Cartoon Network head Jim Samples tendered his resignation today, citing the controversial Aqua Teen Hunger Force marketing campaign that caused a terrorism scare in Boston. Turner Broadcasting ended up paying the city $2 million to cover costs incurred when bomb squads were called out to remove suspicious-looking light-panel devices featuring one of the characters from the [adult swim] series.
‘I deeply regret the negative publicity and expense caused to our company as a result of this campaign,’ Samples says in a prepared statement. ‘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.’
Samples goes on to say that he has new professional challenges ahead and offers his appreciation of the talented artists and business people he has worked with over the past 13 years with the network. ‘As a friend and a fan, I also look forward to seeing your best and most personally fulfilling work yet,’ he adds. ‘Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Boomerang and each of you deserve nothing less.’
Under Samples’ leadership, Cartoon Network made strides in producing a branded slate of popular animated series, new media development and saw [adult swim] grow from a programming block to its own Nielsen-recognized network. As the company seeks a new general manager, the senior animation team members will report directly to Mark Lazarus, president of Turner Entertainment Group.
‘Jim’s decision to leave his post is a reflection of his regard for the business he helped build and the people he trusts to move it forward,’ Lazarus remarks. ‘He has our respect, appreciation and sincere best wishes.’
Boston officials arrested two men for placing the Aqua Teen marketing devices on bridges, transit stops and other random sites around the city. The campaign was launched in a total of 10 cities across the country but only caused panic in Bean Town. The $2 million Turner shelled out is considered by many to be a small price to pay for all the media attention focused on its animated series, especially with a feature film, Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film For Theaters, slated to hit theaters on March 23.
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