Clear Channel Outdoor Launches Bid For Airport TV Programming

The Start Of Airport Wars?

CLEAR CHANNEL OUTDOOR HOLDINGS is launching a new TV new service for airports that would challenge CNN's current dominance, REUTERS  reports. The service, called CLEARVISION, will feature major TV networks such as FOX, CBS and NBC; all told, it has signed 100 content deals for the new service.

CLEAR CHANNEL head of airports TOBY STUREK said the company is in discussions with about 20 airports, including some where CNN has its TVs. It will initially roll out in mid-sized airports, the first being RALEIGH-DURHAM INTERNATIONAL in NORTH CAROLINA this NOVEMBER.

CNN does not have a presence in RALEIGH-DURHAM, but its screens can be seen in 49 of the busiest U.S. airports, including CHICAGO O'HARE and DALLAS/FORT WORTH. CNN said it reaches 248 million customers every year in airports.

Content-wise, CLEARVISION will offer a wider array of programming and air shows ranging from comedies to CNBC's morning business updates. CNN typically pulls news and programming from its networks CNN, HLN, CNN INTERNATIONAL and some local segments. Both companies will show live sports.

CLEAR CHANNEL also plans to let travelers connect their mobile devices wirelessly to the TV sets starting in the first quarter of next year, so travelers can watch the airport programs on their own screens while they are waiting. Eventually, they will be able to select from different channels.

"So, one traveler can watch news while a person sitting next to them can watch America's Got Talent," STUREK said.

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