Comcast adds Cartoon Network to cable lineup

By: Andrew Klienfeld

Posted: 9/16/03

Brandeis students were welcomed to campus with a surprise gift this year as the Cartoon Network made its way onto the cable television lineup.

"A lot of people watch cartoons," said Andrei Khots '04, who vigorously campaigned for the addition of the channel three years ago as Massel Quad Senator. Khots said he "saw a pretty big interest" in the network, as it came in second behind HBO in a poll of which channel Brandeisians coveted most.

And while Brandeis students still cannot enjoy Curb Your Enthusiasm, Sex and the City, or Six Feet Under, they can relive their childhood with classics like Looney Tunes, Scooby Doo, and Popeye and can relax at night with Cartoon Network's Adult Swim featuring syndicated newer shows like Futurama and Family Guy.

Brandeis had nothing to do with the addition of the network. Chief Information Officer Perry Hanson explained that the addition was a result of Comcast, the cable provider of Brandeis University, simply changing their cable lineup.

Khots said that it was "not easy at all" getting the channel through ITS, adding that it would cost a flat rate of $3,000 plus an additional charges per room and for royalties. He said he got "no real results with ITS" after meeting with them in February of 2001.

Khots campaigned the next year again, then as East Quad Senator, but the support for the cause was not as enthusiastic. Most people had given up on the fight for the channel by last year.

"I know that a lot of people really wanted and were passionate about it," Khots said, adding that the channel's addition is "a successful, unexpected thing."

Others echoed Khots' sentiments: "I turned on the TV when I got here and there it was," said Ilana Snapstailer '06. "I didn't know it was even being added."