#RIPCartoonNetwork occupied the top spot on the trends list after a video surfaced on X which claimed that the channel is “dead”. The hashtag trended furiously as social media users shared nostalgic posts related to the channel that was an essential childhood memory for almost everybody. The truth, however, is that the channel is not shutting down.
Such rumours regarding Cartoon Network surfaced after the short clip, posted by an account ‘Animation Workers Ignited’ on July 9, went viral with the caption: “Cartoon Network is dead?!?! Spread the word about what’s at stake for animation!!! Post about your favorite Cartoon Network shows using #RIPCartoonNetwork.”
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The video, which has garnered over six million views so far, featured animated characters engaged in a discussion about animation workers.
“Wow, so this is where cartoons get made,” a character questioned, to which another replied: “Not anymore. Cartoon Network is essentially dead and other big animation studios are not far behind.”
This character also said in the video that several animation workers “are unemployed. In record numbers, in fact. And many have been unemployed for upwards of a year.”
With the help of the video, this account aimed to highlight the challenges faced by the animation industry, which was severely affected by the pandemic. For more than a year, numerous workers have been out of work, and the entire industry is grappling with a slow recovery.
“When Covid first hit, animation was able to operate completely remotely, making it one of the only forms of entertainment that could continue production uninterrupted, but studios decided to pay them back by cancelling projects, outsourcing jobs and laying off artists en masse,” the character explained in the video.
Major studios prioritise profit over everything else, slashing budgets by reducing expenses and staff, while CEOs and executives continue to enjoy substantial benefits for themselves, the video claimed, adding, “Animation is under attack. Which side are you on?”
Watch the video here:
Meanwhile, social media users shared memories:
Cartoon Network, however, is yet to issue an official statement regarding the viral trend.