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Cartoon Network head resigns after scare By HARRY R. WEBER, AP Business Writer
2 hours, 29 minutes ago
ATLANTA - The head of the Cartoon Network resigned Friday over a publicity stunt that caused a terrorism scare in Boston.
In a memo to staff members, Jim Samples, general manager and executive vice president, said he regretted the incident and felt "compelled to step down, effective immediately, in recognition of the gravity of the situation that occurred under my watch."
Dozens of blinking circuit boards showing a cartoon character giving the finger were planted in 10 cities as part of a guerrilla marketing campaign to promote the cartoon "Aqua Teen Hunger Force." In Boston, the discovery of the devices Jan. 31 led police to shut down bridges and highways and send in the bomb squad.
Cartoon Network's corporate parent, Atlanta-based Turner Broadcasting, acknowledged a few hours into the scare that the devices were part of a publicity campaign.
On Monday, Turner Broadcasting and an advertising agency involved agreed to pay $2 million in compensation for the trouble it caused.
"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, 44, said in announcing his resignation.
Two men who authorities say were paid to plant the devices in Boston have pleaded not guilty to placing a hoax device and disorderly conduct. Police found 38 of the devices on Boston's bridges, at Fenway Park and at other high-profile spots.
Mayor Thomas Menino said in a statement that he was pleased to see Turner was taking the incident seriously.
"The resignation of their top Cartoon Network executive should serve as a message to all that these types of marketing tactics will not and should not be tolerated," Menino said.
Turner spokeswoman Shirley Powell said Samples would not be available for interviews.
A replacement for Samples was not immediately announced.
The stunt did not translate into much of a boost for the show. The cartoon averaged 386,000 viewers last week among its targeted audience of 18-to-24-year-olds, according to Nielsen Media Research. The previous week, the show averaged a virtually identical 380,000.
2 hours, 29 minutes ago
ATLANTA - The head of the Cartoon Network resigned Friday over a publicity stunt that caused a terrorism scare in Boston.
In a memo to staff members, Jim Samples, general manager and executive vice president, said he regretted the incident and felt "compelled to step down, effective immediately, in recognition of the gravity of the situation that occurred under my watch."
Dozens of blinking circuit boards showing a cartoon character giving the finger were planted in 10 cities as part of a guerrilla marketing campaign to promote the cartoon "Aqua Teen Hunger Force." In Boston, the discovery of the devices Jan. 31 led police to shut down bridges and highways and send in the bomb squad.
Cartoon Network's corporate parent, Atlanta-based Turner Broadcasting, acknowledged a few hours into the scare that the devices were part of a publicity campaign.
On Monday, Turner Broadcasting and an advertising agency involved agreed to pay $2 million in compensation for the trouble it caused.
"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, 44, said in announcing his resignation.
Two men who authorities say were paid to plant the devices in Boston have pleaded not guilty to placing a hoax device and disorderly conduct. Police found 38 of the devices on Boston's bridges, at Fenway Park and at other high-profile spots.
Mayor Thomas Menino said in a statement that he was pleased to see Turner was taking the incident seriously.
"The resignation of their top Cartoon Network executive should serve as a message to all that these types of marketing tactics will not and should not be tolerated," Menino said.
Turner spokeswoman Shirley Powell said Samples would not be available for interviews.
A replacement for Samples was not immediately announced.
The stunt did not translate into much of a boost for the show. The cartoon averaged 386,000 viewers last week among its targeted audience of 18-to-24-year-olds, according to Nielsen Media Research. The previous week, the show averaged a virtually identical 380,000.