When people think of CNN there are almost two things that come to mind. The first is the voice of James Earl Jones intoning “this is CNN”. And the second is its logo. The logo of CNN has been virtually unchanged since its debut in 1980, largely at the insistence of its founder. It can be considered a testament to the bold simplicity of the design that it has lasted so long unaltered.
CNN Logo History
In 1980, Anthony Guy Bost (now deceased) designed the logo on what would be a shoestring budget. The executives at CNN wanted something relatively simple in design. In 48 hours, Bost managed to put together the logo, which CNN bought at the discounted price of $2400-$2800 (far less than the $5000 Bost had wanted). Just “CNN” joined together with a white line running through the middle of the letters. Though it did not come without its critics (the Canadian National Railway thought that the design looked a little too close to theirs), it has stayed virtually unchanged for 30+years.
CNN Logo Design
Like many successful logos, CNN’s is very simple. Just three letters in a dark color with a lighter line running through the middle. It’s bold use of color and caps suggests authority and power, while the white line nicely breaks up the red while not distracting from the letters themselves. The letters merge together nicely without squashing the initial text and making the logo unreadable.
CNN Logo Characteristics
In addition to implying gravitas and authority, the logos stability has also given it an air of respectability. The fact that the logo has not been significantly changed over its history imparts a tradition of journalism and broadcast excellence that has not been erased or reset by new editions of the logo. The red also gives the impression of vitality and strength and stands out nicely in comparison to the background, yet the white breaking it up makes sure that the bright hue does not overwhelm the viewer.
Conclusion
Simple, straight, and clean. Those three words have defined CNN’s logo for 32 years and, if Ted Turner has his way, will likely define it for many many more. Blending the right combination of power and light, the logo has burned itself into the conscience of American and worldwide television viewers and left an impression of quality journalism that is not afraid to go to the ends of the earth in order to bring the story to the American family’s front door.
