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The CW to Shut Down KidsWB; 4Kids to Take Over Programming Sept 2008; Schedule Update
By Matt Hazuda
10-04-2007, 4:50 PM |
The CW has announced it will be shutting down the Kids WB! Saturday morning programming block at the end of the current 2007 - 2008 season. Rival 4Kids Entertainment will handle programming and marketing of the block starting with the new season in September 2008. Some current Kids WB programs may continue to air after the changeover, but no decisions have been have yet.
4Kids will continue to run its own block of Saturday morning programming on FOX affiliates nationwide; it recently renewed a deal with the network to do so until 2009.
Updated article to include link to press release.
UPDATE 2 (Oct 4, 2007): Bruce Rosenblum, President of the Warner Brothers Television Group, made a statement to Toon Zone member and World's Finest Online administrator James Harvey, stating, "Clearly, this was an issue that we examined closely with our partners at CBS. We fully believe it makes the most business sense for The CW in this broadcast marketplace. That being said, Warner Bros. has a long, successful track record in the animation business and we absolutely intend to stay true to our heritage by producing world-class animated entertainment for the children's market be it for cable, direct-to-DVD, broadband, wireless and platforms of the future. This is an important business that touches many of the Warner Bros. divisions and we have confidence that Lisa Judson and her team at Warner Bros. Animation will continue to build towards future opportunities."
Updated with additional information.
UPDATE 3 (Oct 4, 2007): James Harvey of World's Finest Online has been provided additional information on the futures of some of the current and upcoming Kids WB! programs. His source states that "4Kids Entertainment will begin programming The CW Network’s Saturday morning schedule in September 2008. Until then, the schedule will most likely remain as it is now (with the exception of midseason replacements The Spectacular Spider-Man and The World of Quest entering the slate in early 2008)." He goes on to state that series The Batman and Legion of Super Heroes futures depend on orders being placed for the show, which could mean they may air on the 4Kids-branded programming block, or they could end up elsewhere. Classic series Superman: The Animated Series, Batman: The Animated Series and Pinky and the Brain currently air or will be airing on Disney's Toon Disney channel, so this really adds to possible opportunities for these shows along with any future Warner Bros Animation-productions.
The final word on what shows survive and any changes may not arrive till February 2008 at the earliest, when announcements start to be made for Fall 2008 season.
[Source:Variety.com]
Read the full press release here.
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