforementioned stock prices. Actual compensation costs recognized in future periods may vary based upon fluctuations in stock price and forfeitures.

General Stock Option Information

        Crown Media Holdings may grant options for up to 10.0 million shares under the Plan. The stock options expire 10 years from the date of grant and generally vest over service periods that range from date of grant to four years. Certain option and share awards provide for accelerated vesting if there is a change in control (as defined in the Plan).

        There were no stock option grants in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

        A summary of the status of the Company's Stock Option Plan at December 31, 2010 and 2011, and changes during the years then ended is presented below:

General Restricted Stock Unit Information

        The Company's restricted stock units ("RSUs") vest based on employment, performance and market conditions. Certain RSUs vest either in one-third increments on the anniversary of the grant date in each of the three years following the grant or all at one time on the third year anniversary of the grant date, in both cases based on continuing employment ("Employment RSUs"). The Company's RSUs are settled in either common stock or cash as determined by the Company's Board of Directors. The Company has historically settled the RSUs in cash, and considering such past practices, has classified its RSUs as liability awards for accounting purposes.

        We recognize compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, over the vesting term and include changes in fair value at each reporting period. Our cash settlements for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011 were as follows:

        The Company granted 147,540, 125,581 and 192,317 RSUs in August 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively, to members of its Board of Directors who were not employees of the Company or Hallmark Cards and its subsidiaries. These RSUs are part of the compensation of directors consisting of the annual grant of RSUs valued at $45,000.

Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") Share Appreciation Rights Agreement

        Under Share Appreciation Rights Agreement dated October 3, 2006, the Company agreed to grant stock appreciation rights ("SARs") to the then CEO upon occurrence of certain events. The then CEO terminated his employment in May 2009 and his SARs were forfeited at that time.

        Prior to the CEO's termination, the fair value of the CEO's SAR grant was estimated at each reporting date using a Monte Carlo Lattice option pricing model. Valuation of this SAR grant was based upon market and service conditions. The Company recorded $247,000 in compensation benefit related to SARs for the year ended December 31, 2009, on the Company's consolidated statement of operations as a component of selling, general and administrative expense.

15. Employee Benefits

Benefit Plans

        Crown Media Holdings adopted a 401(k) retirement plan for all of its United States employees effective January 1, 2002. All eligible employees not otherwise enrolled were automatically enrolled into the plan; thereafter, all eligible new hires and rehires will be automatically enrolled in the plan. Employees will have 90 days to terminate his or her participation in the plan and the plan will refund any contributions. Employees that qualify for participation can contribute up to 50% 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 50% total of combined and pre-tax and after-tax contributions. Additionally, for every dollar up to six percent of salary an employee contributes, Crown Media Holdings will contribute fifty cents. Crown Media Holdings contributed and expensed $481,000, $417,000 and $480,000 for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively.

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 $1.6 million and $1.5 million at December 31, 2010 and 2011, respectively, are included on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets among short and long-term 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 $375,000 and $394,000 at December 31, 2010 and 2011, respectively, are included on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets among short and long-term accrued liabilities.

Resignation Agreements

        The individual then serving as the Company's chief executive officer resigned May 31, 2009. Pursuant to the resignation agreement, in June 2009 the Company paid this individual $2.5 million, an amount representing the present value of the salary and bonus that otherwise would have been paid to him from June 1, 2009 through October 2, 2010, the scheduled expiration of his employment contract. The Company was also obligated to provide him office space, an assistant and payment of COBRA insurance benefits for periods that expired at various times through May 31, 2010. These expenses were recorded as selling, general and administrative expense on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations in 2009.

        The Executive Vice President of Programming resigned from his position effective May 31, 2009. The executive received continued payment of the regular installments of his salary through December 31, 2009 ($523,000) and received his salary through May 31, 2010, in one lump sum paid on January 15, 2010 ($347,000). He also received a payment of a pro-rated annual bonus of approximately $55,000, determined by the Company, for the 2009 calendar year for the period up to the resignation date. These expenses were recorded as other operating costs on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations in 2009.

Long Term Incentive Compensation Agreements

        In the second quarter of 2009, the Company granted Long Term Incentive Compensation Agreements ("LTI Agreements") to each vice president, senior vice president, executive vice president and president of the Company. The target award under each LTI Agreement was a percentage of the employee's base salary and ranged from $26,000 to $469,000. Of each grant, 50% was an Employment Award (as defined under the LTI Agreements) and 50% was a Performance Award (as defined under the LTI Agreements). The Employment Award vested on August 31, 2011, and was settled in cash on September 2, 2011, in the amount of $1.1 million. A portion of the Performance Award vested on December 31, 2010, and was subsequently settled in the first quarter of 2011 in the amount of $157,000; the remaining 50% did not vest on December 31, 2011, in accordance with the Company performance criteria concerning adjusted EBITDA and cash flow.

        In the first quarter of 2010, the Company granted LTI Agreements to each vice president, senior vice president, executive vice president and president of the Company. The target award under each LTI Agreement is a percentage of the employee's base salary and ranges from $25,000 to $536,000. Of each grant, 50% is an Employment Award and 50% is a Performance Award. The Employment Award will vest on August 31, 2012, and be settled in cash within 30 days thereafter, subject to earlier pro rata settlement as provided in the LTI Agreement. The Performance Award will vest on December 31, 2012, if the performance criteria are achieved, and be settled in cash the later of 30 days thereafter or 15 days after the Company issues its audited financials for 2012, but by no later than March 15, 2013. Vesting of the Performance Award will be determined in accordance with the Company performance criteria concerning adjusted EBITDA and cash flow and subject to earlier pro rata settlement as provided in the LTI Agreement. Early settlement is provided in the case of involuntary termination of employment without cause on or after January 1, 2011, death or disability. Potential payouts under the Performance Awards depend on achieving 90% or higher of a target threshold and range from 0% to 150% of the target award. The Company's Compensation Committee has the ability to increase or decrease the payout based on an assessment of demographics achieved, relative market conditions and management of expenses.

        In the second quarter of 2011, the Company granted LTI Agreements to each vice president, senior vice president, executive vice president and president of the Company. The target award under each LTI Agreement is a percentage of the employee's base salary and ranges from $23,000 to $550,000. Of each grant, 50% is an Employment Award and 50% is a Performance Award. The Employment Award will vest on August 31, 2013, and be settled in cash within 30 days thereafter, subject to earlier pro rata settlement as provided in the LTI Agreement. The Performance Award will vest on December 31, 2013, if the performance criteria are achieved, and be settled in cash the later of 30 days thereafter or 15 days after the Company issues its audited financials for 2013, but by no later than March 15, 2014. Vesting of the Performance Award will be determined in accordance with the Company performance criteria concerning adjusted EBITDA and cash flow and subject to earlier pro rata settlement as provided in the LTI Agreement. Early settlement is provided in the case of involuntary termination of employment without cause on or after January 1, 2012, death or disability. Potential payouts under the Performance Awards depend on achieving 90% or higher of a target threshold and range from 0% to 150% of the target award. The Company's Compensation Committee has the ability to increase or decrease the payout based on an assessment of demographics achieved, relative market conditions and management of expenses.

        The Company recorded $540,000, $1.3 million and $1.7 million of expense included in selling, general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively, related to these agreements. Additionally, the $1.9 million and $2.2 million liabilities for these agreements was included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2010 and 2011, respectively.

Employee Terminations

        In August 2009, the Company terminated the employment of certain individuals. The Company recorded severance expense of approximately $1.2 million during 2009 as part of selling, general and administrative expenses.

16. 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 $259.2 million and $199.6 million as of December 31, 2010 and 2011, respectively, related to committed program license fees payable with airing windows which begin subsequent to period-end.

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