SB-03: Cartoon Network 1.0 | Step 1: Kill Cartoon Network

Originally Posted by Jeff Harris

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For Cartoon Network to survive, the channel currently bearing the name "Cartoon Network" has to die.

The channel currently calling itself Cartoon Network is a demographically-controlled outlet struggling to find an identity as well as trying to connect to a kids/tween audience and abandoning everything they stand for, which is being a 24-hour animation channel with something for everyone. The network is currently on a mission to add more and more live-action productions to "compete" with Nickelodeon and Disney Channel, something they've recently decided to do.

And under the master plan, they could continue doing that. Yup, the network continue airing the same programming they currently have on the air. All the shows. All the blocks, including Toonami. Even Adult Swim could remain on the channel. Truly transform the channel into a kids network.

Just don't call it Cartoon Network.

I know the name doesn't mean much to the current management of Cartoon Network, but it means a lot to the animation community. It's a brand name that had been around for over 15 years, and yet, the current management feel that the term "cartoon" is a fluid concept at best. And any individual that feels that way should NOT be managing a channel called Cartoon Network. So, under this master plan, the channel will keep its current management but will LOSE the familiar name.

It will remain based at the Turner facilities of Techwood Drive until the new WCG East facilities is completed. The ownership of the network will be divided among Turner Broadcasting and Warner Cartoon Group. Warner Cartoon Group will provide a bulk of original animated productions for the new network, including at least two original shows exclusively for the Adult Swim block and one original series for Toonami a year. Turner will be the one responsible for programming and scheduling the channel, now called Checkerboard Network (keeping the CN initials and current logo).

Just because Checkerboard remains intact doesn't mean that it can't be improved. Allow me to continue.