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Cynthetiq · 08-10-2004, 10:27 AM

Cartoon Network to go after preschool crowd

By CAROLINE WILBERT
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 08/09/04

Despite plenty of competition, the Cartoon Network is making a foray into programming for preschoolers.

The Atlanta-based network will launch a block of original programming next spring, targeting young children.

There are a number of other players in the field, from old standbys like PBS and newer entrants like Playhouse Disney.

Also, Comcast, the country's largest cable operator, is reportedly developing a 24-hour network aimed at the young set, through a partnership with Public Broadcasting System, Sesame Workshop and a European company. Comcast has not confirmed plans for such a network.

Still, Cartoon thinks there is room for more. Cartoon's hook: It will be funny, if not necessarily educational. The block's motto will be "fun, funny and fearless."

The Cartoon Network has traditionally gone after older children during the day and adults at night.

Alice Cahn, vice president of development and programming, said humor is a "skill kids need to know."

She said children with senses of humor and optimistic outlooks on life "tend to lash out less, verbally and physically, tend to have more friends, tend to have an easier time in the world."

This announcement comes on the heels of a widely publicized report in the spring from the American Academy of Pediatrics that said children under age 2 should not watch television at all. The report links television-watching by young children to attention deficit problems.

Cahn says research doesn't adequately prove the claim that television causes attention problems, though she acknowledges it is not a good idea for young children to watch hours and hours of television per day.

She said today's parents are comfortable with TV and use it as a teaching tool, just like books or toys.

We look at media the way our kids see it, as furniture," she said. "It isn't special anymore."

The preschool block, which will air while older children are at school, is a joint venture between Cartoon and Warner Bros. Television Group. Both are units of media conglomerate Time Warner.

The Warner Bros. group will produce many of the shows that air during the new block, including "Krypto," which will be about the adventures of Superman's dog.

Find this article at:
http://www.ajc.com/news/content/busi...10cartoon.html

08-10-2004, 10:27 AM	#346 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	Cartoon Network to go after preschool crowd By CAROLINE WILBERT The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Published on: 08/09/04 Despite plenty of competition, the Cartoon Network is making a foray into programming for preschoolers. The Atlanta-based network will launch a block of original programming next spring, targeting young children. There are a number of other players in the field, from old standbys like PBS and newer entrants like Playhouse Disney. Also, Comcast, the country's largest cable operator, is reportedly developing a 24-hour network aimed at the young set, through a partnership with Public Broadcasting System, Sesame Workshop and a European company. Comcast has not confirmed plans for such a network. Still, Cartoon thinks there is room for more. Cartoon's hook: It will be funny, if not necessarily educational. The block's motto will be "fun, funny and fearless." The Cartoon Network has traditionally gone after older children during the day and adults at night. Alice Cahn, vice president of development and programming, said humor is a "skill kids need to know." She said children with senses of humor and optimistic outlooks on life "tend to lash out less, verbally and physically, tend to have more friends, tend to have an easier time in the world." This announcement comes on the heels of a widely publicized report in the spring from the American Academy of Pediatrics that said children under age 2 should not watch television at all. The report links television-watching by young children to attention deficit problems. Cahn says research doesn't adequately prove the claim that television causes attention problems, though she acknowledges it is not a good idea for young children to watch hours and hours of television per day. She said today's parents are comfortable with TV and use it as a teaching tool, just like books or toys. We look at media the way our kids see it, as furniture," she said. "It isn't special anymore." The preschool block, which will air while older children are at school, is a joint venture between Cartoon and Warner Bros. Television Group. Both are units of media conglomerate Time Warner. The Warner Bros. group will produce many of the shows that air during the new block, including "Krypto," which will be about the adventures of Superman's dog. Find this article at: http://www.ajc.com/news/content/busi...10cartoon.html __________________ I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. What's the best nation in the world? DO-NATION!