It also seems like a cost-cutting measure designed to entice viewers to pay for the Max.
The Cartoon Network website, which had been online since 1998, was removed from the internet on August 8, according to a report by Variety. Formerly a portal with a homepage filled with videos for shows like ‘Teen Titans Go!’, ‘The Powerpuff Girls’, ‘Adventure Time’ and ‘Steven Universe’, users are now redirected to Max, another Warner streaming platform Bros. , where they can watch their favorite cartoons.
A pop-up message welcoming visitors to the Max website read: “Looking for episodes of your favorite Cartoon Network shows? Check out what’s available to stream on Max (subscription required).” The welcome message also encouraged current cable subscribers to use “connected apps” in addition to watching shows on their televisions. “Sign up for Max, where you can also create a kids’ profile with rating restrictions and additional privacy protections to keep it fun and kid-friendly! Cable subscribers, continue to enjoy your favorite CN programming on TV and in connected apps too!” he added.
A Cartoon Network spokesperson told the channel in a statement: “We are focusing on Cartoon Network shows and social media, where we find consumers are most engaged and there is significant potential for growth.” They also said that the network will continue to provide 11 hours of television content every day, from 6am to 5pm.
CartoonNetwork.com is a victim of the ongoing streaming war between online portals. It also appears to be a cost-cutting measure designed to entice viewers to pay for Max. Parent company Paramount Global removed the websites of Comedy Central, MTV News and CMT in June. In February, Paramount also canceled the preschool channel Noggin.
Meanwhile, the Cartoon Network website went live in July 1998, about six years after the cable network launched in October 1992. It also existed as an AOL channel as early as 1996. Last month, a rumor that that Cartoon Network was closing sent shockwaves across social media and #RIPCartoonNetwork became the top trend. The rumor started with a video posted on X (formerly Twitter) by the account “Animation Workers Ignited”, which stated that the channel was “dead”. However, it was clarified that the channel was not closing.
The channel is adapting to changes in the media landscape and has new programming in development, including spin-offs of popular shows.
This story originally appeared on Ndtv.com read the full story
