Cartoon Network to Launch First Game Show

[Brian Damage]

Cartoon Network announced a dramatic expansion to its 2009-2010 content development strategy today at its annual advertising Upfront presentation at Time Warner Center. On the heels of three consecutive quarters of double-digit prime time and total day growth - the only major kids network to do so - Cartoon Network unveiled 19 new programming ventures, including three new action-adventure and four new comedy animated series; six live-action "alternative" half-hour series; three original live-action and one all-new CG-animated movie specials; and two hour-long original, scripted live-action pilots. Coupled with 164 new half-hour episodes of returning comedy and action-adventure animated series, today's announcements represent the largest commitment to new content development in Cartoon Network history.

"These exciting new projects represent the next phase in Cartoon Network's ambitious, ongoing strategy to re-invent the network and re-energize our youth business overall," said Stuart Snyder, president and chief operating officer of Turner Broadcasting's Animation, Young Adults and Kids Media division. "We've built tremendous momentum over the last year, both on air and through our thriving digital businesses, so we're thrilled to introduce new content that our audience cannot find anywhere else. Today marks the next big step forward in an evolution that is helping us reach our goal of becoming a dominant youth culture brand."

"Based on Cartoon Network's ratings and online growth, coupled with the increased commitment to original content, our goal is to maximize the strength of these linear and digital offerings by developing opportunities for advertisers that will activate their brands across our portfolio," said John O'Hara, executive vice president and general manager, Cartoon Network Ad Sales & Marketing. "We will continue to be flexible and innovative as we work with our advertising partners to develop high-profile, custom opportunities that will deliver measurable return on their investment."

"Last year, we outlined a strategy focused on genres of programming," said Rob Sorcher, chief content officer for Cartoon Network. "Today we revealed how that strategy continues to grow with additional nights of signature programming and expands to include both scripted live-action and alternative content, as well as animation. We're committed to delivering a diverse range of engaging, aspirational content to our audience."

Highlights of Cartoon Network's new content strategy to launch across the 2009-2010 season include "Head Rush" (working title), a game show in which kids participate as game show contestants playing for cash while riding thrill-inducing amusement park rides.

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