SB-06: Cartoon Network 2.0 | Step One: Divide To Grow

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The very first step of recreating Cartoon Network is the creation of a self-contained company. There is no reason it isn't a reality, but it's the first step of rebuilding Cartoon Network as a brand and viable unit of the Time Warner family. The Cartoon Network brand extends beyond the network itself, and extends worldwide. Considering the network is one of the few outlets Time Warner has in nearly every international territory, it only makes sense that a self-contained unit should be created to manage the brand worldwide. A brand that is centered on children's and family entertainment that represents one of the strongest voices in the industry only behind Nickelodeon and Disney. Therefore, the unit formed as a result of it's newfound independence is now known as Cartoon Network Entertainment.

Cartoon Network Entertainment is overseen by two unique companies. Turner Entertainment will retain a 50% stake of Cartoon Network Entertainment and will oversee the general operations side of the company while Warner Bros. Animation receives the other 50% stake in the newly-formed company and overseeing the creative/content side of the company.

As a result of the split in ownership, Turner will dissolve its Animation, Kids, and Young Adult Division, which was created largely to manage Cartoon Network.

Turner's stake in CNE will be overseen by their head of Entertainment (one of two subdivisions of Turner; the other half is News, but I'm not talking about how I'd reorganize the unit containing CNN on this site) just as Warner Bros. Animation's stake will be overseen by the head of that unit. Both will handpick Cartoon Network Entertainment's President and Chief Executive Officer, who will serve as the individual who dictate's CNE's global direction.

Instead of straying into all the international details in management, I'm largely focusing on the North American division of Cartoon Network Entertainment. Considering the North American division, which excludes Latin America (which is still autonomous yet connected to CNE), is the home market of Cartoon Network, the two owners will have significantly more pull domestically and directly. Turner will select the North American Chief Operating Officer, which makes sure the company operates like a well-oiled machine.

Warner Bros. Animation will select the Chief Content/Creative Officer, who will be responsible for the development and creation of original programming, co-production, or program acquisitions for Cartoon Network Entertainment; ensuring that the quality, innovation and technical ambitions stay true to the network's guidelines, values, and core mission. The position also includes creating a unified look and feel for the networks on-air, online, and in print.

The Chief Financial Officer of Cartoon Network Entertainment manages and plans all financial decisions and risks taken by CNE. All three report to the President/CEO of Cartoon Network Entertainment.

You know, I'm probably boring a lot of you over this hierarchy stuff, so I'll just direct you to the graphic displaying the whole thing in detail.

Now that you have a stronger core and new management, and a new ownership slate. Now, what are they going to do with so much power?

For starters, you redefine the main network into a brand the entire family can watch.

Meet the new Cartoon Network, which isn't all that different than the current Cartoon Network.