Thousands of advertising screens go blank after NS loses court case

Amsterdam Central Station
Amsterdam Central Station

Thousands of advertising screens at railway stations around the country have gone blank after a court ruled that NS had breached European competition rules.

The train operator, which owns the hoardings, subcontracted its advertising management business to ExterionMedia and Ngage Media in 2011 when it should have allowed companies from across the EU to put in bids.

The court of appeal in Arnhem upheld a challenge to the contract by French advertising manager JCDesaux. NS was ordered to take down adverts from 5,000 boards at 300 stations. The court also said JCDesaux was entitled to compensation.

The screens will stay empty, costing NS advertising income, while new contracts are drawn up. NS has until January 2 to decide whether to appeal.

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