Broadcasters, however, will negotiate directly with each airline. The financial structure, still in the early stages of development, will likely be along the same lines as traditional television syndication. The equipment needed to view the content will be built into the backs of the seats or placed on the armrests, with older planes retrofitted to accommodate the video screens, satellite receiver and other equipment. Of course, television wouldn't be television without commercials. News executives also are banking on the additional exposure to help win new viewers.
People are bored on flights.
This gives them something interesting to do. Not to mention the expectation that viewers exposed to a particular station while still in the air may turn to that same station on the ground. Two of the channels will be used to bring passengers special live events, such as sports and concerts. LiveTV also will soon provide radio programming, in partnership with XM Satellite Radio. LiveTV already is in use on JetBlue Airlines, a new regional airline based at New York's JFK airport.