Philadelphia launched street-level news network this week. The CBS Always On network is the product of a partnership between Center City Direct and seven of the CBS stations in the Philadelphia - CBS 3 (KYW-TV), The CW Philly 57 (WPSG-TV), KYW Newsradio 1060, 98.1 WOGL, 94 WYSP, SportsRadio 610 WIP and The Big Talker 1210AM WPHT.
Thirty-nine newsstands in Philadelphia went live at 7 A.M. yesterday. The CBS Always On network features a 24-hours news ticker and hi-def screens. The units run news, weather and sports content along with tourist information about Philadelphia. Plans are to eventually expand to120 digital newsstands city-wide.
CBS Local is the exclusive news provider for the service. Eyewitness News will supply the TV news updates throughout the day. The CBS Radio stations will provide content for the marquee.
The CBS Always On newsstand network is also wired to provide alerts in case of a city emergency, including Amber Alerts, coordinated through the City's Office of Emergency Management. The initiative is the end product of an ordinance introduced by City Philadelphia Council Member Frank DiCicco this past summer and signed by Mayor Michael Nutter allowing digital signage for this purpose. Center City Direct manages the technology, the content and the advertising which covers the cost of the program at no cost to the City.
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One of the 39 newsstands currently running the CBS Always On network. |
"This will be the most effective way for the city, businesses, our partners and community groups to communicate to the center city workforce," says Phong Phan, president and CEO of Center City Direct. "Digital signage is a rapidly growing industry and we're thrilled to be a part of this initiative in Philadelphia."
The newsstand owners are also excited about the new addition to their stands.
"This is another way that the City newsstands can provide news and information in the electronic age," said John Rocco, president of the Newsstand Association of Philadelphia. "It also provides us with a way to give back to the community."
The stands also benefit the local CBS stations by placing their news and brands outside of the home.
"CBS 3 and The CW Philly have expanded our Eyewitness News brand across both stations, online and to cell phones," said president and general manager Jon Hitchcock. "Providing a street-level news service is another way to provide the viewer with the news and information they need wherever they are and whenever they need it. Ultimately, we want CBS to be the news source locally."
