New CNN.com Includes Flexible Ad Space

Broadcasting & Cable says the new CNN.com home page claims more space for ads by reducing clutter.

“To make room for a third column of space for either larger, higher-impact ads (including video) or free video content, section headers have moved from the left of the page to the top,” the trade mag says. It quotes CNN.com GM David Payne: “The challenge in this business is having enough flexibility in ad sizes that you can get the most variety of advertisers. It’s very unlike the TV business, where a 30[-second spot] is a 30 is a 30.”

> A CNN P.R. says: “To coincide with the debut of its new home page, CNN.com will offer broadband Internet users worldwide free access to CNN Pipeline on Thursday, March 30, from midnight until 11:59 p.m. (ET).”