Is Cartoon Network starting focusing more on digital services than it's live feed?

[TheMisterManGuy]

Between the TTG saturation on the live channel, the removal of the network's schedule from the official website, releasing episodes first on their app before they hit airwaves, begining to make shows exclusive to it's app and website, losing the 8pm slot to Adult Swim, and the fact that they have to promote their apps every other commercial break. Does anyone get the feeling that Cartoon Network is starting to treat it's live broadcast as sort of an after-thought?

I mentioned this in a previous topic, but maybe there's a reason Cartoon Network isn't too concerned with having a decent schedule on it's live feed. They're trying to push their app and digital outlets. The fact that their newer original shows now have a Netflix-style "A Cartoon Network Original" pre-fix in their official logo's, tells me that they're pushing to become more of a service than a just a TV network.

In a day and age where kids are operating more and more on tablets and phones, I would say this is a pretty-foward thinking move for them. Kids today don't need cable the way we did when we were kids. Ergo, if you push your app, then the kids can decide what they want the schedule to be. I've actually used the app, and right when you first boot it up, it asks what your favorite shows are, then it ques up a randomly generated playlist based sorely on what you selected. So hate Teen Titans Go!? No problem, don't select it and you won't see it anywhere in the mix.

The only real limitation so far is the fact that you still need an account for your cable/internet service provider in order to actually use it. So what do you think, is Cartoon Network drifting away from traditional TV?

 

[Toon4Thought]

The only real limitation so far is the fact that you still need an account for your cable/internet service provider in order to actually use it. So what do you think, is Cartoon Network drifting away from traditional TV?

Apart from a select few episodes labeled as 'unlocked', anyway.

But yeah, I've gotten this impression for quite some time now. Especially because at least half of their current shows are struggling to break 1 million in ratings (which, if they weren't doing something like this, would probably be taken as a panic sign), and how the majority of CN's original shows are still being labeled as popular despite this ever-so-significant decline. It makes me wish they did Live+3 like what Disney does.

Even on the live feed, they often advertise the app by saying things like "See new episodes of Gumball first". So, yes, I very much believe they are focusing more on digital services.

 

[jaylop97]

I would really take this into consideration when it comes to the wacky scheduling of Pokemon and Transformers those two make think that CN wants people to see them on their digital services considering their early airings and lack of schedule appearances.

 

[Dudley]

Cartoon Network's not the only one, other networks are doing it too. Heavily promoting their app/onDemand/All Access platforms, featuring new episodes first on their site (which Nick sometimes does with TMNT). It's much better for viewers and the companies. Viewers are used to linear "appointment" viewing, when it's really something people shouldn't be accepting anymore. Be it DVR, onDemand, or on streaming services, everyone's embracing being able to watch shows anytime. And it's especially great for companies that produce or distribute the content, because they can use that data to determine how well the shows perform in a way that's likely way more accurate than the Neilson ratings system (assuming they can tell the demographics of the individual viewer)

 

[TheMisterManGuy]

Cartoon Network's not the only one, other networks are doing it too. Heavily promoting their app/onDemand/All Access platforms, featuring new episodes first on their site (which Nick sometimes does with TMNT). It's much better for viewers and the companies. Viewers are used to linear "appointment" viewing, when it's really something people shouldn't be accepting anymore. Be it DVR, onDemand, or on streaming services, everyone's embracing being able to watch shows anytime. And it's especially great for companies that produce or distribute the content, because they can use that data to determine how well the shows perform in a way that's likely way more accurate than the Neilson ratings system (assuming they can tell the demographics of the individual viewer)

True, Nick and Disney are doing it to an extent too, But I would argue Cartoon Network has been doing the best in this. Nick threw Korra on to digital in a very slapdash way, and Welcome to The Wayne was greenlit for TV, proving to me they can't pick a vision and stick to it. Disney has their apps and such, I feel they need to do some more work in. Two More Eggs is a decent start. But it would be good to see them offer more episodes first on digital.

 

[SaneMan]

In all fairness, digital is the way to go

 

[DeanBurrito25]

It wouldn't surprise me since CN has been pushing their digital services for a while now. It also begs the question as to why so many TV networks still use the Nielsen rating system considering it's been said numerous times that it's not exactly reliable.

 

[lunadraws94]

It's only a matter of time before Turner finally pulls the plug on the linear feeds. I wouldn't be surprised if they announce something in the next several months or so about their fate, maybe at the Upfront next month since that's where the important announcements about the next year or so are made. If they went online only, look on the bright side, hopefully there won't be any more stupid authentication to deal with and they'll have a larger variety of shows and episodes (assuming they won't be hindered by existing contracts with Netflix and Hulu).

 

[Skater]

I doubt Cartoon Network will be leaving television broadcast anytime soon, even if they are pushing their mobile/on demand system more.

 

[sasq]

What's the future of the ''other'' channels then? is boing getting sold to mediaset? is boomerang (and cartoonito) closing like cn?

 

[Red Arrow]

What's the future of the ''other'' channels then? is boing getting sold to mediaset? is boomerang (and cartoonito) closing like cn?

They are obviously talking about the American channels. No way Turner is closing down Cartoon Network Italy anytime soon.

 

[TheMisterManGuy]

I wonder if Cartoon Network is currently working to remove the cable authentication as much as possible for their app. If they want to be more of a service, that's probably the biggest obstacle standing in their way.

 

[Zorak Masaki]

I wonder if it would be free (and ad supported) or a subscription-based site.

 

[TheMisterManGuy]

I wonder if it would be free (and ad supported) or a subscription-based site.

Perhaps if could be both. Much like how YouTube has a regular free service, in addition to YouTube Red.

 

[Dudley]

I wonder if Cartoon Network is currently working to remove the cable authentication as much as possible for their app. If they want to be more of a service, that's probably the biggest obstacle standing in their way.

They might have some contract binding deal that prevents them from having too much of their content on the app. Hopefully, they will set up a paid service to allow for their older series and past seasons of their shows to be on the platform.


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