Recently, rumours have been circulating online that Cartoon Network, the popular American cable television channel adored by its young audiences worldwide for cartoons like Tom and Jerry, The Flintstones, Scooby-Doo, and more, is shutting down. However, multiple sources have confirmed that the claims are incorrect.
The speculation and rumours about Cartoon Network's demise have originated from a trend that went viral on X (formerly Twitter) with the hashtag "RIP Cartoon Network" on Tuesday, and soon it broke the internet. A group called Animation Workers Ignited, which appears to be connected to the animators' union, made that tweet.
However, several reputable news outlets, including international news agency Marca, Indian news mediums The Times of India, Pinkvilla, Hindustan Times, and many other news outlets, have confirmed that Cartoon Network is not shutting down.
The misleading tweet asked its followers to post about their favourite Cartoon Network shows using the #RIPCartoonNetwork hashtag, which raised concerns among fans across many countries, including Bangladesh, that the channel is on the verge of its demise and would soon announce the closing of its studio.
The heartbroken fans started sharing a picture of the network's former headquarters on social media outlets including Facebook, Instagram, and X, which was reportedly shot last year after the firm moved its operations, further intensifying rumours of an official closure.
X has since clarified the matter by issuing community notes on the posts, writing, “Cartoon Network has not shut down, there is no evidence to suggest that it is shutting down. The associated hashtag #RIPCartoon Network originates from Animation Workers Ignited, an account advocating for the unionisation of animators.”
Launched on October 1, 1992, Cartoon Network is one of the most popular children's television channels in the world. The channel became a household name to the millions and also to Bangladeshi audiences, with the arrival of cable television networks and international television channels in the country during the 1990s.
Tom and Jerry, Scooby Doo, The Powerpuff Girls, Popeye the Sailor, Dexter's Laboratory, Courage the Cowardly Dog, Johnny Bravo, Looney Tunes, Bob the Builders, Jumanji, and Ben 10 are some of the most popular cartoon shows on the channel, which garnered massive popularity in Bangladesh as well, especially among the 90’s kids.