>Opinions | The Slippery Slope of Cartoon Network

Originally Posted by Jeff Harris

I've been saying that Cartoon Network has the worst prime-time lineup in its history. And apparently, America must agree with me.

Sure, Cartoon Network is number seven in the cablescape in prime-time for all ages, which isn't bad per say. However, mediocrity doesn't exclude one from trying to be the best even though you're near the top of the pack. Even though The Network is at number seven, ratings dropped 13% from 2005.

This probably doesn't concern The Network. They still want to be something they're not, and they're still playing catchup to Nickelodeon and Disney Channel.

And boy, they're being left behind.

In the oh-so-important 2-11 age bracket, Nickelodeon is number in in total day ratings. The ameoba averages about 1.2 million viewers a day while their biggest competitor, The Disney Channel, has about 870,000 per day. Cartoon Network has just a mere 680,000 young viewers a day.

Want to know why the ratings are like this?

Well, according to Nick, their viewers feel comfortable watching the network and humor is a key to their success. According to Disney Channel, their viewers watch their channel because their programming is inspiring, plus, their strong key point is music. What do viewers feel about Cartoon Network?

Not much apparently.

The network is so haphazzardly run that viewers don't really know what to make of them. Viewers don't feel comfortable watching CN because The Network is uncomfortable in its own skin. Cartoon Network has discarded everything that made them unique and repeatedly try to emulate what's seen on Nickelodeon and Disney Channel. Viewers aren't really inspired by the network because, again, The Network has forgotten who and what they are. They'll get drawn to shows like Naruto or Foster's, but the rest of the lineup gets mired in confusion. The identity is lost on the executives at The Network, so how could they expect viewers to connect with them? Idiotic goofy kids? Nick has that. Musical guests? Disney has that. If anything, Cartoon Network should be the alternative to both of those channel because viewers deserve an alternative to those channels.

Instead of smacking their competitors in the face with a wet mackerel, Cartoon Network is kissing their feet and wearing t-shirts that say "Be Like Nick" and "Be Like Disney" at Techwood Drive. Not literally, of course, but I know a few Spongebob neckties and Mickey Mouse watches have been spotted in the control room.

So, what can Cartoon Network do to reverse this downward spiral?

Love thyself.

Instead of trying to be more like their competitors, The Network should be a true alternative voice. What set Nickelodeon apart from the other networks at the time it was relaunched over 20 years ago was the fact that they weren't a traditional network. This was a time when they didn't care about ratings and demos and other nonsense like that. Cartoon Network used to be like Nickelodeon in that aspect, but as soon as the Turner coup of 2001 took place, the rebellious attitude was shown the door in favor of a more demo-crazed environment that chooses to imitate rather than innovate. As a result, Nickelodeon got their groove back and reached newer heights by following Cartoon Network's handbook and becoming a more animation-driven, more rebellious, non-traditional network.

Cartoon Network used to be a great network, and they can be great again once they realize that they could beat Nick and Disney without actually being LIKE Nick and Disney.