Digital Killed The Newspaper Stand: CultureMap.com Takes Over Key Real Estate at Houston Airports

CultureMap will take over Hudson News kiosks in both Houston Airports. (Rendering: CultureMap/The Dallas Business Journal)

It’s a stunning blow to print media, as the Dallas Business Journal has announced CultureMap’s takeover of Hudson News shops at both Bush Intercontinental and Houston Hobby airports.

CultureMap, a regional news brand founded in Houston, was recently purchased for $15 million by ViewMarket, a Dallas interactive media brand. The transaction has added a new wrinkle to the news and media landscape in both Dallas and Houston, so expect to see more video and visual. But this is, by far, the most interesting development.

As fewer and fewer people are reading magazines and newspapers while they travel, news stands have become almost obsolete. This takeover will transform these pop-up kiosks to concierge services, where hungry travelers can grab a bottle of Fiji and a snack and find out the best places to have dinner, the best sights to see, and what bands might be in town upon their arrival.

To me, I think it’s a brilliant idea, and a fantastic advertising opportunity for hotels and convention-related businesses, as well as for Realtors who serve the jet-set. Before, these businesses would have to buy pricey ads in city guides produced by newspapers and regional magazines. This offers convenience and cost effectiveness.