Gerald R. Ford International Airport Launches GRR-TV

Gail Chiasson, North American Editor

Clear Channel Airports, a brand division of Clear Channel Outdoor and a subsidiary of iHeartMedia Inc., announced this week that its in-airport TV network, ClearVision, is now available and broadcasting as GRR-TV at Gerald R. Ford International Airport.

CC Airports GRR_CV_Gate AreaThis gives businesses and brands operating in Michigan and beyond, including local tourist attractions, a new channel for advertising.

ClearVision claims to be the only airport television network that links brand campaigns to a variety of content from major TV networks, including; ABC, FOX, NBC, E!, PGA Tour and many more. ClearVision delivers a lineup of top network shows from over 200 content providers, transformed into short-form ‘mini-sodes’ covering entertainment, news, weather and sports and enabling airports to offer a customized TV station featuring local businesses and airport promotions.

Additionally, ClearVision is now producing original content from many premiere and red carpet exclusive Hollywood events such as the American Idol finale, the Grammy’s and the Emmy’s. Original lifestyle and sports content for the network leverages the talents of home and style guru Jennifer Adams and MLB All Star Royce Clayton. Popular local attractions, including the Children’s Museum of Grand Rapids and Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, have already signed on as content providers.

“Launching GRR-TV supports our brand promise and helps solidify that ‘getting there is better here’,”
says Brian Ryks, Gerald R. Ford International Airport executive director. “Coming off our 50th anniversary celebration, this ‘in-airport TV network’ further contributes to our expansion projects and contributes toward an elite airport status with an eye toward passenger conveniences.”

This latest ClearVision TV instalment follows CCA’s signing a new 10 year deal with ClearTV Media in Dec. 2014, to continue delivering diverse broadcast and cable network TV programming to airport travellers, while also offering local, regional and national brands unique and immersive digital place based advertising opportunities.

“As broadcasters in the away-from-home television space, we deliver a programming line-up embraced by travelers because of the rich entertainment, education and information and by advertisers for our delivery of the highly desirable demographic – the affluent business traveler,”
says David Tetreault, COO, ClearTV Media.

“Adding GRR to our ClearVision portfolio underscores our ongoing commitment to helping airports across the country reach their goals,” says Jon Sayer, president, Clear Channel Airports. “The addition of in-airport TV to the growing list of amenities at GRR will be a significant contributor to the airport’s goals for providing enhanced amenities and creating new business opportunities.”

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) is the second busiest airport in Michigan. The airport served over 2.33 million passengers in 2014 and over 6,000 travelers pass through GFIA each day. The Gerald R. Ford International Airport offers non-stop service to 22 major market destinations with 120 daily non-stop flights, and is managed and operated by the Kent County Department of Aeronautics. GFIA generates over $500 million annually in economic activity throughout West Michigan and employs over 1,500 people.

Since its launch in 2012, CCA has deployed ClearVision in Louis-Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, Raleigh-Durham International, Cleveland-Hopkins International and Dallas Love Field airports. All participating airports have leveraged the unique ability to create their own locally branded television networks, featuring the best content in both national and local news, entertainment, sports and weather.


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