Summit Tribune’s Post

Cartoon Network's website has gone dark after a 26-year run, leaving a void for nostalgic fans. The site now redirects to the Max streaming platform, marking a significant shift in the brand's online presence. A generation of kids grew up with the site's iconic cartoons. The website was a treasure trove of classic shows, including The Powerpuff Girls and Dexter's Laboratory. Its closure signals the end of an era in online entertainment. Fans are mourning the loss of a beloved digital destination. Industry insiders say the move is part of a broader strategy to consolidate content on streaming platforms. The shift is seen as a bid to stay competitive in a rapidly changing media landscape. Cartoon Network's website was once a pioneering force in online animation. The site's legacy will live on, however, as a testament to the power of innovation in digital media. Its impact on generations of kids will not be forgotten. As the media landscape continues to evolve, Cartoon Network's website will be remembered as a trailblazer. #CartoonNetwork #Nostalgia #Childhood

Cartoon Network's Iconic Website Shuts Down After 26 Years, Marking the End of an Era for Nostalgic Fans Cartoon Network's website has gone dark after a 26-year run, leaving a void for nostalgic fans. The site now redirects to the Max streaming platform, marking a significant shift in the brand's online presence. A generation of kids grew up with the site's iconic cartoons. The website was a treasure trove of classic shows, including The Powerpuff Girls and Dexter's Laboratory. Its closure signals the end of an era in online entertainment, and fans are mourning the loss of a beloved digital destination. Industry insiders say the move is part of a broader strategy to consolidate content on streaming platforms, seen as a bid to stay competitive in a rapidly changing media landscape. Once a pioneering force in online animation, Cartoon Network's website leaves behind a lasting legacy. The site's impact on generations of kids will not be forgotten. As the media landscape continues to evolve, Cartoon Network's website will be remembered as a trailblazer in digital media. #CartoonNetwork #Nostalgia #Childhood #EndOfAnEra #DigitalMedia

Scooby-Doo, Ben 10, Pokeman and many other cartoons were part of my life But my childhood may have finally sunset on 8th August. I was sad to learn that 31-year-old Cartoon Network, the channel which was part of my daily life for years is now shut.  The reason for this is the multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate Warner Bros. Discovery has shut down the website of Cartoon Network. The website cartoonnetwork.com now directs users to the Max streaming service owned by Warner Bros. Discovery. Since Max isn't available in India, the Indian users are redirected to the YouTube channel of Cartoon Network India. The shutting down of the Cartoon Network website seems to be a cost-cutting move from Warner Bros Discovery. This is also likely to prompt fans to pay for its Max streaming service. The reason for this cost-cutting is the reduction in the viewership, in November 2023, Cartoon Network was available to approximately 66 million pay television households in the United States—down from its peak of 100 million households in 2011. Discovery is doing this cost-cutting because of the $10 billion net loss in its latest quarterly earnings. The media giant slashed nearly 1,000 jobs last month as it faces pressure to improve its financial performance. This likely indicates that OTT platforms are the new trend and even children are following that. But Indian kids are unlikely to get access to it anymore without streaming. For all Indian kids like me who grew up in the 90s, it is the end of an era. 

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗻 𝗘𝗿𝗮: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝘂𝘁𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸'𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲 The recent shutdown of Cartoon Network’s website is a significant moment, closing a chapter on a beloved part of many childhoods. For those of us who grew up in the late '90s and early 2000s, it was more than just a site—it was a digital playground filled with games, videos, and interactive content tied to our favorite shows, from "The Flintstones" to "Dexter’s Laboratory." But as times change, so does the way we engage with the media. Why did it shut down? 1. Changing Consumption Habits: The shift towards mobile apps and streaming services like Max has drastically reduced web traffic. Today’s audiences prefer engaging with content through these platforms, which offer instant access to vast libraries of shows and movies. 2. Focus on Mobile and Streaming: Under the umbrella of Warner Bros. Discovery, Cartoon Network is focusing on platforms like Max, which offer more convenience and align with modern media consumption habits. This strategy is part of a broader move to ensure that iconic characters, whether from "The Flintstones" or newer series, remain accessible to new generations. 3. Strategic Cost Management: Maintaining a website is costly, especially with declining traffic. For Warner Bros., it’s likely the return on investment no longer justified the expense, prompting a shift in resources towards more impactful digital channels. 4. Brand Strategy Evolution: This move reflects a broader Warner Bros. strategy to stay relevant in an increasingly competitive media landscape. By focusing on streaming platforms, they ensure that Cartoon Network’s rich legacy continues to thrive alongside other Warner Bros. properties. While the shutdown brings a wave of nostalgia, it also signals progress. As we say goodbye to an iconic digital space, we look forward to how Cartoon Network, under Warner Bros. Discovery, will continue to innovate and capture the imagination of the next generation—just as it did with shows like "The Flintstones" for previous ones. #DigitalTransformation #CartoonNetwork #WarnerBros #MediaStrategy #Nostalgia #ContentStrategy #Streaming #TheFlintstones #Max

Miles Angell and I are enormously proud and excited to share with you and the world, SPECTRUM SPACE SQUAD, a kids entertainment property that we’ve been developing in the shadows over the last year or so. The central premise follows the life and adventures of Alex, who by day is a shy and unassuming 9-year-old boy…but, he has a secret double life. By night, Alex is the leader of the Spectrum Space Squad, the sworn protectors of planet Pandamonia.  This project is dear to our hearts because the universe and characters have been created by Alex Robinson, a severely autistic young man from London and of Grayson Perry’s Art Club fame on Channel 4. His passion for comics, cartoons and computer games has blossomed into his craft for making eye-catching and characterful figurines out of STAEDTLER Fimo clay. The central protagonist is naturally based on him, and the concept for the show is an allegory to Alex’s lived experience with autism. It pays tribute to the power of the imagination – Alex feels most safe and in control when he’s making his figurines – and delivers a core message that anyone can excel when they find the right context, companions and courage to express themselves. Angell Brothers has been developing it alongside the wonderful Debbie Macdonald, formerly of Nickelodeon and all-round kids entertainment expert, and we’ve decided to share our journey of growing the IP. We have received some interest from broadcasters and production studios in the past, but we're also exploring other avenues to build our audience and grow the brand. We’re looking at crowd-funding and self-publishing models, as well as opportunities for toys and merch. This is about finding the best path to market for Spectrum Space Squad. So, over the coming weeks and months, we’ll be sharing information and updates about our progress, inviting feedback and opening up the conversation about the growth and potential of Spectrum Space Squad. Welcome on board the ride. #SpectrumSpaceSquad #SSS #animation #kids #kidstv #tv #cartoon #series #broadcast #IP #entertainment #autism #autismawareness

Tom Angell and I are enormously proud and excited to share with you and the world, SPECTRUM SPACE SQUAD, a kids entertainment property that we’ve been developing in the shadows over the last year or so. The central premise follows the life and adventures of Alex, who by day is a shy and unassuming 9-year-old boy…but, he has a secret double life. By night, Alex is the leader of the Spectrum Space Squad, the sworn protectors of planet Pandamonia. This project is dear to our hearts because the universe and characters have been created by Alex Robinson, a severely autistic young man from London and of Grayson Perry’s Art Club fame on Channel 4. His passion for comics, cartoons and computer games has blossomed into his craft for making eye-catching and characterful figurines out of STAEDTLER Fimo clay. The central protagonist is naturally based on him, and the concept for the show is an allegory to Alex’s lived experience with autism. It pays tribute to the power of the imagination – Alex feels most safe and in control when he’s making his figurines – and delivers a core message that anyone can excel when they find the right context, companions and courage to express themselves. Angell Brothers has been developing it alongside the wonderful Debbie Macdonald, formerly of Nickolodeon and all-round kids entertainment expert, and we’ve decided to share our journey of growing the IP. We have received some interest from broadcasters and production studios in the past, but we're also exploring other avenues to build our audience and grow the brand. We’re looking at crowd-funding and self-publishing models, as well as opportunities for toys and merch. This is about finding the best path to market for Spectrum Space Squad. So, over the coming weeks and months, we’ll be sharing information and updates about our progress, inviting feedback and opening up the conversation about the growth and potential of Spectrum Space Squad. Welcome on board the ride. #SpectrumSpaceSquad #SSS #animation #kids #kidstv #tv #cartoon #series #broadcast #IP #entertainment #autism #autismawareness

Things I (re)learned at Cartoon Business: 1. It's not always easy in animation, but people get things done. From developing projects for 12 years to animators finishing scenes in bomb shelters in Kyiv. 2. People are kind. I've heard so many "Hey, you should talk to..." that they're hard to count. Collaboration, not competition. 3. Even broadcasters are opening up to Youtube- or TikTok-centric releases. Follow the audience... 4. ... but also don't. Story- and media literacy is and will continue to be important. Challenging all audiences is essential.

Cartoon Network Website Shuts Down After 26 Years: A Milestone in Entertainment History In a significant development within the entertainment industry, the Cartoon Network website has officially closed its doors after 26 years of service. Known for its innovative and beloved programming, including shows like The Powerpuff Girls and Adventure Time, Cartoon Network has been a major player in animated entertainment. As the industry continues to evolve with the rise of streaming platforms, this closure marks the end of a notable chapter in digital media. The legacy of Cartoon Network's creativity and impact will endure through its iconic characters and memorable stories. What are your thoughts on this transition in the media landscape? Feel free to share your insights and favorite moments from Cartoon Network. Read More:https://lnkd.in/dyGYRaUV #CartoonNetwork #MediaIndustry #Entertainment #DigitalMedia #Nostalgia

Yesterday, I posted about Animation+, the Adult-animation-only Samsung TV FAST channel. Well, here's yet another specific offering! MeTV Toons is setting itself up as the defecto linear location for retro kids cartoons and animation classics. Launching JUNE 25th, it's aiming to be the 'Boomerang of 2024' for those old enough to get the reference. https://lnkd.in/dsQn9Nd7 Note that this is traditional and virtual MVPD (Multi Video Programming Distributor) not streaming. So, think more Cox Cable, Time Warner, Verizon FIOS, and Charter Spectrum. In other words, if you need an old-school remote control to watch and need to sit down at the exact time to watch, then that's probably MVPD! But of course, like my parents, you can also record it and play it back later on those strange cable boxes that are somehow still around! 😅 This distribution method seems right considering the age of the target fan and their affinity for programming produced 30, 40, and even 50 years ago! The only problem is... I only visit my parents a few times a year. So, how the heck am I gonna watch those Droopy, Popeye, and Mr. Magoo episodes!?! #animation #cartoons #retro #linearbroadcasting

As an ardent fan of 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸, 𝗶𝘁'𝘀 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗶𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝘂𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝘅 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. This move is part of Warner Bros. Discovery's broader strategy to streamline their services after the recent merger. The Cartoon Network website was a treasure trove for fans, offering full episodes and clips from beloved shows such as "Adventure Time," "Teen Titan GO," and "The Amazing World of Gumball." The closure of the Boomerang subscription service for integration into Max was a significant transition, and now, this marks another step in their consolidation efforts. Lately, I've shared a few personal beliefs: -> Cherish the sources of childhood joy -> Adapt and embrace changes in the industry But after this news, I feel a mixture of nostalgia and disappointment. No celebratory post this time. I took some time to reflect on why this development hit me harder than expected. Why was I nostalgic yet a bit downhearted? Here’s what I found: 🚩 The charm of exploring a dedicated space for Cartoon Network's classics is incomparable. 🚩 The shifts in media consumption habits, while necessary, often tug at the heartstrings of long-time fans. It’s all about finding the balance between accepting inevitable changes and cherishing the memories they disrupt. Celebrate the legacy of what was, but stay open to the new horizons in store. Onward to embracing the future of how we access our favorite shows P.S. This reminded me of that inspiring video featuring Fred Rogers. His gentle message about change and growth feels especially poignant today #CartoonNetwork #WarnerBrosDiscovery #MaxPlatform #Animation #StreamingService #Nostalgia #ChildhoodMemories #MediaIndustry #Adaptation #CherishMemories