Cartoon Network has announced the launch of its dedicated, African website www.cartoonnetworkafrica.com. The new website will give web users an interactive, more exciting experience and allow African fans of the channel even greater access to the characters; games; and shows of Cartoon Network.

One of the main attractions will be the monthly competitions and prize draws where the lucky winners could have a chance to pick up the latest CN goodies, including DVDs; toys; and Nintendo Wiis.

Cartoonnetworkafrica.com will introduce a host of new features including a social networking functionality called ‘My CN’, where children will be able to safely interact with each other using a range of pre-selected statements and messages. Visitors to the site will have the option to customise their own versions of the site from a selection of backgrounds; choose avatars from a range of Cartoon Network characters; chat with their friends; and play games to win virtual trophies. Popular Cartoon Network series such as Ben 10; Bakugan; and Star Wars: The Clone Wars will be showcased with exclusive new content; games; videos; and downloads. Extra site functions will include the ability to save favourite videos in ‘My CN’; rate and share videos; and collect coins by interacting with the site via tasks and competitions.

Social networking features will continue to be ramped up throughout the year, with the phased introduction of a bespoke avatar creator; news feeds; game leaderboards; and coin redemption functionality.

“Key to our strategy at Turner Broadcasting Systems (TBS) is investment in the continent as well as the successful engagement and entertainment of our African viewers. We hope that, through the website, we will have greater interaction with our African fans and learn from them. We want to know what they want to see, what they consider valuable and what they consider relevant to their personal realities. This website also provides CN with another invaluable platform to work with our local partners and clients,” commented Alan Musa, VP and GM, Middle East, Africa and Pan Region for Turner Broadcasting Systems.

The new website is visually dynamic, yet uncluttered and showcases the latest news; features; video; and images available from Cartoon Network. The site is easy to browse and navigate and harnesses the full power of the Cartoon Network brand in order to make the Cartoon Network experience even more immediate and compelling to the channel’s viewers.

Musa continued, “The new Cartoon Network website is all about optimising kids’ online experience with engaging content that they can share with their friends, within the framework of a safe environment. Kids are known early adopters and this new site provides the infrastructure for us to keep pace with their constantly evolving interests.”

Additional features include a TV Guide and a ‘Do Not Press Button’ button that will trigger surprise homepage takeovers, such as a magnet temporarily suctioning the site’s navigation or water appearing to fill the screen. While a programme navigation carousel which shows characters walking and posing will add a fun visual component.

With many new interactive elements added to the site, advertisers will have the opportunity to interact with an even more engaged and entertained audience. The new available features will also allow clients to integrate their messaging into Cartoonnetworkafrica.com, creating further bespoke sponsorship opportunities.

Cartoon Network has been home to some of the funniest cartoons on television since its creation in 1992. It delivers a wide range of kid’s entertainment with hit shows including Ben 10; Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends; My Gym Partner is a Monkey; Codename: Kids Next Door; Ed Edd n Eddy; and Robotboy. The channel is available in 21 different languages, is broadcast in 160 countries and appears daily in 200-million homes worldwide. The new website is set to continue Cartoon Network’s legacy by being the place where the cool kids, big and small, hang out.