Jazmin Li
On March 31, 2021, CNN Airport Network ended its operations at 58 airports across the United States, including Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, marking the end of a 30-year run. The decision was attributed to a decline in airport traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the shift towards personal devices for content consumption. With CNN's departure, the question arises: Who will replace them at airports? While some airports considered showing their own videos or installing blank screens, linear short-form television network reachTV has stepped up to fill the void, announcing its expansion to over 15 major U.S. airports and aiming to provide content for more than 1800 screens. reachTV boasts partnerships with major content providers, ensuring a diverse range of programming for travellers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of CNN's airport network ending | March 31, 2021 |
| Replacement | reachTV |
| Number of airports reachTV will be in | Over 15 |
| Number of screens reachTV will be on | 1800 |
| reachTV's existing presence in airports | Content on screens in over 700 airport food and beverage outlets |
| reachTV's content partners | NBCU (Today, CNBC, Sports and Peacock), AMC, A&E, Players TV |
| reachTV's expansion plans | Australia, Dubai, Singapore, the United Kingdom |
| CNN's reason for ending the airport network | Steep decline in airport traffic due to COVID-19, people consuming content on personal devices |
| Number of airports CNN's airport network was in | 50 in the US, 1 in Bermuda, totalling 2,400 gates |
| Annual payment to Miami International Airport | $150,000 |
| Annual payment from CNN to some airports | Over $100,000 |
| Number of airports with deals with CNN | 60 |
| Number of airports with CNN Airport Network | 58 |
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What You'll Learn
The end of the CNN Airport Network
The CNN Airport Network, which was seen at 2,400 gates across 50 U.S. airports and one in Bermuda, ended operations on March 31, 2021. The decision was announced by CNN president Jeff Zucker, who cited the steep decline in airport traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of personal devices as reasons for the shutdown. The network had been a fixture in airports since 1992, providing travellers with a mix of live news, lifestyle, entertainment, business, and sports programming.
Despite the varied responses to its content, the CNN Airport Network held a prominent position in airports across the U.S. and beyond. The network's presence was so widespread that it was often referred to as having a monopoly on airport television, leading to criticism and even a proposed amendment to the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 by Iowa congressman Steve King, which aimed to increase viewing options for travellers.
In the end, it was a combination of external factors, such as the pandemic and changing content consumption habits, that led to the demise of the CNN Airport Network. As air travel begins to recover, it remains to be seen what will fill the void left by CNN on airport screens. Some airports, like Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, are considering showing their own videos about airport services, while others have turned to companies like reachTV, which provide a range of content from various partners, to fill the gap.
While the CNN Airport Network may no longer be a part of the travelling experience, its impact on travellers and the airport environment will surely be remembered, for better or worse, by those who experienced it.
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The impact of COVID-19 on airport traffic
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on airport traffic, leading to a significant decline in the number of passengers travelling through airports worldwide. This drop in air travel has had a ripple effect on various aspects of airport operations and the broader aviation industry.
One of the most noticeable effects has been the impact on businesses operating within airport terminals. With passenger traffic down by over 70% in many airports, restaurants, retailers, and service providers have seen a drastic reduction in customers, resulting in financial challenges and even closures. This has particularly affected news channels like CNN, which had a monopoly in several US airports, and has now decided to end its airport network due to the steep decline in airport traffic.
The decrease in airport traffic has also had operational consequences for airports. Large hub airports, which typically handle tens of millions of passengers annually, have seen their activity drop to less than 20% of baseline levels during the pandemic. This has resulted in reduced flight schedules, changes in staffing requirements, and potential long-term impacts on airport infrastructure and development plans.
Additionally, the pandemic has altered the behaviour and preferences of travellers. With health and safety concerns at the forefront, airports have implemented new protocols to ensure passenger wellbeing. This includes measures such as social distancing, enhanced cleaning procedures, and mandatory mask policies. These changes have transformed the airport experience, potentially affecting passenger comfort and convenience.
While the pandemic has undoubtedly disrupted airport traffic, it is important to recognize that recovery is expected. As the world adapts to new health protocols and travel resumes, airport traffic is anticipated to increase gradually. However, the pace of recovery may vary across different airports, with some recovering earlier or more fully than others. The post-pandemic era presents an opportunity for airports and operators to innovate, adapt, and capitalize on new opportunities to enhance the airport experience and meet the evolving needs of travellers.
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Alternatives to CNN at airports
The CNN Airport Network was a prominent feature of many airports for over 30 years, but it was announced in 2021 that the service would be discontinued. The decision was influenced by a decline in airport traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the increasing use of personal devices for content consumption.
- Linear short-form television network reachTV has taken over CNN Airport screens at more than 15 major U.S. airports, with plans to expand internationally. They provide content from partners like NBCU, AMC, A&E, and Players TV, as well as sports content and original shows.
- Some airports may opt for more general content like weather, news overviews, and airport information. This could include advertising and airport service videos.
- There is a possibility that some airports will remove TV sets from terminals altogether, recognising that travellers often prefer to consume content on their personal devices.
- In the past, there have been calls for greater broadcast choice at airports, with suggestions for alternatives to CNN including the Weather Channel, sports channels, and other news networks. However, some travellers express a preference for quieter terminals without any replacement programming.
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The future of TV at airports
The CNN Airport Network, which has been an iconic part of the travelling experience in the US, ended operations on March 31, 2021. The decision was made due to a decline in airport traffic because of COVID-19, as well as the rise of personal devices. The end of the network raises questions about the future of TV at airports.
CNN's airport edition was a filtered version on a 10-second delay, allowing the opportunity to avoid "bad" airline news and instead insert "filler" content such as the weather, travel programming, and customized commercials. It was also designed with larger on-screen graphics to allow readability from a distance.
There has been criticism of CNN's monopoly over airport televisions, with some travellers expressing relief that the repetitive and irritating noise pollution of CNN's airport network will be gone. Some have suggested that the TVs should be replaced with blank screens or images, while others have proposed that a non-biased network should take its place.
It is currently unclear whether there will be a single replacement for the CNN Airport Network, or if airports will court other media outlets to fill the gap. In the case of the latter, it is possible that airports will see a diversification of viewing options, as travellers will be able to choose from a variety of channels rather than being limited to a single network. One possible replacement for CNN Airport screens is the linear short-form television network, reachTV, which has already taken over more than 15 major U.S. airports and has plans to expand internationally. reachTV has partnerships with major content providers such as NBCU, AMC, A&E, and Players TV, and provides a mix of sports, news, and entertainment programming.
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The potential for advertising on airport screens
The end of the CNN Airport Network on March 31, 2021, has opened up new opportunities for advertising on airport screens. With a presence in 50 US airports and one in Bermuda, the network was seen at 2,400 gates, providing substantial exposure for advertisers. While some have suggested that the decline in airport traffic and the rise of personal devices may reduce the impact of airport screen advertising, the potential for a captive audience remains.
The replacement of CNN with alternative content providers, such as reachTV, opens up new possibilities for advertisers. Linear short-form television network reachTV has announced its expansion onto more than 1,800 screens in over 15 major US airports, with plans to roll out across airports in Australia, Dubai, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. This provides a unique opportunity for advertisers to reach a diverse and international audience.
The type of content displayed on airport screens will be a critical factor in the effectiveness of advertising. While some travellers may prefer quiet airports without any replacement content, others have suggested a preference for weather, sports, or travel-related programming. The previous CNN Airport Network featured a mix of live news, lifestyle, entertainment, business, and sports news, with strict content standards to avoid disturbing content. Any replacement content will need to consider these standards to ensure a positive viewing experience for travellers.
The transition from CNN to new content providers, such as reachTV, marks a shift in the airport viewing experience. As airports navigate the rebound in air traffic, the utilisation of airport screens for advertising offers a unique opportunity to capture the attention of travellers. With the potential for a diverse range of content and advertising, airport screens can become a dynamic and effective marketing channel in the post-COVID-19 travel era.
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Frequently asked questions
The CNN Airport Network was shut down due to a steep decline in airport traffic because of COVID-19, as well as the rise of personal devices for content consumption.
The CNN Airport Network ended on March 31, 2021.
Linear short-form television network reachTV announced it would be taking over CNN Airport screens at more than 15 major U.S. airports.
ReachTV has partnerships with NBCU (Today, CNBC, Sports and Peacock), AMC, A&E, and Players TV, securing content from every sports league, as well as creating original shows.
Yes, it appears that TV sets will remain in airports, with reachTV providing content for over 1800 screens in the US and internationally.
