As I've reported here back in 2024, it was announced that Warner Bros. Discovery would be spinning off its cable networks away from HBO Max and Warner Bros. Pictures into the division, Global Linear Business. Some inside sources hint at a potential split from Warner Bros. Discovery in a not so distant future.
Cable companies are losing revenue from Cartoon Network, TLC and HGTV all of which are packaged on DStv. This has led some channels to close in a number of countries or as we've seen with others a zombified lineup.
In a story published on Bloomberg, ad revenue from Cartoon Network plummeted from $668.3 million in 2014 to $133.7 million in 2024. This is the reason Warner Bros. Discovery hasn't prioritised it's original content slate and minimised it's portfolio opting to focus more on adult programming.
Even Adult Swim which serves as a side label to Cartoon Network for its mature offering is also seeing a dip in revenue and some do question the viability of the network.
When Comcast opted to spinoff it's cable networks under the handle Versant it led to the closure of Universal Kids. Very much like Cartoon Network, Universal Kids had garnered scale in other parts of the world with its equivalent DreamWorks Channel and this is where Cartoon Network might reside.
DreamWorks Channel despite being a success story serves an import to DreamWorks Animation's programming picked up by Netflix and Apple TV+. With Warner Bros. Discovery exploring a potential split shows like Teen Titans GO! are likely to follow the same route.
Upcoming shows like Regular Show: Lost Tapes and Adventure Time: Side Quests may take much longer to be made available on Cartoon Network if not prioritized as much.
Warner Bros. Discovery wants to split it's cable business from studios and streaming and if one had to guess it will be similar to Comcast. Warner Bros. Discovery will want to align it with HBO Max and Cartoon Network very much like Universal Kids is the weakest link.a
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