Toon Zone Talkback - Jim Samples Resigns as Head of Cartoon Network

[Matthew Williams]

This is the talkback thread for Jim Samples Resigns as Head of Cartoon Network (http://news.toonzone.net/article.php?ID=15005).

Obviously a major major breaking story. We'll have more info as soon as it comes in, but it comes as basically a major shock.

[Karl Olson]

An interesting choice of placing the blame, and part of me thinks Jim Samples is taking the fall to keep [adult swim], specifically it's executives who often double as writing advisers/creators, out of trouble. All of the creators at Cartoon Network who I've talked to thought highly of him, so I have to think that while his management/direction might not have been to the liking of a lot of animation fans (who often felt he'd killed the creativity that had once driven the network, and who were certainly upset with live-action being forced into the network) he ultimately provided a workplace that cartoon creators enjoyed, and that perhaps he really did care about animation so much so he'd rather take the fall instead of letting some creators take the fall, even if it might have been more justified for them to take the blame. If so, he may have just went from being a pariah to messiah, at least in the eyes of a lot of animation fans.

Granted, part of me also thinks that with Samples gone, maybe the live action stuff will be stopped dead in it's tracks (well, they'll burn through what they have either way, but maybe they won't push it farther,) but if he did just save Mike Lazzo's job, I think he ultimately went out on a high note. Perhaps a higher note than would ever otherwise been afforded to him by the animation community.

Though if it really was somehow his fault, he at least gets kudos for taking the blame. A lesser exec would have passed the buck to Lazzo, as it probably would have been very easy to do so.

[calimike]

Credit to Drudge Report (http://www.drudgereport.com/flash.htm)

MEMO: CARTOON NETWORK PRESIDENT RESIGNS OVER BOSTON BOMB SCARE BLUNDER
Fri Feb 9 2007 13:56:11 ET

To: Colleagues
From: Jim Samples

I am sure you are aware of recent events in which a component of an Adult Swim marketing campaign made Turner Broadcasting the unintended focus of controversy in Boston and around the world. I deeply regret the negative publicity and expense caused to our company as a result of this campaign. As general manager of Cartoon Network, I feel compelled to step down, effective immediately, in recognition of the gravity of the situation that occurred under my watch. It's my hope that my decision allows us to put this chapter behind us and get back to our mission of delivering unrivaled original animated entertainment for consumers of all ages. As for me, there will be new professional challenges ahead that will make the most of the experiences I've had as part of this remarkable company. Through my 13 years at the company I have found myself continuously in awe of the talented artists and business people surrounding me, from those who realize their vision in creating a cartoon to those who so brilliantly deliver the animation to viewers. I will always cherish the experience of having worked with you. I appreciate the support that you have shown me. As a friend and a fan, I also look forward to seeing your best and most personally fulfilling work yet. Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Boomerang and each of you deserve nothing less.

Developing...

[Karl Olson]

Side Thought: I wonder how this is going to effect the upfront?

[Mr. Manager]

As I mentioned on the Adult Swim forum, I am quite shocked right now. This was definately a ballsy move for him to take the blame, and for that, I give him kudos.

I'm hoping things will get better, with the new prez and new VP of programming/aquistitions. I'm hoping Cartoon Network can get to at least the level it was at in 2003.

[MorotheWolf]

I'm flip-flopping about this. I agree with everyone else that this will probably save Adult Swim and Lazzo from being significantly affected by this incident, and it may give us a chance to derail the live-action leanings of the network.

But who's to say CN might get somebody worse? :shrug: I don't know...and I wasn't very happy with how Fox Nexs (which is where I saw the news break) was so...gleeful about it.

[Mugen]

Side Thought: I wonder how this is going to effect the upfront?

Well, the upfront is on February 14th, so we'll find out.

[Karl Olson]

As I mentioned on the Adult Swim forum, I am quite shocked right now. This was definately a ballsy move for him to take the blame, and for that, I give him kudos.

I'm hoping things will get better, with the new prez and new VP of programming/aquistitions. I'm hoping Cartoon Network can get to at least the level it was at in 2003.

Well, had this happened under different circumstances, I'd almost say the Adult Swim execs (specifically Mike Lazzo,) would have had a shot at running the network (again, as they kind of did back in the early days,) but obviously they are probably lucky just to have the jobs they have, so unless they can steal a known quantity from another network (or dig a talented veteran out of retirement,) who knows what we'll get. I mean, it'd be great if who ever they considered had to go through the same "do you know animation" test early staff of Cartoon Network had to pass to get their jobs, but that mentality died under Kellner, so we're stuck with hoping that who ever takes it on not only loves animation, but also understands how to foster and nurture an environment that really gets the whole studio energized and enthusiastic, from the creators to the key animators (something it is rumored that Samples had difficulty with.)

Basically, Cartoon Network needs another Fred Seibert, at least as the programming VP, and they need Betty Cohen (or someone like her) in the General Manager/president position.

[Duke]

I still say this is taking things way too far. Turner's letting the Boston mayor gloat and continue to look like a fool even though Turner didn't do a damn thing wrong.

[Karl Olson]

I still say this is taking things way too far. Turner's letting the Boston mayor gloat and continue to look like a fool even though Turner didn't do a damn thing wrong.

And you're more right than ever considering it looks like the City of Boston/other authorites may have told a bald-faced lie about the cost of the incident, and thus extorted Cartoon Network for as much as 1.85 million dollars more than it actually cost. (http://www.slate.com/id/2159362/?nav=fix) Should that be true, I'd love to see CN sue the hell out of Boston, and I'd like to see Samples file a civil suit, which interestingly enough he's now in a brilliant position to do.

[Carlos]

And you're more right than ever considering it looks like the City of Boston/other authorites may have told a bald-faced lie about the cost of the incident, and thus extorted Cartoon Network for as much as 1.85 million dollars more than it actually cost. (http://www.slate.com/id/2159362/?nav=fix) Should that be true, I'd love to see CN sue the hell out of Boston, and I'd like to see Samples file a civil suit, which interestingly enough he's now in a brilliant position to do.


*Cues Ether beat*

So Karl, are you making a diss song towards the Boston Mayor/City of Boston anytime soon?:anime:

[Beat]

I'm surprised everyone didn't point all the fingers square at Mike Lazzo or some other AS executive, but Karl's right about the majority of their bureaucracy doubling as creative talent, which would make any firing hurt twice as much.

Shows just how serious everyone made this out to be.

[Supernovametalstar]

From all accounts he sounds like a good guy, so I wish him the best. Hope he saved some money from all those years as the top guy at the network.

[MorotheWolf]

And you're more right than ever considering it looks like the City of Boston/other authorites may have told a bald-faced lie about the cost of the incident, and thus extorted Cartoon Network for as much as 1.85 million dollars more than it actually cost. (http://www.slate.com/id/2159362/?nav=fix) Should that be true, I'd love to see CN sue the hell out of Boston, and I'd like to see Samples file a civil suit, which interestingly enough he's now in a brilliant position to do.

Unfortunately, TBS seems far more interested in satisfying the media and Boston's wacky mayor and shutting them up. I could see the Mayor trying to get the Government after them, or drawing it out into a even more costly court battle. However, Samples is in a position to sue...hmm.

[Karl Olson]

*Cues Ether beat*

So Karl, are you making a diss song towards the Boston Mayor/City of Boston anytime soon?:anime:

Well, I know I'm very loathed to include "Buckle Up" on my upcoming CD release (which is ironically scheduled for the day of the CN upfront - 2/14.) I'd already pulled it from being a main song, bumping it to being a bonus track on an album that's more of an interim release than a "main event," after talking to CN creators and after meeting Bob Higgins (who was a really nice guy,) but if my bets on this are correct, even releasing the song like that would be very undeserved now. Samples may have nearly wrecked the network in someways, but he did ultimately keep some of it's finest people employed and well-paid, and in the end, he might have done something downright heroic and noble.

And yeah, if I hit the right inspiration, I'll probably write a song about Boston. I won't, however, be so naive as to think it'll still be pertinent to release on a CD by the time I get around to releasing my next CD. :sweat:

[Mugen]

"Jeff Harris for President of Cartoon Network." Hmm...:)

[Taylor Karras]

Only one question, Who will be his sucessor???

Jeff Haris, Sketch, Some Punk?

[BCVM22]

Only one question, Who will be his sucessor???

Jeff Haris, Sketch, Some Punk?

No, no and no, respectively. You really need to get it out of your head that people who can write smrt wurdz about animation (or pretend to) on the Internet are qualified to run major cable networks, because they aren't.

[Super Leviathan]

Nickelodeon weathered Harb Scannell's departure extroaordinarily well. I'd imagine any change to the CN head would bring similar non-change to the status quo.

[Jeff Harris]

No, no and no, respectively. You really need to get it out of your head that people who can write smrt wurdz about animation (or pretend to) on the Internet are qualified to run major cable networks, because they aren't.Yeah, you're right. You have to have more than smarts, intelligence, and knowledge of the industry at large.

And if you don't have that, at least know somebody in charge.

You need schooling at very prestigious colleges and serve in one aspect of the industry, even if you don't want to be there in the first place.

Or, you could be at the right place at the right time. I mean, some network hired a guy from web design as a VP of programming.

Mark will probably hire someone within than somebody outside the network.

I may have a lot of sense, insight, and ideas, but they don't want nor need me at Techwood.

[Rolling Cloud]

DAMMIT!! This completely sucks!!

Why did he have to leave?

[Matthew Williams]

Did some more digging, and updated my story on the firing with quotes from not only Samples, but Turner entertainment president Mark Lazarus and Boston mayor Thomas Menino as well.

[Carolina Red]

Yeah, you're right. You have to have more than smarts, intelligence, and knowledge of the industry at large.You've got to have a good idea of what the public wants to get it to work properly too. I think the new prez needs a good gauge of why the network is slumping in some areas. You think he listens to us?

It's my hope that my decision allows us to put this chapter behind us and get back to our mission of delivering unrivaled original animated entertainment for consumers of all ages. As for me, there will be new professional challenges ahead that will make the most of the experiences I've had as part of this remarkable company.I find it interesting how even after he booted himself from the company in a rather harsh light he is still incredibly happy about his company. He is showing real grace, but whether or not he can get over this and get to another prominent position in the future is beyond me.

[Martianinvader]

No, no and no, respectively. You really need to get it out of your head that people who can write smrt wurdz about animation (or pretend to) on the Internet are qualified to run major cable networks, because they aren't.
You're missing the bigger point. They have no head of programming. They have no head, period. They're weak! WE CAN TAKE THEM!!

[Sketch]

Well Samples, you've gotten my hatred for a while now but you finished strong and that's what really matters. Thanks for doing your best to keep CN and AS from getting slammed over this ordeal.

It still seems entirely unreasonable that CN, AS and Turner had to make ammends for this when such a thing never should have cause a problem and didn't in several other cities. I suppose it's wise for Turner and CN to take one for the team but it still doesn't seem like justice has been served here. It's not Turner, CN or AS's fault that those people weren't using common sense.

[Mugen]

Well Samples, you've gotten my hatred for a while now but you finished strong and that's what really matters. Thanks for doing your best to keep CN and AS from getting slammed over this ordeal.

It still seems entirely unreasonable that CN, AS and Turner had to make ammends for this when such a thing never should have cause a problem and didn't in several other cities. I suppose it's wise for Turner and CN to take one for the team but it still doesn't seem like justice has been served here. It's not Turner, CN or AS's fault that those people weren't using common sense.


I wonder who's next to go from CN. Is Bob Higgins still at the network?

[Kurokawa41]

No, no and no, respectively. You really need to get it out of your head that people who can write smrt wurdz about animation (or pretend to) on the Internet are qualified to run major cable networks, because they aren't.

I think he was kidding, bro.

Also, this sounds interesting. I'd like to see some changes on the channel. Also, they really have made so much of an exaggeration out of the whole Mooninite incident... it's hilarious.

[Duke]

You know, I really, REALLY wish the Boston mayor would keep quiet for once. Every time he opens his damn mouth he looks more and more like a fool and an idiot. (Do you call that a double baka or something?)

[Taylor Karras]

Looks like the Mooninites and the Finger will bring great changes to Cartoon Network.

[Zyzzybalubah]

Good luck on the future endeavors Mr. Samples! Sorry to see you part like this, but thank you for several great years. I'll admit I didn't like every decision throughout the years at Cartoon Network, but the truth is that there has been more positives from this network than negative since the beginning.

Hopefully the replacements for the head and VP-Programming/Acquisitions will be do a fine job.

[Conan-san]

Wow, what next? CN canceling Naruto cause Boston says it's too violent?

[Wanted]

Well, whatever's happening... there's bound to be some change in the future. Two MAJOR positions have to be filled, and I'm quite looking forward to the future, however chancy that may be.

Though, I can't say I'd ever expected Jim Samples to take such a daring move in light of the incident.

[Frank Castle]

Very unexpected. I wish Mr. Samples good luck in the future. There was no need for him to resign, but with the Boston Mayor being about as smart as Meatwad, I guess it may be for the best.

[Duke]

There was no need for him to resign, but with the Boston Mayor being about as smart as Meatwad, I guess it may be for the best.
Actually, Meatwad has been known to be quite clever at times.

[Taylor Karras]

Wow, what next? CN canceling Naruto cause Boston says it's too violent?

Only if Boston makes them their *****.

[Conan-san]

Only if Boston makes them their *****. I'd admit it's begining to look that way.

[ShadowGUN]

Wow, what next? CN canceling Naruto cause Boston says it's too violent?

Conan, don' t give the mayor of Boston any ideas.

Well as era end hopefully a new and better one begins.

[YoshiAngemon]

I think it's not like Menino's friends with Al Khan, and would force Viz to sell Naruto to 4Kids, where Naruto will get the suckiest dub job ever seen and heard!

[Blue Priestess]

And you're more right than ever considering it looks like the City of Boston/other authorites may have told a bald-faced lie about the cost of the incident, and thus extorted Cartoon Network for as much as 1.85 million dollars more than it actually cost. (http://www.slate.com/id/2159362/?nav=fix) Should that be true, I'd love to see CN sue the hell out of Boston, and I'd like to see Samples file a civil suit, which interestingly enough he's now in a brilliant position to do.

Somehow, that doesn't surprise me about Boston. They'll probably claim the inflated cost is for "mental stress and sufferring" or something equally nebulous. I'm with you and Duke. This is way too far for CN to go because an entire city has an ego problem (before anyone says anything, I have never had a positive encounter with anyone or thing in Boston). Unfortunately, no other news source will bother revealing the cost lie, because we should always be afraid of anything even slightly out of the ordinary. This whole thing reminds me of why I hate the news. :mad:

[YoshiAngemon]

I'm from South of Boston, but I don't really care about this! At least I don't watch Adult Swim! I mean, it's not like they have set us up the bomb, or anything.

[Rolling Cloud]

Wow, what next? CN canceling Naruto cause Boston says it's too violent?

OH GOD, NO!!!! If they do that, I don't know what I'll do. Really, I don't.

:anime: :ack: :( :sad: :crying: :mad: :mad:

[Gary L Thompson]

As I mentioned on the Adult Swim forum, I am quite shocked right now. This was definately a ballsy move for him to take the blame, and for that, I give him kudos.

I'm hoping things will get better, with the new prez and new VP of programming/aquistitions. I'm hoping Cartoon Network can get to at least the level it was at in 2003.

Well, this conceivably could work out for the good if whoever comes in knows to pay greater attention to CN's brand identity....


Well, had this happened under different circumstances, I'd almost say the Adult Swim execs (specifically Mike Lazzo,) would have had a shot at running the network (again, as they kind of did back in the early days,) but obviously they are probably lucky just to have the jobs they have, so unless they can steal a known quantity from another network (or dig a talented veteran out of retirement,) who knows what we'll get. I mean, it'd be great if who ever they considered had to go through the same "do you know animation" test early staff of Cartoon Network had to pass to get their jobs, but that mentality died under Kellner, so we're stuck with hoping that who ever takes it on not only loves animation, but also understands how to foster and nurture an environment that really gets the whole studio energized and enthusiastic, from the creators to the key animators (something it is rumored that Samples had difficulty with.)

Basically, Cartoon Network needs another Fred Seibert, at least as the programming VP, and they need Betty Cohen (or someone like her) in the General Manager/president position.

Yeah, you're right. You have to have more than smarts, intelligence, and knowledge of the industry at large.

And if you don't have that, at least know somebody in charge.

You need schooling at very prestigious colleges and serve in one aspect of the industry, even if you don't want to be there in the first place.

Or, you could be at the right place at the right time. I mean, some network hired a guy from web design as a VP of programming.

Mark will probably hire someone within than somebody outside the network.

I may have a lot of sense, insight, and ideas, but they don't want nor need me at Techwood.

I don't know how much executive experience he has, but....well, Turner Classic Movies' daytime host Ben Mankiewicz presumably knows cartoons as host of "Cartoon Alley" and the network's original Miyazaki festival, and he presumably knows how Time-Warner works as a corporation. So he might be perfect for the job opening at Cartoon Network (it wouldn't hurt that he has had experience working for a segment of T-W that unlike just about any other part of that monolith, actually seems to have a genuine clue about what it is doing).


But who's to say CN might get somebody worse? :shrug: I don't know...and I wasn't very happy with how Fox Nexs (which is where I saw the news break) was so...gleeful about it.

As I'm sure CNN will be gleeful over any major misstep by the Fox empire.

Well Samples, you've gotten my hatred for a while now but you finished strong and that's what really matters. Thanks for doing your best to keep CN and AS from getting slammed over this ordeal.

It still seems entirely unreasonable that CN, AS and Turner had to make ammends for this when such a thing never should have cause a problem and didn't in several other cities. I suppose it's wise for Turner and CN to take one for the team but it still doesn't seem like justice has been served here. It's not Turner, CN or AS's fault that those people weren't using common sense.

Well, who was right and who was wrong seems to be stirring up some healthy discussion in some quarters.... ( http://pr.typepad.com/pr_communications/2007/02/aqua_teen_hunge.html )

Just for my own two cents, I can't help but think that the chance of this happening would be awfully low, if the typical programming CN were pushing nowadays had a higher mainstream profile (Fred Flintstone, for example)....

Speaking of guerilla advertising backfiring, this brings back a few memories of what happened in my own hometown. The Edison Institute (now the Henry Ford) was opening its brand-new 3-D theater with a movie on dinosaurs. So people with Greenfield Village and the city government's PR people decided to paint dinosaur footprints all over town, under the assumption that it would wash out and fade away as the movie finished its run....

Several years later, they were still there. At the time, the city was getting a lot of complaints of street lanes and parking lot space striping fading too fast, and the standing joke was they should have used the dinosaur footprint painters to stripe the streets and parking lots....