The Ameobazation of Cartoon Network

Steps To Improve Cartoon Network

#1 - Let Creators, Not Executives, Program The Network

Just because network executives feel they know what belongs on a particular block doesn't mean they actually know what belongs on a particular block. If Toonami is supposed to be a tween/teen oriented block, don't put in shows that's kid-oriented like Hamtaro or D.I.C.E. or edited exclusively for younger viewers. Also, don't get rid of shows that's actually tween/teen oriented like Gundam SEED. The show creators and producers are the ones that know what does and doesn't fit in the block, so they know what they're doing. Let them make the final decisions and rule their own destiny.

#2 - Change The Primetime Lineup Mondays - Thursdays

Toonami is fine. Sunday nights is fine. Fridays is fine. It's the rest of the week that needs help. Instead of a linear schedule built up of action shows, oft-reran CN Originals, and Kids' WB reruns, find a balance within the entire animation library.

For example:

7 - 8 PM EST/PST: A rotating pair of CN originals so that they won't suffer from viewer rot; plus, it keeps the lineup interesting.
8 - 9 PM: The Flintstones and a modern comedy show, pairing off the classic era with the current era.
9 - 10 PM: Bugs and Daffy, a classic in any era, but please, keep it 2/3 pre-48 cartoons.
10 - 11 PM: Instead of action repeats, put in shows that could seamlessly and effortlessly drift into the Adult Swim library; put in programs that are TV-Y7 FV and TV-PG, keeping one show semipermanent. Dragon Ball Z and Case Closed would fit in nicely.

#3 - Spinoff Into Three Additional Channels

Cartoon Network has to evolve with the digital cable era by multicasting their network. In addition to their classic animation channel (which should be renamed CN Classic), CN needs to spinoff a digital action network and a digital action network as well as create a Cartoon Network operated but not CN-branded kids-and-family channel to directly compete with Nickelodeon so Cartoon Network could become a more "genre"-based channel in the vein of Food Network, Sci-Fi, and the like. And Time Warner needs to fully back whatever Cartoon Network does.

#4 - Time Warner Needs To Fully Back Cartoon Network

I know I mentioned it in the last paragraph, but it has to be said twice. Time Warner needs to follow Viacom's lead and fully back everything Cartoon Network does, push for coverage of all CN spinoffs (current and future) on cable, and be the network's strongest supporter in the media.

#5 - Advertise for More Adult Products on Adult Swim

Video games like Halo 2 that are rated M and motion pictures that are rated R are aimed towards older audiences could easily be advertised on Adult Swim. If Adult Swim can have a show that contains a word that ends in "job," certainly they could advertise for GTA: San Andreas or the DVD release of Blade Trinity. It's not beer or anything.

#6 - Relaunch the What A Cartoon Project

Remember where the good Cartoon Network comedy originals came from? Remember the experiments that helped launch the careers of Genndy Tartakofsky, Craig McCracken, Butch Hartman, Maxwell Atoms, and Seth MacFarlane? Relaunch the What A Cartoon project, allow a new generation of animators (with one of the vets helming the project) to create new original character-oriented shorts, and, here's a stretch, SHOW them. And don't limit it to just kid-friendly shorts. You could even have an Adult Swim-themed version to create teen/adult-oriented shorts. You don't even have to limit it to just comedy.

#7 - Stop Rerunning New Shows So Soon

Krypto's great. Teen Titans is great. Ozzy and Drix needs more episodes. So does Static Shock. The Eds and Grim Adventures need to limit reruns before they get viewer rot, if it already hasn't occured. Viewer rot ruins shows long before their time. Look at what it did to Time Squad and Powerpuff Girls.

It's time for Cartoon Network to shed its pseudo-Nick persona and reemerge as the alternative entertainment outlet. Not just the alternative to Nick, but the alternative to USA. The alternative to MTV. The alternative to everything that's out there. An outlet for youthful rebellion as well as respect for the past. A network that embodies the best of a true global artform. The world's first animation channel needs to tell (and show) the world that they're also the best. The channel and its corporate owners should also embrace its brands through all aspects of industry. With these actions, everyone involved would show what they are and say with pride four simple words:

This is Cartoon Network.