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Cartoon Network Chief Quits Over Terrorist Scare

Posted Feb 9th 2007 2:55PM by TMZ Staff

The head of the Cartoon Network has resigned over the marketing stunt that turned into a terrorist scare -- and a public relations fiasco. Jim Samples, General Manager of the network, wrote in an internal memo to colleagues, "I deeply regret the negative publicity and expense caused to our company as a result of this campaign."
Cartoon Network signs.
The network had to pay $2 million in fines to the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office, and to the city of Boston. The light-board signs, placed to advertise a show in its Adult Swim block of programming, caused major traffic snarls and other disruptions when residents mistook them for explosive devices.

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31. I work in Boston and didnt witness any fear or panic. I was late getting home that night and was pissed. Now I'm just glad I work in a city where this stuff is taken seriously. ART? give me a fuckin' break. Tell the families of the Flight 93 victoms that those were just "boxcutters" It was a lame and irresponsible ad campain. The network is responsible, no matter what the cost. Baaaston rules!!

Posted at 4:25PM on Feb 9th 2007 by Gaggle

32. Panic? I dont think so. Someone reported something suspicious and it was taken seriously. This is why cities have bomb squads. Maybe Boston isnt cool like NYC and LA where people laugh at such matters, but 911 happened folks. It wasnt a hoax. We are hated. And yes, some people WOULD disguise bombs as cartoon characters. Get real you liberal Cunts!!!

Posted at 4:34PM on Feb 9th 2007 by jimbo

33. I love how the ONLY people "not laughing" are the idiots writing in from Boston. Let's face it... you and your city look like wicked stupid fools.

Posted at 4:45PM on Feb 9th 2007 by Boston Sux

34. Damned if ya do and damned if ya don't. If Boston didn't do anything over these stupid litebrite fixtures and they did turn out to be bombs, everyone would be saying how stupid they were for not responding in this post 9/11 world we live in. rather be stupid than dead. What if a blimp with litebrites all over it flew through NYC? That's right, it would get shot down. These stupid characters were on all major buildings and bridges in Boston, the city in which the terrorists hijacked the plane.

Posted at 5:21PM on Feb 9th 2007 by Learu

35. The only people that should be sorry for the incident are the dumbasses from Boston!!! How is it that this stunt took place in 9 other major cities and noone else responded this way?? How is it that the fucking litebrites were up for TWO weeks before your dumb ass bomb squad was called?? Anybody from Boston should be hanging their heads low!!!!! You guys are "wicked retaaaaded" dumb ass fucks!

Posted at 4:55PM on Feb 9th 2007 by Angel

36. " ART? give me a fuckin' break. Tell the families of the Flight 93 victoms that those were just "boxcutters" "

Wow, did you really just compare those signs to BOXCUTTERS? Nice job making the citizens of Boston look even dumber than they already do, if that's even possible

Posted at 4:57PM on Feb 9th 2007 by Geoffrey

37. Gee, perhaps if ANY of these cops/bomb squad guys/big officials keep a closer realtionship with their teenage children, they would have recognized ERR and his "finger" from the Aqua Teen Hunger force. I know it isn't a big mainstream show but I imagine it has a lot of teen viewers. I am a 41 year old female and I knew who it was the second I saw it on the web after the scare. I cannot tell you how much I laughed at all the hoopla and lack of initial investigation. I think I even peed in my pants a little :-)
Hey guys, it is called the Web, try scanning in the picture for reference 1st before shutting down a major city. I think the payback was a nice jesture but the resignation of the Chief is just ridiculus! He probably made bigger waves than any recent pres.

Posted at 5:06PM on Feb 9th 2007 by jm

38. Jimbo you are oh so ignorant, thats why you need to use nasty language to make your point! Obviously you're not liberal so perhaps you're conservative - nice example and typical. I'm liberal but in no way think Boston over reacted. Get over yourself!

Posted at 5:21PM on Feb 9th 2007 by Learu

39. Everyone needs to chill out and stop letting all the terrorist run your lives by being scared when the wind blows or something doesn't look in place.

Posted at 5:04PM on Feb 9th 2007 by Joey

40. people need to get the stick out thier ass. since 911 we cant even have a joke or a laugh here and there...fuck boston and the boston PD, dumb asses, they cant tell a bomb from a toy? thanks boston you ruined my life.

Posted at 5:15PM on Feb 9th 2007 by Kris

41. Hey, if it makes Turner/CN feel better... I had NEVER hear of this cartoon prior to the "terror bomb scare", now I'm kinda curious and have DVR'd a bunch of episodes so I can check it out.

Posted at 5:06PM on Feb 9th 2007 by Herself

42. Tell the families of the Flight 93 victoms that those were just "boxcutters"

What does this have to do a sign of light bulbs featuring the image of a Mooninite? Is Ahmed al-Qaeda, part of a terrorist sleeper cell, a fan of Aqua Teen Hunger Force? Does he watch it while he plans to unleash jihad on us American infidels? Wicked retahded Bahstonians.

Posted at 5:19PM on Feb 9th 2007 by Mike

43. I must admit you guys are right. You got to me. I was trying to defend my city, but now I just wanna get the fuck outta here. The new Govenor totally sucks, and I dont see things improving around here. Maybe head up to Maine. Cheers.

Posted at 5:12PM on Feb 9th 2007 by Gaggle

44. Good stuff Gaggle !!

Posted at 5:19PM on Feb 9th 2007 by Teisco

45. i would like to know how the HELL anyone could mistake THAT for an explosive device?!?!!!!!!!!

i have tried thinking about this for the last hour and still see nothing but a cartoon throwing a finger. just goes to show that too many people have their heads up their bum.

Posted at 7:03PM on Feb 9th 2007 by chik

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