Television news provider ITN has secured the rights to provide rail passengers with up to the minute news, sport and weather information through a new on-board network being rolled out across the country.
The service, which is broadcast to trains using a wireless network, will be shown on six screens and through audio systems installed in each coach. The volume of the broadcasts will automatically adjust to the ambient noise level in each carriage, but each train will also have a ‘quiet zone’ for passengers wishing to avoid the service.
As well as the various news items, TNX TV will run a range of entertainment and information programming, including comedy and general interest features in an attempt to enhance passengers’ journeys.
Central Trains is the first of eight train operators currently intending to implement the system, bringing the new service into contact with 70% of all rail passengers in London and 50% of the commuter train network nationally.
Commenting on the deal, ITN’s managing director of multi-media content, Nicholas Wheeler said: “ITN is fast becoming the news provider of choice for people on the move, whether it’s mobile phones, or now on trains. This is fantastic new technology from TNX and we’re looking forward to providing a new, comprehensive news programme to rail passengers designed to keep commuters up to speed on their way to and from work.”
The move comes just weeks after ITN lost the contract to provide Five News with content. The rights were given to Sky News, which will begin providing content next year, signalling the end of a seven year relationship with ITN, which has supplied the broadcaster since its launch in March 1997 (see Sky Scoops Five News Contract From ITN).
ITN: 020 7430 4700 www.itn.co.uk
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