All Guidelines

Specifications Overview
CNN.com can help you achieve your advertising objectives, offering a wide variety of rich media formats to help you strengthen brand awareness and ultimately yield a high ROI.

Whether it's standard IAB placements or innovative custom solutions, CNN.com is the place to help you create a compelling and rich ad experience for consumers.
FILE FORMATS: FLASH, GIF, JPG, HTML FILE SIZE
Ad Product Dimensions Rich Media Max Initial File Size ^^Max Polite File Size Total File Size
(initial + polite)
Video
Large Rectangle 336x280 yes 40k 80k 120k 500k/lo bw
1MB/hi bw
Medium Rectangle 300x250 yes 40k 80k 120k -
Half-Page Ad 336x850 or
300x600
yes 75k 25k 100k -
Leaderboard 728x90 yes 40k 80k 120k -
Skyscraper 160x600 yes 40k 80k 120k -
Rectangle 180x150 yes 40k 80k 120k -
Button 120x90 yes 15k 85k 100k -
* Entitlement
(New 88x31 guidelines)
88x31 - 5k - 5k -
Pop-Under
(Special circumstances)
720x300 yes 40k - 40k -
All Floating Ads - - 80k 160k 240k -
Half Banner 234x60 Yes 20k 80k 100k -
This represents the post-page load ("polite") file size. When/if users click off page, additional load must terminate immediately.

Combined file size for initial and polite load is 100k maximum except for in-banner streaming video.

* Special entitlement Logo treatment will involve coordination with agency and CNN.com due to new ad integration design guidelines. See your respective ad operations contact for more details.

** All click-through URLs must open in a new browser window.

Expandable Banners (User-Initiated ONLY)
Expandable Ads are accepted on ALL pages EXCEPT for the following:
  • CNN.com HOME PAGE, this includes home page Roadblocks
  • Integrated video story pages
  • CNN Video section
No expansion available with the 180x150, 336x850, and 234x60 on U.S., World and Politics)

Maximum number of panels for the expandable ad sizes is four (4).

Method of expansion and un-expansion must be the same. (i.e., mouse-over or click). (See more implementation guidelines below).
Maximum Expansion on HTML (creative pixel size includes banner and panel):
  • 728x90 expands to 728x270 (expands down only);
    Polite file load - 80k
  • 336x280 expands to 336x500 (expands left only);
    Polite file load - 80k
  • 160x600 expands to 400x600 (expands left only);
    Polite file load - 80k
  • 234x60 expands to 234x300 (expands down only);
    Polite file load - 80k
    (Accepted only on the following section main pages -- Health, Living, Entertainment, Travel, and Tech)
Flash Ad Requirements
Flash Versions: Up through Flash 8
Frame Rate: Must be no more than 18fps
File Size: Cannot exceed 40K
Animation: 15 seconds maximum

Backup gifs must be submitted

Click Tracking
The author of the Flash source file (.fla) has to assign a clickTag variable using a getURL button action. They also have to make sure that they have selected _blank for a target so it opens in a new window.

A helpful link:
Tracking Macromedia Flash Movies
The button action code should look like one of these examples:
on (release) {
getURL(clickTag,"_blank")
}

on (release) {
getURL(_level0.clickTag,"_blank")
}

on (release) {
if (clickTag.substr(0,5) == "http:") {
getURL(clickTag,"_blank")
}
}
Floating Ads
Floating ads appear and move across a web page for a maximum of :15 seconds and then resolves into a standard banner. Floating ads not accepted in the CNN.com home page or any story pages, however, they are permitted on section main pages.
Frequency capped at one (1) ad every eight (8) hours per user. A mandatory "CLOSE X" button(s) must be prominent and obvious in the top right corner for floating banners.
In-Banner Video Ads
In-banner video can be host-or-user initiated up to :30 seconds and must have standard controls (i.e. play/pause, audio/mute, and stop). Audio must be user-initiated, except for In-banner Video ads in Expandable banners when expansion is on click. If expansion is on rollover/mouse over, audio must be user-initiated on click.
CNN.com will NOT allow any in-banner video ads on the integrated video story pages as those pages will have a pre-roll synched with a 336x280 banner.
  • Maximum initial file size: 40k
  • Polite file size: 80k for flash; 500k/lo bandwidth and 1MB/hi bandwidth for video
Long-Form In-Banner Video Ads
CNN.com now accepts long-form in-banner video ads up to 2:00 maximum on section main pages and special reports (excluding the Home Page) in the 336x280 banner only.
  • If video is host-initiated, at :30 seconds the video ad should pause and offer the user an opportunity to play the remainder of the video ad.
  • If video is user-initiated, no 'pause' function required and ad can play the full length.
  • Maximum initial file size: 40k
  • ALL long-form video ads must be tested by and approved by CNN.com five (5) business days in advance of the campaign launch.
Standard controls (i.e. play/pause, audio/mute, and stop). Audio must be user-initiated, except for In-banner Video ads in Expandable banners when expansion is on click. If expansion is on rollover/mouse over, audio must be user-initiated on click.
Push-Down Banner
The Push Down banner is a premium opportunity for advertisers to maximize the full content area within the banner upon initialization. CNN.com accepts the use of the push down ad on the home page and section main pages during road blocks.
  • Ad Opportunity: 728x90 ad pushes down content, expanding to a maximum 728x210
  • Maximum initial file size: 40k
  • Maximum expansion duration: Up to :05 seconds
  • Maximum animation: Up to :05 seconds. If animation continues after collapse, the maximum time permitted is :10 seconds. Therefore, the total animation within the push down banner is :15 seconds.
  • Frequency capping: One (1) host-initiated expansion per user 24-hours.
  • Subsequent displays are user-initiated push down banner replay by mouse over or click.
  • Audio: User-initiated
  • Video: Host or User-initiated
  • Border: 1 pixel black
  • Close buttons: Top Right Corner (Prominent and obvious, preferably 11 pixels font size bold text and 4 pixel padding around the text).
Transitional Ads (also referred to as Interstitial Ads)
Transitional ads are defined as full-page ads that appear between CNN.com pages during user navigation.
  • All click-through URLs must open in a new browser window.
  • The transitional ad needs to show on entry.
  • Accepted section pages only: Entertainment, Technology, and Travel
  • Dimensions: Up to 770 pixels wide and 600 in height, and all fixed-width web pages should be center-aligned in the browser window and should have a design space of 766 pixels wide, plus 4 pixel margins on both the left and right sides (total page width equals 770 pixels).
  • Horizontal scroll bars are not permitted.
  • Maximum initial file size: 40k
  • Maximum Animation: Up to 15 seconds and must close automatically after that. (Video can be host-or-user initiated. Audio must be user-initiated.)
  • Close Functionality: Ad must include a CNN header (which CNN.com can supply) with a 'SKIP THIS AD' link that will go to the link the user clicked on. Click here for an example of the CNN Header
  • Frequency: One (1) exposure per unique user every 24-hours.
  • Approved vendors: Unicast and Klipmart
  • Prior approval required for all transitional ads at least 15 business days in advance of the campaign launch .
  • Final approved creative must be submitted at least 5 business days in advance of the campaign launch.
NOTE: CNN.com serves ad tags thru IFRAMES, so please modify the code accordingly and include instructions for trafficking.
Additional Instructions
Audio and Video
No host-initiated audio is permitted on CNN.com. Audio must be user-initiated by clicking within the banner and contain clearly visible "mute" and "stop" functionality. Video can be host-or-user initiated. Any exceptions need prior approval.

Frequency Capping for the following:
Floating Ads: One (1) ad every eight (8) hours per user
Transitional Ads and Pop-unders: One (1) exposure per unique user every 24-hours

Ad Creative Animation Time for the following:
Transitional, Audio, and Floating Ads: Up to :15 seconds all pages.

In-Banner Streaming Video: Up to :30 seconds on all pages. Allowance of up to 2:00 maximum on section main pages and special reports (excluding the Home Page) in the 336x280 banner only with a video pause at :30 seconds to invite users to continue viewing the ad. Video must contain clearly visible "mute" and "stop" functionality.
Animation/Looping Guidelines for all media types:
No loop maximum, but total animation time for all loops combined cannot exceed 15 seconds. Also, ads may not employ persistent rapid/"strobing" animation of any graphic, copy, or background element(s).

Functionality:
Where applicable, the "ON/OFF", "STOP/PLAY", and "CLOSE" button must be prominent and obvious.

"Close X" Button:
A mandatory "CLOSE X" button(s) must be prominent and obvious in the top right corner for floating, out-of-banner, and expandable banner initiated by a user's click. Close button font size must be 11 pixels, bold text, and 4 pixel padding around the text. Reminder ad may not cover core page navigation or other ads.

Pop-unders and Pop-ups
Pop-unders are ONLY permitted on the CNN.com home page. No host-initiated audio or video in any pop-unders.
Pop-ups are not accepted on CNN.com.
Approved Third-Party Vendors
Approved Third-Party Vendors and Third Party Servers:
AdDynamix
Advertising.com
AdShuffle
Ad Tech Helios IQ (Aktiv Digital)
Atlas a.k.a. Aquantive
Blackfoot
Casale
DoubleClick Dart Motif
Brightroll
Clearspring
Cossette
Eyeblaster
Eyewonder
Factor TG
Flashtalking
IB
Interpolls
Linkstorm
Metrixlab
Pointroll
Rovion
Shoshkele/United Virtualities
Specific Media
TruEffect
Unicast (i.e. Viewpoint)

No third party served value-added 88x31's on the home page. If the 88x31 entitlement is paid for, we can third party serve with the understanding that CNN.com is not responsible for any excess serving fees due to "over-delivery" resulting from ownership of this home page unit.
CNN Video Guidelines
Accepted Streaming Video Ad Delivery Formats
Aspect Ratios: 16:9 & 4:3 (4:3 to get black curtains to fit 16:9)

Size: Full Screen
Tape-Based Media (4:3 only): Any standard-definition format Betacam: SP, SX, Digital Betacam, MPEG IMX

File-Based Media (16:9 & 4:3): Delivered on CD-R or
DVD-R:

Uncompressed QuickTime, MPEG-2 Program or Transport Stream file, DV file, MXF

All files must contain a soundtrack, even if the ad is to run without sound

Delivery Address for Streaming Assets:
REBECCA ALLEN
CNN.COM
ONE CNN CENTER, SE1001D
ATLANTA, GA 30303-2762
404-827-4297
rebecca.allen@turner.com
Delivery Address for Video Podcast Assets:
DEREYCK MOORE
CNN.COM
ONE CNN CENTER, AT6531A
ATLANTA, GA 30303
404-827-5563
dereyck.moore@turner.com

Display Ad Formats
336x280 Banner (GIF and Rich Media)

Consistent with CNN.com Rich Media Ad Guidelines:
In-Banner Rich Media (customized Flash & vendor products)
Branding Studies w/ Pop-Up Questionnaires (launch from 336x280)

Exceptions to CNN.com Rich Media Ad Guidelines
No Audio, Pop-Up Ads, Pop-Unders, Expandable or Floating Ads
CNN Mobile Guidelines
Acceptable mobile advertisement platforms are as follows:
  • .gif
  • .jpeg
  • .png

Please note that any of the above formats should provide a client logo in an 83x24 dimensions size.

Graphic/Display Format
Any graphic/display banner must be submitted as a .gif, .png, or jpg, with any one of the following specifications:

See CNN Mobile Specs and Guidelines for additional CNN Mobile details.

Jump Page
See sample of Jump Page: http://cnn.mlogic.mobi/cnn_03/item/ac

Carrier Targeting
Enables advertisers to target specific mobile carriers, such as AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, etc.

Section Targeting
Advertisers can target specific sections on CNN's mobile WAP site, such as US, World, Entertainment, etc.

MMA Mobile Ad Standards
CNN's mobile site includes all standard ad sizes, including: 305x64, 215x34, 167x30, 112x20

Other Services
Mobile Offsite Client URLs: If you choose to use a mobile offsite URL that will link from your ad creative, please provide the mobile site in WML and XHTML supported formats. If you choose to provide either platform, we will default to using our internal jump page for the remaining formats.

Clients must provide text and graphic for static landing pages to support WML and XHTML formats.

General Information
All mobile ads must be received by CNN.com at least 20 days prior to contracted launch date.

Contact
For operation inquiries, please contact Tene Hall: cnndigitalops@turner.com
For landing page inquiries, please contact Josh Lubin: joshua.lubin@turner.com

Traffic Guide for CNN Network Television Commercials
Shipping Address:
Commercial Traffic Department
One CNN Center
9-South
Atlanta, GA 30303
Loading Dock # 5
Attn: George Fox
(404)827-3924

Commercial Clearance:
(for script and advocacy approval)
Kathy Christianson
(404)878-0466 - fax
(404)827-5393 - phone
Kathy.Christianson@turner.com

Fax or Email Traffic Instructions to:
CNN, Headline News, Airport Network:
Rose Wang
CNNtraffic@turner.com
(404) 827-2946 - fax
(404) 827-1637 - phone

Commercial Requirements:
For confirmation of tape or satellite receipt: Mediacenter.sales@turner.com
(404) 878-0179
  • Satellite delivery services: DG Fast Channel, Williams Vyvx and Media DVX.
  • Or Tape Format: Digi Beta - 2 Tapes per commercial cover all networks.
  • Commercials must be in MONO sound.
  • No multi reeled spots accepted.
Instruction Requirements:
Written instructions must have the following information:
Date, Network, Advertiser, Product, Flight Dates, Commercial length, ISCI code, Rotation
Traffic contact name and phone number.
Copy revisions must be followed up with a phone call from the agency.

Billboard Requirements:
CNN, Headline News & Airport Network:
  • Graphics stored as EPS files.
  • :05 written script must also be sent via email with graphics.
  • :05 to :07 animations are accepted (with/without Matte).
  • Animated logo should not include audio voice-over.
  • Animations must be received in Digi-Beta tape format 2 weeks prior to air.
  • Materials can be sent via email to: CNNBillboards@turner.com (404) 827-3127.
Deadlines and Policies:
  • Commercials and written instructions must be received 5 business days before start of flight.
  • Billboard materials must be received 2 weeks before start of flight.
Disposition:
  • Tapes are held for 60 days after the run of schedule.
  • Agency must designate on the written instructions if the tapes are to be returned at the end of the schedule. Please include contact name, phone number, mailing address and shipping account information
CNN.com Approval Process
Prior approval from CNN.com must be given for use of the following rich media types on section main, story, and show pages:
  • In-banner Long-form Video Ads (creative runs from :30 seconds to 2:00 minutes maximum)
  • Transitional Ads
  • Floating Ads
  • Push-down Ads
All Rich Media ads require 72-hour approval by site.
All creative executions, deal specifics, and demo/mockup of the proposed creative must be submitted to CNN Editorial and CNN Sales in advance of the deal closing.

In the case of extreme negative user feedback/interference CNN Editorial reserves the right to pull creative prior to campaign delivery. Advertiser would then have the right to make good impressions with other mutually acceptable inventory.

Approval and notification contacts:
Tene Hall, Ramonica Harton or Josh Lubin
cnndigitalops@turner.com

Cable/Satellite & VOD Guidelines
**Electronic Delivery of Video is Accepted to the Following Vendors:
  • Fast Channel
    Tel: 781-898-6435 (Media Relations)
  • DG Systems
    Tel: 972-581-2000 (Main Number),
    Tel: 888-346-7337 (Client Services)
  • VYVX
    Tel: 800-622-1865 (Main Number)
**Shipping Address for Commercial Tapes:
CNN On Demand
Atrium Newsroom, AT6531C
One CNN Center
Atlanta, GA 30303
Contact: VOD Team
Email: OnDemand@cnn.com
Tel: 404-827-2081

Tape Requirements:
  • One (1) Digibeta (Drop Frame Timecode) or One (1) Beta SP (Drop Frame Timecode).
  • Single Cut Reels Only.
  • We cannot accept multi-cut reel.
  • All Turner Entertainment Networks share tapes so there is no need to send to each network.
  • All commercials must be in house 30-days prior to air.
**Customized Billboard Assets:
For the customized CNN :05 billboard, please email an .eps of the logo and VO Copy 5 weeks before the flight.

Example: "This CNN On Demand program is brought to you by...."

Contact: VOD Team
Email: OnDemand@cnn.com

Is Your Ad Already Running On Air?:
If you are already running on-air or on CNN.com Broadband and you wish to use the same spot, you do not need to send another tape. Simply provide the ISCI code in an email to your Turner Ad Sales Planner and copy the VOD Team.
Contact: VOD Team
Email: OnDemand@cnn.com

Deadlines and Policies:

  • Creative instructions and :05 sec BB assets for CNN Cable VOD are due
  • 5 weeks prior to air. Commercial spots are due 4 weeks prior to air.
  • Please remember that, due to the 4-week flights of VOD programming, your ads may be available into the next month after the flight has ended.
**NOTE: When shipping or electronically sending your materials, immediately notify and provide the VOD Team (OnDemand@cnn.com) with the following:.
  • The actual date(s) all materials were sent on.
  • Provide the vendor name or CNN offices materials were sent to.
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