The old CNN sign now features puzzle pieces.
The digital CNN clock in Columbus Circle went on the fritz a few months ago, as the temperature gauge got stuck at 46 degrees even as the air outside had already reached springtime conditions. Shortly after we wrote about it, the sign began to come down in pieces (see below).
Upper West Siders who had become used to the clock were slightly perturbed, or whatever word means “just barely annoyed.”
The sign was gradually taken down in May.
And then a few days ago a new sign appeared, filled with colorful puzzle pieces, but no CNN logo. We contacted a CNN spokesman to try to figure out what was up, but got no response. Maybe it’s a really subtle ad for puzzle games.
Meanwhile, we await our Pulitzer Prize for sticking with this story.
Photos by Robert Tuchman and Howard Freeman. Tip by Andrew Matthew. Reporting by Sophie Schnell.
Re: “…CNN clock in Columbus Circle went on the fritz….”
O.M.G.!! Haven’t heard that expression since maybe the late 1940’s or early 50’s!! Parents used to use it frequently.
What’s next? Maybe “Quick, Henry, the Flit!”
🙂
And your Pulitzer is well deserved!
I miss that time and temperature very much so any news about it is fine with me!
It also features coca-cola like swooshes, so I’m thinking that we all know where this is headed…
We are very frustrated about the CNN sign and miss it greatly. Perhaps CNN does not own it any more and that is why they didn’t respond to you. I hope you continue this story. We see it out our window and would love it to return.
Thanks
Did some research and saw the puzzle pieces are advertising the billboard where CNN used to be https://3columbus.slgreen.com/availabilities-floorplans/ and they do want to turn it into a clock again once a company signs with them https://3columbus.slgreen.com/photogallery-videos/
The building owner is The Moinian Group where the sign is posted. Perhaps they will know what’s going on.
As of this morning. IMG_0850.JPG
What a relief. We were all going nuts without it.