Cartoon Network is the new WB

Today Cartoon Network has announced that they will indeed carry the next season of Pokemon on their network. While no scheduling info was given, they have issued this press release:

ATLANTA, June 15, 2006 /PRNewswire/ -- Cartoon Network announces the addition of the immensely popular Pokemon series to its programming line-up. The iconic animated TV show premieres its brand-new ninth season, Pokemon: Battle Frontier, in the U.S. this fall and viewers will be able to watch all-new episodes of the popular series exclusively on Cartoon Network. The series features the tale of Ash Ketchum, Pikachu, and their friends as they face some of their biggest adventures yet.

All-New Episodes of Pokemon(R): Battle Frontier to Begin This Fall

Pokémon: Battle Frontier takes Ash and Pikachu back to the Kanto region to complete the Battle Frontier, seven ultimate tests that will challenge Ash's skills as a Pokémon Trainer. Ash's friend May must also face some stiff competition as she seeks to win Kanto's Pokemon Contests and become a top Pokeemon Coordinator. Together, these two Trainers and their friends will recruit more Pokémon, battle powerful opponents, and make new friends, all in this climactic ninth season of Pokemon. In addition, Pokémon Chronicles, never before seen in the U.S., premiered June 3, at 7:00 p.m. (ET, PT) during Toonami. The series stars old friends plus unsung heroes and villains from the hit animated series.

"We're thrilled to be the new home of Pokemon in the U.S. and to be bringing first-run, never-before-seen episodes of this tremendous series to our audience," said Bob Higgins, senior vice president or programming and original animation for Cartoon Network. "We're looking forward to working with Pokemon USA to grow Battle Frontier into a top television destination for boys and girls of all ages."

"We are immensely proud to be partnering with Cartoon Network and look forward to an exciting future based on a mutual goal -- providing the best animation for children," says Akira Chiba, president and CEO, Pokemon USA, Inc. "For us, Cartoon Network is a perfect fit because we want to be where the kids are and to give our fans what they want, which is Pokemon throughout the week."

Pokémon is a global pop culture phenomenon celebrating its 10th worldwide anniversary this year. Throughout 2006, Pokémon is providing fans with a variety of different initiatives to celebrate the milestone including a 24-city mall tour -- The Pokémon Journey Across America -- which features local video game competitions culminating in the Pokémon 10th Anniversary Party and Video Game National Championships in August in New York City. The property has major staying power across multiple categories including video games, the Pokeemon Trading Card Game, movies and consumer products.

About Cartoon Network

Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in more than 89 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.'s ad-supported cable service offering the best in original, acquired and classic animated entertainment for kids and families. Overnight from 11 p.m.-6 a.m. (ET, PT) Sunday-Thursday, Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animation for young adults 18-34.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry.

About Pokémon

Pokemon USA, Inc., a subsidiary of The Pokemon Company in Japan, manages the property outside of Asia which includes licensing, marketing, the Pokemon Trading Card Game, an animated TV series, home entertainment, the official Pokemon website, and online retail center http://www.pokemoncenter.com . Celebrating its 10th worldwide anniversary in 2006, Pokemon was launched in Japan in 1996 for play on Nintendo's Game Boy® and has since evolved into a global cultural phenomenon. Pokemon was introduced in North America in September 1998 and today is one of the most popular toy and entertainment properties in the world. For more information, visit http://www.pokemon.com .