The Cost of Blanketing Times Square: An In-depth Analysis and Estimate

Times Square, often referred to as the crossroads of the world, is an iconic location known for its bustling activity and massive digital screens. These screens display an endless stream of advertisements, news, movies, and more, captivating millions of passersby every day. But have you ever wondered just how much it would cost to blank all the screens in Times Square for 12 hours?

Overview of Times Square's Digital Screens

Times Square is indeed a spectacle of light and technology. There are numerous digital screens, ranging from high-profile displays to smaller signs and neon lights. Let's break down the types and numbers of screens:

Hoovers Restaurant Espa?a Digital Sign: This high-quality, long-life 6000 square feet digital sign is one of the prime examples of the screens in the area. Digital Signage: With a total area of 35,000 square foot and over 33 individual screens, Verizon is a major player in Times Square advertising. billboard digital media: This company also operates several large digital screens in the area.

After a thorough investigation, it's estimated that there are around 50 to 60 large digital screens in the vicinity of Times Square. These screens, while not always running at full capacity, can create a significant impact on the area's visual landscape.

Why Would Anyone Want to Blank the Screens?

Blanking the screens in Times Square can serve various purposes, such as:

Emergency Situations: During potential emergencies, such as a natural disaster or security threat, a temporary blackout of these screens could be essential for communication. Advertising Breaks: Sometimes, businesses might want to temporarily remove their ads or switch to a different type of content for creative or compliance reasons. Artistic Purposes: Blanketing the screens can be used as a canvas for artists or for experimental displays, such as contemporary art installations.

Given these scenarios, the cost of blanking these screens for a short period can be a significant line item in any event planning or response budget.

Estimating the Cost of Blanketing

It's important to note that there are no specific public records or official costs for blanking the screens. However, by breaking down the cost into its components, we can make an educated estimate:

Ownership and Maintenance Costs

The screens in Times Square are owned and maintained by various companies and individuals, including real estate developers, advertising agencies, and government entities. Each entity would have to pay to cover the cost of technology, electricity, and maintenance.

Ownership and Operational Costs: This can range from $20,000 to $500,000 per year for a single high-profile digital sign, which includes the cost of the screen, electricity, maintenance, and content management. Advertisement Rates: Instead of being blanked, these screens may be used to display targeted advertisements, bringing in significant revenue. The cost to shut down these screens can thus be viewed as the loss of potential ad revenue.

Emergency Service and Management Costs

During an emergency, the steps required to blank the screens may include:

Technical Manpower: Skilled technicians need to physically or remotely access the screens to switch them off, which may cost between $500 and $5,000 per screen, depending on the complexity and accessibility. Communication Costs: Coordination with the relevant organizations and possible command centers could also incur additional expenses, potentially in the range of $2,000 to $10,000.

Considering that there are an estimated 50 to 60 screens in the area and assuming an average of 4,000 to 40,000 square feet per screen, we can estimate the cost range.

Revenue Impact

The screens in Times Square generate a significant amount of revenue from advertising. Some estimates suggest that these screens can bring in as much as $10 million to $20 million annually, depending on the ad content and audience reach. Thus, the cost to blank these screens would be the lost revenue in lost ad displays, potentially in the millions of dollars for a 12-hour period.

Conclusion and Implications

The cost of blanking all the screens in Times Square for 12 hours is not a trivial sum. While the technical and logistical aspects can incur significant costs, the potential revenue impact is immense. This analysis underscores the critical nature of these screens to the economic and communication functions of Times Square.

Whether used in an emergency, for artistic or commercial purposes, or for targeted messaging, the decision to blank these screens should be carefully considered and planned. Understanding the financial implications can help stakeholders make informed decisions when facing such scenarios.