Another blow for CNN as they're set to lose their airport monopoly

CNN has been the only TV provider in U.S. airports for two decades

Now an advertising network is partnering with entertainment shows to install more displays near boarding gates to give travelers options

Comes as CNN's ratings have been sliding all year



Beleaguered cable network CNN faces a new challenge as competitors try to loosen their grip on the airport television market.

A new television display created by rival Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings will threaten CNN’s dominance, as they have had unmatched usage of the television sets hanging in front of passengers at departure gates for much of the past two decades.

The two companies will be competing for the attention of travel-weary passengers, and advertising company Clear Channel Outdoor has signed deals with major TV networks like Fox, CBS and NBC to provide competitive content on their new hanging displays.

Monopoly: For the past 21 years, CNN has ruled the airport television airwaves and now an advertising company is going to placing entertainment-filled displays in the same waiting lounges causing competition

The service provided by Clear Channel Outdoor, the second-largest outdoor advertising company behind JC Decaux, will use their deals with the entertainment networks to fuel their 'ClearVision' service.

Toby Sturek, Clear Channel's head of airports, said the company is in discussions with about 20 airports including some large ones where CNN has its TVs, though the first airport ClearVision will enter in November is Raleigh-Durham International in North Carolina, where CNN does not have a presence.

'The airports want something that's different and they want something where they can have a variety of content that they can provide the passengers,' Mr Sturek said.

Mr Sturek said Clear Channel previously had agreements to sell advertising with CNN in a handful of airports in the United States, and that advertisers did not see the value in CNN's offering.

In response, a CNN spokeswoman said that its airport network has been 'a valued brand for over 21 years' and a 'reliable source of current news programming and localized custom content for busy, on-the-go travelers.'

CNN's 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.

Keeping travelers in touch: CNN won't lose their presence, but they will be threatened by further competition

This is just the latest in a string of blows for CNN, as their ratings this year have steadily lagged behind theirs of years past.

While airport advertising is not as big a business as cable TV, it makes more than $10million a year for CNN, according to a source familiar with the situation. Any setback will hurt the reach of CNN, which has lagged in the ratings behind News Corp's Fox News and Comcast Corp's MSNBC.

CNN is searching for a new president after its longtime chief Jim Walton said he would depart by the end of the year. Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes singled out CNN last quarter for being a weak spot.

Mr Sturek said Clear Channel will initially roll out in mid-sized airports. To try to win over customers, ClearVision will offer a wider array of programming and air shows ranging from comedies to CNBC's morning business updates.

CNN mainly focuses on pulling news and programming from its networks CNN, HLN, CNN International and some local segments. Both companies said they are able to show live sports.

Clear Channel also aims to stand out by letting 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, travelers will be able to select from different channels.