CNN programming will no longer be played in airports after a major announcement from Jeff Zucker. He stated that CNN will be closing it’s CNN Airport Network programming that travelers have seen in 58 airports across the country, such as on the televisions in the lounge and waiting areas where travelers spend time before boarding a flight.
Zucker stated the reason for shuttering the CNN Airport Network is due to COVID-19 causing reduced travel. He also suggested that people spend more time and get more news from their mobile smartphone. Zucker made this announcement in a memo to his staff. Part of that memo was posted on NY Post and stated the following:
“The steep decline in airport traffic because of COVID-19, coupled with all the new ways that people are consuming content on their personal devices, has lessened the need for the CNN Airport Network. Having to say goodbye to such a beloved brand is not easy … I am sure most of us have a story to tell about which airport we were at when we first learned of a major news event.”
The NY Post report shows that the CNN Airport Network had originally opened in 1992 and included shows from Cartoon Network, HBO, TBS, HLN, and of course – CNN and their news programs.
The LA Times added further information, stating that the CNN Airport Network was no longer profitable and about two dozen employees based in CNN’s Atlanta offices will likely lose their jobs when the Airport Network is officially ended.
An increase in streaming media on smartphones has likely contributed to the decrease in people watching the programming as well.
