Rethinking the Role of Public Screens

I’ve spent much of my career in media—particularly in what’s known as place-based or location-based media. That means screens in airports, hospitals, transit hubs, and other public spaces. To some, they’re just digital billboards. To me, they’re an underused force for good.

At ClearTV, we’ve always believed that public screens can be more than just a delivery vehicle for ads. They can inform, educate, inspire—and most importantly, in times of crisis, they can serve the public in ways mobile devices and social platforms often can’t. When used right, these screens can become tools for urgent communication and real-time problem solving. It’s time we started using them that way.

Meeting People in the Moment

What makes public screens different from phones, laptops, or home TVs is that they live in places people are already going—airports, clinics, transit centers—places where people are often anxious, in transition, or waiting for information. That makes them uniquely positioned to do more than entertain. They can guide people through uncertainty, provide comfort, and connect them with help.

When a natural disaster hits or a public health emergency breaks out, it’s not always enough to send a push notification or post on social media. Not everyone has access, and those who do are often overwhelmed by noise. Public screens, on the other hand, are part of the physical environment. They’re visible, direct, and trustworthy when the world feels chaotic.

Imagine a traveler stuck in an airport during a wildfire or flood, unsure of what’s happening or what to do. A ClearTV screen can offer evacuation info, shelter locations, emergency contacts—all without needing the traveler to search, scroll, or click. That kind of access in the right moment can make a real difference. It can even save lives.

Beyond the Commercial Message

One of the biggest challenges we face as a media company is balancing content that pays the bills with content that serves the community. That’s just part of being in business. But I believe there’s room for both.

We’ve proven at ClearTV that you can work with top-tier media partners—NBC, CBS, Disney, the Tennis Channel—and still carve out meaningful time for public service messages. It’s not about making every screen a PSA board. It’s about being intentional. It’s about knowing when to shift the content strategy during a crisis or emergency to prioritize the public’s needs over programming.

We’ve done it before. During COVID, we pivoted to feature public health messaging, travel safety guidelines, and updates from government agencies. The feedback was immediate. People were paying attention. And more importantly, they appreciated the clarity and calm in a world filled with confusion.

Philanthropy in Action, Not Just Donation

For me personally, this idea ties directly to how I think about philanthropy. I don’t believe helping others is just about writing checks. It’s about using what you have—your skills, your business, your voice—to create solutions that last. That’s why I’ve supported efforts to serve the homeless through local church programs and initiatives like Joshua’s Collective. That’s also why I want ClearTV to be part of something bigger than just programming and viewership stats.

I want us to be a platform for people doing meaningful work. Whether it’s highlighting emergency relief organizations, sharing messages from mental health advocates, or showcasing resources for unhoused individuals, our screens can shine a light on real help—and reach people who might otherwise miss it.

It doesn’t always take a grand campaign. Sometimes, a short video on where to find a food pantry or how to get a free health check is all it takes. That’s where public media has power: in the everyday moments that add up.

The Future Is Local, Timely, and Human

The future of public media, as I see it, isn’t just smarter tech or better data. It’s more human. It’s local. It’s rooted in service. I want to see more cities treating their screen networks like emergency assets—not just advertising real estate. I want health departments, social workers, nonprofits, and even first responders to see these screens as allies in communication.

It starts with a mindset shift. These aren’t just screens—they’re public tools. And just like roads or water systems, they should be used to protect, inform, and support people in times of need.

We’re at a moment when trust in traditional media is shaky. When information overload is a real problem. And when public crises—whether environmental, health-related, or economic—are becoming more frequent. The question is: are we ready to use the media tools already in front of us to respond faster and smarter?

Using What We’ve Built

The good news is, we already have the infrastructure. Networks like ClearTV are in place, installed, maintained, and reaching millions of people every day. The challenge isn’t building something new. It’s using what we’ve already built in a more thoughtful, impactful way.

I believe media can be part of the solution. Not the loudest voice in the room—but the calm, clear one that helps people find their footing. As someone who’s spent over two decades building companies and learning from failure, I know this: the best solutions are often the simplest ones, already within reach.

Let’s turn screens into solutions. Let’s make public media a part of how we take care of each other. And let’s do it with urgency, humility, and heart.