4. 'Toon Carrier

Jim Samples
Title: SVP/GM, Cartoon Network
Age: 43
Years in industry: 13

Bob Higgins
Title: SVP, programming and development, Cartoon Network
Age: 39
Years in industry: 16

Last year: NR

Why Them? The competition may be fierce, but no one carries a ‘toon quite like Jim Samples and Bob Higgins. While other children’s networks are duking it out in the live-action space, these two remain devoted to the classic cartoon—in all its edgy incarnations. After cutting his teeth at Classic Media, Higgins is charged with helping Cartoon tow the line between imports like “Pokemon,” “Yu-Gi-Oh!” and anime shows, and developing its own voice through original fare. Higgins has overseen the launch of a string of recent original series like “Foster's Home For Imaginary Friends,” “My Gym Partner’s A Monkey” and “Camp Lazlo,” aimed at the network’s 6-12-year-old target audience. He also guides Cartoon’s reintroduction to the preschool audience with whimsical morning block Tickle U, and its day-parted block for older viewers, Toonami. Under Samples’ stewardship, Cartoon is also mining multimedia opportunities. It recently partnered with rapper Andre 3000 of OutKast, who provides music for new series “Class of 3000” that likely will find its way to a branded CD. Samples also champions the network’s push into VOD and multiplatform distribution, and its plans for movie spinoffs of popular series like the upcoming “Grim Adventures Of Billy And Mandy” and “CodeName: Kids Next Door projects.” - CAO

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Jim Samples

I knew the cable industry was for me when: “I first toured CNN.”
Person (other than my current boss) who I’d most like to work for: “Jimmy Carter.”
In my free time, I like to: “Read.”
Favorite restaurant: Tierra (Atlanta, GA)
Favorite city: Madrid
Three things I would take with me to a deserted island: “Solar powered (and loaded) iPod, fishing gear, satellite phone.”
Favorite TV shows not on my network: “The Daily Show”
I wish cable would: “Provide better consumer interfaces.”
Favorite piece of tech: iPod
The world would be a better place if: “All heads of state were women.”
What is your least favorite word? “Delay.”
What turns you on? “Genuineness.”
What turns you off? “Phoniness.”
What sound do you love? “Water.”
What sound do you hate? “Child crying.”
What profession other than yours would you like to attempt? “Author”
What profession would you not like to participate in? “Immigration Officer.”

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Bob Higgins

I knew the cable industry was for me when: “The broadcast networks (in effect) stopped programming to kids.”
Defining career moment: “I don’t think that’s happened yet.”
Person I most admire in the cable industry and why: “Gerry Laybourne. Smart, focused, tremendous passion and integrity, plus she redefined the kids entertainment industry.”
Biggest cable surprise of 2006: “High School Musical.”
Top personal achievement in 2006: “Primetime Emmy nominations for ‘Foster's Home’ for ‘Imaginary Friends’ and ‘Camp Lazlo’.”
In my free time, I like to: “Play in the yard with my kids; coach soccer.”
Favorite city: Boston
Favorite line from a movie or TV show: “It’s social... demented and sad, but social.” – “The Breakfast Club”
Three things I would take with me to a deserted island: “A boat, a cooler full of food and drink, flint.”
Favorite song: “Paradise By The Dashboard Light”
Favorite TV shows not on my network: “Amazing Race” and “Survivor”
Favorite movie: “Grease 2”
Favorite sports team: BC Eagles football
I wish cable would: “Stop being a second class citizen to broadcast.”
Favorite piece of tech: BlackBerry
Least favorite piece of tech: BlackBerry
The world would be a better place if: “We all slowed down and paid better attention.”
What is your favorite word? “Wicked.”
What is your least favorite word? “Irregardless (an overused non-word).”
What turns you off? “Complaining.”
What sound do you love? “My kids laughing.”
What sound do you hate? “No.”
What profession other than yours would you like to attempt? “Teaching.”
If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? “Took you long enough.”

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