Richland County is considering allowing new signs
An electronic billboard displays its message near the intersection of Huger and Blossom streets in Columbia.
About 50 people showed up for a debate Thursday on the latest technology in billboards — screens that change messages every six seconds and stay lit 24 hours a day.
The forum featured dueling studies, statistics, psychology and a video of Interstate 26, doctored to demonstrate how it would look with a cascade of flashing signs.
While much of the talk was about the potential hazards for drivers, Columbia resident Basil Garzia wasn’t swayed by the data.
“It’s gaudy,” he said.
“And my gut says that there’s a safety issue, too.”
Already, billboard companies have been allowed to erect the electric signs in Columbia and Lexington County. Now, they are seeking permission to expand to unincorporated Richland County.
A public hearing has been set for 7 p.m. Sept. 25 by the County Council.
The tension is heightened for a couple of reasons:
• Richland County has banned new billboards since 2001. And while allowing digital billboards wouldn’t add new sites, it would extend the life of the signs.
County law is designed to phase out signs over time as they age.
Lamar Advertising’s Scott Shockley said the company has 180 billboards in the county.
• Lamar has put up five digital billboards along city streets in the past year, allowing people to judge for themselves whether they’re attractive or distracting.
Most who attended the forum, held at the library and sponsored by the Richland County Appearance Commission, seemed anti-billboard.
“It’s about high time for us to realize that we have a law on the books, and here come businesses that want to circumvent just because of new technology,” city resident Henry Hopkins said.
Added Virginia Washington, who lives in Lower Richland: “Having lived in New York City and having visited Times Square, it’s mind-boggling. So imagine that here in Columbia.”
John Hardee, a former state highway commissioner who works for Lamar Advertising, said he was surprised at the turnout.
“Shows to me there’s not a lot of concern,” he said.
A new traffic study done for the billboard industry shows the digital billboards don’t affect accident rates, said Michael W. Tantala, an engineer with a consulting firm in Philadelphia.
Jerry A. Wachtel, who has studied driver safety for 30 years, said the jury’s still out. But, digital billboards make drivers look away from the road for unsafe periods of time, he said.
Wachtel said driver distraction is the single greatest factor in car crashes.
Van Kornegay, with Citizens for Scenic South Carolina, said the issue is that billboards are the only advertising people simply can’t avoid.
“We cannot change the channel. We cannot turn the volume down. We cannot cancel our subscriptions. We have to watch.”
Source: The State --By DAWN HINSHAW
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Compromise could solve city billboard lawsuit
Not that it should back down on enforcing city laws, but Murfreesboro needs to revisit its sign ordinance regarding electronic messaging signs.
We believe the City Council can find a way to allow the technology of today's billboards without letting the city turn into another Las Vegas.
Lamar Advertising of Tennessee filed suit against Murfreesboro Aug. 22 claiming the city wrongfully revoked its permit for the Old Fort Parkway billboard that changes advertisements every eight seconds.
Murfreesboro has an ordinance passed this year prohibiting all electronic messaging signs and a long-standing law that prohibits flashing signs for commercial purposes.
We fail to see, though, how the billboard near DoubleTree Hotel and Starbucks injures the city of Murfreesboro and its residents. The technology is here and the signs enable more than one company to advertise at once. Whether the sign looks good is typically in the eye of the beholder, but make no mistake, this is the type of sign that is being seen across the country.
So why is it being rejected in Murfreesboro? Because the sign ordinance is too rigid. The city also revoked the sign permits of two convenience stores that were using lighted signs to advertise the price of gas, even though they didn't flash, blink or change every eight seconds. The sign stayed up at one of those stores after the Board of Zoning Appeals allowed it on a technicality.
The BZA rejected Lamar's arguments, however, and now the city is in the midst of another lawsuit over its sign ordinance. In the 1990s, Murfreesboro lost a court battle when it exempted American flags from size restrictions. Eventually, the courts found that all flags should be restricted and the city forced Goo-Goo car wash to remove a huge flag from its new business last month.
The City Council, however, is considering allowing larger flag displays of 150 square feet on 50-foot poles. If the city can bend on that part of the ordinance, why not on the flashing billboard section?
Officials made the right move when they heard the cries of residents who wanted a larger display for U.S. flags. They should also compromise on these types of electronic messaging signs, possibly by writing the ordinance so that messages could change only every 15 seconds, in order not to distract motorists.
Lamar's argument will be difficult to beat in court because the company claims it had a valid permit approved by a city sign inspector in November 2006 after the sign went up.
Of course, it's impossible to predict how the courts will rule. Who would have thought the U.S. flag could be categorized as a sign?
But if the city of Murfreesboro can limit the size of a flag, then make changes based on public opinion, it can find a way to meet the business world half-way on flashing signs, without allow the landscape to look like a strip of casinos.
Source: The Daily News Journal
We believe the City Council can find a way to allow the technology of today's billboards without letting the city turn into another Las Vegas.
Lamar Advertising of Tennessee filed suit against Murfreesboro Aug. 22 claiming the city wrongfully revoked its permit for the Old Fort Parkway billboard that changes advertisements every eight seconds.
Murfreesboro has an ordinance passed this year prohibiting all electronic messaging signs and a long-standing law that prohibits flashing signs for commercial purposes.
We fail to see, though, how the billboard near DoubleTree Hotel and Starbucks injures the city of Murfreesboro and its residents. The technology is here and the signs enable more than one company to advertise at once. Whether the sign looks good is typically in the eye of the beholder, but make no mistake, this is the type of sign that is being seen across the country.
So why is it being rejected in Murfreesboro? Because the sign ordinance is too rigid. The city also revoked the sign permits of two convenience stores that were using lighted signs to advertise the price of gas, even though they didn't flash, blink or change every eight seconds. The sign stayed up at one of those stores after the Board of Zoning Appeals allowed it on a technicality.
The BZA rejected Lamar's arguments, however, and now the city is in the midst of another lawsuit over its sign ordinance. In the 1990s, Murfreesboro lost a court battle when it exempted American flags from size restrictions. Eventually, the courts found that all flags should be restricted and the city forced Goo-Goo car wash to remove a huge flag from its new business last month.
The City Council, however, is considering allowing larger flag displays of 150 square feet on 50-foot poles. If the city can bend on that part of the ordinance, why not on the flashing billboard section?
Officials made the right move when they heard the cries of residents who wanted a larger display for U.S. flags. They should also compromise on these types of electronic messaging signs, possibly by writing the ordinance so that messages could change only every 15 seconds, in order not to distract motorists.
Lamar's argument will be difficult to beat in court because the company claims it had a valid permit approved by a city sign inspector in November 2006 after the sign went up.
Of course, it's impossible to predict how the courts will rule. Who would have thought the U.S. flag could be categorized as a sign?
But if the city of Murfreesboro can limit the size of a flag, then make changes based on public opinion, it can find a way to meet the business world half-way on flashing signs, without allow the landscape to look like a strip of casinos.
Source: The Daily News Journal
Unfair Lawsuit in Lafayette, La.
In other business Tuesday, the council is scheduled to go into executive session to discuss a lawsuit brought against the city-parish by a billboard company.
Bass Ltd., is arguing that the city unfairly approved permits that allowed Lamar Advertising to convert several billboards to digital format.
When Bass made a similar request, the Department of Planning, Zoning and Codes did not approve the application, saying it had decided to take a look at the ordinance that governs billboards.
The issue was set for a hearing Oct. 8 before 15th Judicial District Judge Kristian Earles, although attorneys for Bass have said they’ll request an earlier hearing.
The council meets at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in City Hall on University Avenue.
Source: Advocate Acadiana bureau Lafayette, La.
Bass Ltd., is arguing that the city unfairly approved permits that allowed Lamar Advertising to convert several billboards to digital format.
When Bass made a similar request, the Department of Planning, Zoning and Codes did not approve the application, saying it had decided to take a look at the ordinance that governs billboards.
The issue was set for a hearing Oct. 8 before 15th Judicial District Judge Kristian Earles, although attorneys for Bass have said they’ll request an earlier hearing.
The council meets at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in City Hall on University Avenue.
Source: Advocate Acadiana bureau Lafayette, La.
S.A. board's vote to regulate digital billboards at odds with Clear Channel's plan
Clear Channel Outdoor's effort to change state and city codes to regulate digital billboards has hit a snag.
San Antonio's electrical supervisory board agreed Monday to recommend a city ordinance to regulate the light-emitting diode signs, or LEDs, but suggested capping permits to 10 for the first year and banning their use on older billboards that are exempt from current restrictions.
That could crimp Clear Channel's plan to put up 150 of the digital signs and, based on a trade-out requirement in the proposed city rules, take down 600 older billboards that are mostly in neighborhoods inside Loop 410.
That's because many of the most lucrative billboards are on sections of major roads and freeways designated as scenic corridors, which forbid new signs that aren't part of a business. So the existing signs in those prime areas are grandfathered and therefore exempt from the rules.
Size, height and spacing requirements also affect what's grandfathered, but city and Clear Channel officials say the rules are murky.
Attorney Frank Burney, representing Clear Channel, warned the electrical board that lawyers could end up haggling, billboard by billboard, on just what is grandfathered.
"I'll tell you, if you go with that, it'll be a retirement fund for lawyers," he said.
The board disagreed, and its recommendation now heads to the City Council. Staff officials said they don't know when the council will consider the proposed ordinance.
The billboard industry's draw to digital signs includes the ability to remotely switch messages half a dozen times a minute or thousands of times a day.
The electrical board recommended that images not move, be displayed at least 10 seconds each and be switched within a second. There would also be limits on brightness and a trade-out to take down three to 19 old billboards for each digital sign.
Burney and three Clear Channel officials were among 17 people who spoke at a public hearing before the board vote.
Ten speakers opposed the ordinance, saying the lighted signs would clutter the highways and distract drivers.
"A message that changes every eight seconds is designed to distract you," said Larry Clark of the River Road Neighborhood Association, one of several people speaking for neighborhood groups.
Marcie Ince of the San Antonio Conservation Society and Kathleen Trenchard of Scenic San Antonio asked the board to wait until a Federal Highway Administration study is finished to determine what risks digital signs could pose to drivers.
The study is scheduled to start next year and finish by the end of 2009, administration spokesman Doug Hecox said.
Meanwhile, the Texas Transportation Commission proposed similar rules last month for state roads within cities and will hold a hearing Nov. 28.
Last year, the Texas Department of Transportation began an effort to rework a federal-state agreement to allow the digital signs. The TxDOT attorney overseeing the initiative, Timothy Anderson, has since joined Clear Channel and spoke at Monday's hearing.
Source: Patrick Driscoll -Express-News
San Antonio's electrical supervisory board agreed Monday to recommend a city ordinance to regulate the light-emitting diode signs, or LEDs, but suggested capping permits to 10 for the first year and banning their use on older billboards that are exempt from current restrictions.
That could crimp Clear Channel's plan to put up 150 of the digital signs and, based on a trade-out requirement in the proposed city rules, take down 600 older billboards that are mostly in neighborhoods inside Loop 410.
That's because many of the most lucrative billboards are on sections of major roads and freeways designated as scenic corridors, which forbid new signs that aren't part of a business. So the existing signs in those prime areas are grandfathered and therefore exempt from the rules.
Size, height and spacing requirements also affect what's grandfathered, but city and Clear Channel officials say the rules are murky.
Attorney Frank Burney, representing Clear Channel, warned the electrical board that lawyers could end up haggling, billboard by billboard, on just what is grandfathered.
"I'll tell you, if you go with that, it'll be a retirement fund for lawyers," he said.
The board disagreed, and its recommendation now heads to the City Council. Staff officials said they don't know when the council will consider the proposed ordinance.
The billboard industry's draw to digital signs includes the ability to remotely switch messages half a dozen times a minute or thousands of times a day.
The electrical board recommended that images not move, be displayed at least 10 seconds each and be switched within a second. There would also be limits on brightness and a trade-out to take down three to 19 old billboards for each digital sign.
Burney and three Clear Channel officials were among 17 people who spoke at a public hearing before the board vote.
Ten speakers opposed the ordinance, saying the lighted signs would clutter the highways and distract drivers.
"A message that changes every eight seconds is designed to distract you," said Larry Clark of the River Road Neighborhood Association, one of several people speaking for neighborhood groups.
Marcie Ince of the San Antonio Conservation Society and Kathleen Trenchard of Scenic San Antonio asked the board to wait until a Federal Highway Administration study is finished to determine what risks digital signs could pose to drivers.
The study is scheduled to start next year and finish by the end of 2009, administration spokesman Doug Hecox said.
Meanwhile, the Texas Transportation Commission proposed similar rules last month for state roads within cities and will hold a hearing Nov. 28.
Last year, the Texas Department of Transportation began an effort to rework a federal-state agreement to allow the digital signs. The TxDOT attorney overseeing the initiative, Timothy Anderson, has since joined Clear Channel and spoke at Monday's hearing.
Source: Patrick Driscoll -Express-News
Digital images on billboards catch driver's attention
A new billboard in Peoria may have caught your eye recently.
The L.E.D. digital billboard is on the corner of War Memorial Drive and University Street in Peoria.
It switches through different images and ads.
That movement is what's catching people's eyes and that's bringing in dollars for advertisers.
“From an advertising standpoint it's been a huge impact. We've had calls from the very first day from some of the advertisers that signed up saying they've got a ton of calls in saying what are you doing I've seen your billboard,” said Paul Zacovic of Adams Outdoor Advertising.
The billboard also adapts to light conditions.
Its been in Peoria for about a month.
There is a similar smaller billboard near University and Glen and at least one in the Twin Cities
Source: Heart of Illinois- By Laura Michels
The L.E.D. digital billboard is on the corner of War Memorial Drive and University Street in Peoria.
It switches through different images and ads.
That movement is what's catching people's eyes and that's bringing in dollars for advertisers.
“From an advertising standpoint it's been a huge impact. We've had calls from the very first day from some of the advertisers that signed up saying they've got a ton of calls in saying what are you doing I've seen your billboard,” said Paul Zacovic of Adams Outdoor Advertising.
The billboard also adapts to light conditions.
Its been in Peoria for about a month.
There is a similar smaller billboard near University and Glen and at least one in the Twin Cities
Source: Heart of Illinois- By Laura Michels
New Braunfels puts hold on billboards
NEW BRAUNFELS — The City Council here unanimously imposed a 180-day moratorium on digital billboards in the city.
Council members said they want an ordinance to regulate them before the city is hit with a wave of permit applications.
State officials are considering allowing the new, light-up billboards, which can flash a new message every few seconds, along highways. New Braunfels already has one application for such a billboard, which will be considered by the city because it came before the moratorium.
The council decided late Monday to reconvene a committee that disbanded this year after making recommendations for a sign ordinance. The panel will consider whether the city should allow digital billboards and, if so, how bright they can be, the number of messages they can display and how quickly the messages can change.
Opponents of the billboards complain that they cause light pollution and distract drivers. Industry representatives say their studies show no increase in accidents.
Source: Express-News
Council members said they want an ordinance to regulate them before the city is hit with a wave of permit applications.
State officials are considering allowing the new, light-up billboards, which can flash a new message every few seconds, along highways. New Braunfels already has one application for such a billboard, which will be considered by the city because it came before the moratorium.
The council decided late Monday to reconvene a committee that disbanded this year after making recommendations for a sign ordinance. The panel will consider whether the city should allow digital billboards and, if so, how bright they can be, the number of messages they can display and how quickly the messages can change.
Opponents of the billboards complain that they cause light pollution and distract drivers. Industry representatives say their studies show no increase in accidents.
Source: Express-News
Flashing billboards won't be distracting GR drivers
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
GRAND RAPIDS -- City motorists will not be distracted by videos or flashing messages on local billboards anytime soon, thanks to a three-month moratorium imposed by city commissioners Tuesday.
The ban came at the request of City Planning Director Suzanne Schulz, who warned that the city's 1969 zoning ordinance was powerless to stop billboard companies from installing high-tech billboards that could distract motorists by projecting high-quality video images.
The moratorium gives city commissioners time to adopt a zoning ordinance that will restrict the video billboards, Schulz said.
The city has no video billboards along its streets and highways now, but Schulz said they are showing up elsewhere in Michigan, including smaller cities such as Traverse City.
Schulz said the ban was not designed to limit free speech. Instead, it is meant to balance the public's right to be free of signs that distract drivers and pedestrians and cause confusion.
Ban only for 'off-premise' signs
The latest ban affects only "off-premise" signs, such as billboards. Last year, the City Commission adopted an ordinance governing electronic "on-premise" business signs.
Though the automated signs are banned in residential neighborhoods, churches and schools are allowed to install them if they get Planning Commission approval.
Source: By Jim Harger -The Grand Rapids Press
GRAND RAPIDS -- City motorists will not be distracted by videos or flashing messages on local billboards anytime soon, thanks to a three-month moratorium imposed by city commissioners Tuesday.
The ban came at the request of City Planning Director Suzanne Schulz, who warned that the city's 1969 zoning ordinance was powerless to stop billboard companies from installing high-tech billboards that could distract motorists by projecting high-quality video images.
The moratorium gives city commissioners time to adopt a zoning ordinance that will restrict the video billboards, Schulz said.
The city has no video billboards along its streets and highways now, but Schulz said they are showing up elsewhere in Michigan, including smaller cities such as Traverse City.
Schulz said the ban was not designed to limit free speech. Instead, it is meant to balance the public's right to be free of signs that distract drivers and pedestrians and cause confusion.
Ban only for 'off-premise' signs
The latest ban affects only "off-premise" signs, such as billboards. Last year, the City Commission adopted an ordinance governing electronic "on-premise" business signs.
Though the automated signs are banned in residential neighborhoods, churches and schools are allowed to install them if they get Planning Commission approval.
Source: By Jim Harger -The Grand Rapids Press
Electronic Billboard Safety Debate
A pair of electronic billboards that some drivers call, "a distraction" can stay put for now.
The bright, flashing billboards are on both sides of I-75 at the 12th Street exit in Covington.
Covington's Code Enforcement Board said it will allow the billboards if their owner gets the proper state permits.
However, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet wants the electronic billboards removed. It says the law does not allow them, and they could be unsafe.
Covington's Code Enforcement Board said the signs are not a distraction. The owner of the billboards has until December 31st to get the permits.
Source: Local12.com
The bright, flashing billboards are on both sides of I-75 at the 12th Street exit in Covington.
Covington's Code Enforcement Board said it will allow the billboards if their owner gets the proper state permits.
However, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet wants the electronic billboards removed. It says the law does not allow them, and they could be unsafe.
Covington's Code Enforcement Board said the signs are not a distraction. The owner of the billboards has until December 31st to get the permits.
Source: Local12.com
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Watchfire Digital Outdoor Announces Sales of 16 LED Billboards
Press Release
DANVILLE, Ill. and INDIANAPOLIS, (September 12, 2007) --
Watchfire Digital Outdoor manufacturer of the industry’s best looking and most reliable digital billboards, announced the sale of 16 digital billboards to independent outdoor operators. All of the billboards are 19mm pixel pitch, which pack 768 LEDs into every sq. ft. and are capable of producing 281 trillion colors, the most in the industry.
The 16 new digital billboards were sold to six companies, including:
· JR Promotions, Columbus, Ind.: will install central Indiana’s first two 14’ x 48’ digital billboards in September.
· BASS, Ltd., Lafayette, La.: purchased six LED billboards including two 12’ x 40’ digital billboards and four 10’ x 35’ digital billboards.
· Oliver Real Estate, Pittsburgh: acquired five urban sized digital billboards ranging from 5’ x 12’ to 10’ x 21’.
· Zalla Companies, Covington, Ky.: purchased one 13’ x 37’ digital billboard for the Cincinnati market.
· A Bloomington, Ill. outdoor operator purchased one 12’ x 24’ digital billboard.
· A Burlington, N.C. outdoor operator purchased one 14’ x 48’ digital billboard.
“Watchfire is well-established in this business. We’ve been in business for 75 years, we’ve been building LED signs for 10 years and we’ll build nearly 5,000 LED faces in our Danville, Ill. factory this year,” said Darrin Friskney, director of Watchfire Digital Outdoor. ”All that experience is making us an attractive option for outdoor operators. The market is hot for digital billboards and companies like buying from Watchfire because we build a product that looks great, is very durable and reduces energy requirements. What’s more, we continue to deliver faster than anyone in the industry.”
Watchfire Digital Outdoor produces the industry’s only 19mm pixel pitch billboard, which features 11 percent more pixels per sq. ft. than comparable models in the industry. Watchfire Digital Outdoor boards produce 281 trillion colors, a palette 64 times deeper than other billboards.
Watchfire’s Ignite™ software provides a link to 24/7 monitoring of sign schedules and performance via a live web cam, automated sign diagnostics that provide real-time monitoring and reporting on comprehensive sign “health,” automatic sign dimming to assure appropriate brightness and optimal viewability, printable proof-of-performance advertiser reports, and intuitive programming of complex advertising schedules.
Source: Digital Watchfire Press Release
DANVILLE, Ill. and INDIANAPOLIS, (September 12, 2007) --
Watchfire Digital Outdoor manufacturer of the industry’s best looking and most reliable digital billboards, announced the sale of 16 digital billboards to independent outdoor operators. All of the billboards are 19mm pixel pitch, which pack 768 LEDs into every sq. ft. and are capable of producing 281 trillion colors, the most in the industry.
The 16 new digital billboards were sold to six companies, including:
· JR Promotions, Columbus, Ind.: will install central Indiana’s first two 14’ x 48’ digital billboards in September.
· BASS, Ltd., Lafayette, La.: purchased six LED billboards including two 12’ x 40’ digital billboards and four 10’ x 35’ digital billboards.
· Oliver Real Estate, Pittsburgh: acquired five urban sized digital billboards ranging from 5’ x 12’ to 10’ x 21’.
· Zalla Companies, Covington, Ky.: purchased one 13’ x 37’ digital billboard for the Cincinnati market.
· A Bloomington, Ill. outdoor operator purchased one 12’ x 24’ digital billboard.
· A Burlington, N.C. outdoor operator purchased one 14’ x 48’ digital billboard.
“Watchfire is well-established in this business. We’ve been in business for 75 years, we’ve been building LED signs for 10 years and we’ll build nearly 5,000 LED faces in our Danville, Ill. factory this year,” said Darrin Friskney, director of Watchfire Digital Outdoor. ”All that experience is making us an attractive option for outdoor operators. The market is hot for digital billboards and companies like buying from Watchfire because we build a product that looks great, is very durable and reduces energy requirements. What’s more, we continue to deliver faster than anyone in the industry.”
Watchfire Digital Outdoor produces the industry’s only 19mm pixel pitch billboard, which features 11 percent more pixels per sq. ft. than comparable models in the industry. Watchfire Digital Outdoor boards produce 281 trillion colors, a palette 64 times deeper than other billboards.
Watchfire’s Ignite™ software provides a link to 24/7 monitoring of sign schedules and performance via a live web cam, automated sign diagnostics that provide real-time monitoring and reporting on comprehensive sign “health,” automatic sign dimming to assure appropriate brightness and optimal viewability, printable proof-of-performance advertiser reports, and intuitive programming of complex advertising schedules.
Source: Digital Watchfire Press Release
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
New Braunfels to vote on digital billboards
Web Posted: 09/08/2007 10:03 PM CDT
NEW BRAUNFELS — The City Council will consider a moratorium on digital billboards when it meets Monday.
The state is considering rules that would allow the new high-tech advertising signs, which light up and can change every eight seconds. The Texas Transportation Commission is expected to vote on whether to allow the signs after a public comment period that ends Dec. 6.
The billboards would be allowed only in and around cities, and cities would have to approve each one. No flashing lights or moving images would be allowed.
"I'm concerned about whether they should or shouldn't be allowed," said New Braunfels Councilman Pat Wiggins.
Wiggins said the moratorium may be needed so the city can consider whether to permit the digital billboards or under what conditions, and to put rules in place before it starts receiving applications for them.
He said he doesn't want to see a repeat of what happened a couple of years ago, when brightly colored portable signs started appearing around town and were "grandfathered" by the time the city implemented rules for them.
Lee Vela, president of the Outdoor Advertising Association of Texas, said he believes New Braunfels is the first city in the state to address the issue.
The signs have been criticized by Scenic America, a group that fights the billboard industry. Scenic America contends the digital signs are unsightly, a distraction to drivers and a cause of "light pollution."
The Outdoor Advertising Association countered with two studies of its own, one showing no increase in accidents in the Cleveland area after the signs were installed and the showing drivers do not look at the signs any longer than they look at traditional billboards.
"Any issue we look at, it seems like there's two sides and both sides can pull up a study to support their position," said Councilwoman Gale Pospisil. "It obviously looks like there are some considerations and concerns. It's probably a good idea to talk about it."
The council will meet with its attorney in executive session on the proposed moratorium Monday night and is to take action in the public session after that.
Source: Roger CroteauExpress-News
NEW BRAUNFELS — The City Council will consider a moratorium on digital billboards when it meets Monday.
The state is considering rules that would allow the new high-tech advertising signs, which light up and can change every eight seconds. The Texas Transportation Commission is expected to vote on whether to allow the signs after a public comment period that ends Dec. 6.
The billboards would be allowed only in and around cities, and cities would have to approve each one. No flashing lights or moving images would be allowed.
"I'm concerned about whether they should or shouldn't be allowed," said New Braunfels Councilman Pat Wiggins.
Wiggins said the moratorium may be needed so the city can consider whether to permit the digital billboards or under what conditions, and to put rules in place before it starts receiving applications for them.
He said he doesn't want to see a repeat of what happened a couple of years ago, when brightly colored portable signs started appearing around town and were "grandfathered" by the time the city implemented rules for them.
Lee Vela, president of the Outdoor Advertising Association of Texas, said he believes New Braunfels is the first city in the state to address the issue.
The signs have been criticized by Scenic America, a group that fights the billboard industry. Scenic America contends the digital signs are unsightly, a distraction to drivers and a cause of "light pollution."
The Outdoor Advertising Association countered with two studies of its own, one showing no increase in accidents in the Cleveland area after the signs were installed and the showing drivers do not look at the signs any longer than they look at traditional billboards.
"Any issue we look at, it seems like there's two sides and both sides can pull up a study to support their position," said Councilwoman Gale Pospisil. "It obviously looks like there are some considerations and concerns. It's probably a good idea to talk about it."
The council will meet with its attorney in executive session on the proposed moratorium Monday night and is to take action in the public session after that.
Source: Roger CroteauExpress-News
Ban on Bright Billboards
September 7, 2007 - 8:56PM
GRAND RAPIDS (NEWSCHANNEL 3) Many companies who own the boards want to put in huge LCD screens that rapidly flash multiple advertisements. Some are already in place throughout the Midwest. City leaders worry the bright billboards are a dangerous distraction for drivers who may be multi-tasking behind the wheel. Companies putting up the signs say the real distractions are inside the car. Roy Nordstrom a professional driver says, “at 70 miles per hour, I always tell people that's a 105 feet per second, so you can't take your eyes off the road very long. Otherwise you've gone the length of the football field in just three seconds.” On Tuesday, the Grand Rapids city commission will vote to put a 3-month hold on any type of electronic billboard with moving text or pictures to make sure it can regulate the signs.
Source: WWMT News Channel 3
GRAND RAPIDS (NEWSCHANNEL 3) Many companies who own the boards want to put in huge LCD screens that rapidly flash multiple advertisements. Some are already in place throughout the Midwest. City leaders worry the bright billboards are a dangerous distraction for drivers who may be multi-tasking behind the wheel. Companies putting up the signs say the real distractions are inside the car. Roy Nordstrom a professional driver says, “at 70 miles per hour, I always tell people that's a 105 feet per second, so you can't take your eyes off the road very long. Otherwise you've gone the length of the football field in just three seconds.” On Tuesday, the Grand Rapids city commission will vote to put a 3-month hold on any type of electronic billboard with moving text or pictures to make sure it can regulate the signs.
Source: WWMT News Channel 3
CBS Enters Growing Business: Buys SignStorey
September 6, 2007 10:46 AM
Yesterday, we chided CBS for resorting to financial engineering to pump up its stock price("returning capital to shareholders" by borrowing from lenders and boosting equity dividends). Today, however, the company has actually added business value--by using its cash flow to buy a growing digital advertising business.
The $72 million all-cash SignStorey acquisition--to be renamed "CBS Outernet"--will boost CBS's presence in the rapidly growing "place-based advertising" industry (a.k.a., video billboards). SignStorey operates digital video displays in more than 1,400 grocery stores in major markets across the United States. Ads can be customized by region and by daypart, and the company's satellite-delivery system enables immediate, customized programming to each individual system. SignStorey has long-term exclusive contracts with SuperValu (Acme, Albertsons, Jewel and Shaw's), Pathmark, ShopRite and Price Chopper, among others, and currently blares video ads in the vicinity of more than 72 million consumers every month. Revenue more than doubled in 2006.
As noted here, the video-billboard industry has become a real business: $6.8 billion a year. Billboards as a whole are also one of the only traditional media businesses that is growing. (See Google Sucks The Life Out of Traditional Media.
Source: Silicon Valley Insider
Yesterday, we chided CBS for resorting to financial engineering to pump up its stock price("returning capital to shareholders" by borrowing from lenders and boosting equity dividends). Today, however, the company has actually added business value--by using its cash flow to buy a growing digital advertising business.
The $72 million all-cash SignStorey acquisition--to be renamed "CBS Outernet"--will boost CBS's presence in the rapidly growing "place-based advertising" industry (a.k.a., video billboards). SignStorey operates digital video displays in more than 1,400 grocery stores in major markets across the United States. Ads can be customized by region and by daypart, and the company's satellite-delivery system enables immediate, customized programming to each individual system. SignStorey has long-term exclusive contracts with SuperValu (Acme, Albertsons, Jewel and Shaw's), Pathmark, ShopRite and Price Chopper, among others, and currently blares video ads in the vicinity of more than 72 million consumers every month. Revenue more than doubled in 2006.
As noted here, the video-billboard industry has become a real business: $6.8 billion a year. Billboards as a whole are also one of the only traditional media businesses that is growing. (See Google Sucks The Life Out of Traditional Media.
Source: Silicon Valley Insider
Positive sign: Video billboard ban
The Gilbert Town Council proved its worth as caretakers of the town’s seven miles of freeway frontage Tuesday, when it refused to cave in to pressure for allowing flashy electronic signs along the Loop 202.We hope this will provide an occasion for leaders of other East Valley cities to more closely examine one of the great questions of our young century: Can drivers take any more distraction, especially at 70 mph? Many cities have been willing to gamble that in today’s information-saturated age, people are able to gaze at and ignore flashing lights, words and video images at will, welcoming huge digital displays after shunning old-school billboards for decades. So far, most examples of this new breed function as on-site advertising, including the JumboTron-style signs just down the Santan Freeway for Chandler’s auto mall and the more modest digital displays at Mesa Riverview. Tempe Marketplace’s digital billboards go even further into the past, located next to a major center but not necessarily hawking anything available at that center. These don’t incorporate any animation, but the ads change every eight seconds. These displays are getting noticed across America as well, as cities debate these signs’ costs and benefits, using either Times Square or the Las Vegas Strip as a reference point, depending on geography. The list of studies proving the dangers of distracted driving is longer than most cell phone bills. Yet no large, definitive study has determined whether electronic billboards in particular cause accidents, allowing their backers and detractors to argue ad nauseam. The Federal Highway Administration, which released its most recent noncommittal overview of the issue on Sept. 11, 2001, has agreed to step back into the fray with a more comprehensive study. But the results may not be in until 2009, according to a March article in the Christian Science Monitor. This research may or may not settle the issue, but we are hopeful that local officials will use due caution — more than most have up to this point — when someone applies for a permit to build one of these things next to a freeway. We don’t usually appreciate it when government tells individuals what they can or can’t build on their property, or what an advertisement can or can’t say. But government’s proper function is to ensure public safety, and it would seem that one way to accomplish that might be not to allow private interests to install what amounts to giant TV sets next to freeways.
Source: East Valley Tribune
Source: East Valley Tribune
Business files lawsuit to try to keep electronic sign up in Murfreesboro
Wednesday, 09/05/07
MURFREESBORO — The owner of a digital billboard on Old Fort Parkway is suing to keep the sign flashing.
Lamar Advertising of Tennessee filed suit Aug. 22 in Rutherford County Chancery Court, naming the city of Murfreesboro and the Board of Zoning Appeals as defendants for trying to remove the company's electronic billboard at 1804 Old Fort Parkway near the DoubleTree Hotel and Starbucks.
The Murfreesboro Building and Codes Department revoked a permit for the sign in March, shortly after it was put up, saying it violates the city's moratorium on electronic messaging signs and a long-standing law that prohibits such signs for commercial purposes.
In the lawsuit, Lamar argues that the city's revocation of the permit and the Board of Zoning Appeals' denial of an appeal were "arbitrary, capricious and illegal."
Murfreesboro spokesman Chris Shofner said city officials do not comment on pending litigation.
No court date has been set; the city has not answered the claims made in the suit.
The suit says other digital signs were allowed to stay up, making it unfair to require Lamar to take its sign down.
In May, the appeals board granted an appeal by Affordable Signs regarding its sign at Exxon On the Run at 2464 New Salem Highway, which had been cited for a similar violation. That sign was allowed to remain because of a loophole in the city ordinance, which defined electronic messaging signs as those used for "non-commercial" purposes.
The suit claims:
• The same loophole that applied to Exxon On the Run should apply to the Lamar sign.
• The Lamar sign is not a "flashing sign" as some board members had suggested because its pictures stay static for eight seconds.
• The sign had a valid permit because it was inspected and approved by a city sign inspector after its erection. Lamar was issued the permit in November.
• No public hearing was allowed at Lamar's appeal.
Mike O'Conner, who drives by the sign almost every day, said he thinks the city made the right decision.
Kate Hollow, a recent MTSU graduate, said she doesn't see what the problem with the sign is.
"So it's a big screen. It's hardly the biggest distraction on the road," she said.
Source: Gannett Tennessee By TURNER HUTCHENS
MURFREESBORO — The owner of a digital billboard on Old Fort Parkway is suing to keep the sign flashing.
Lamar Advertising of Tennessee filed suit Aug. 22 in Rutherford County Chancery Court, naming the city of Murfreesboro and the Board of Zoning Appeals as defendants for trying to remove the company's electronic billboard at 1804 Old Fort Parkway near the DoubleTree Hotel and Starbucks.
The Murfreesboro Building and Codes Department revoked a permit for the sign in March, shortly after it was put up, saying it violates the city's moratorium on electronic messaging signs and a long-standing law that prohibits such signs for commercial purposes.
In the lawsuit, Lamar argues that the city's revocation of the permit and the Board of Zoning Appeals' denial of an appeal were "arbitrary, capricious and illegal."
Murfreesboro spokesman Chris Shofner said city officials do not comment on pending litigation.
No court date has been set; the city has not answered the claims made in the suit.
The suit says other digital signs were allowed to stay up, making it unfair to require Lamar to take its sign down.
In May, the appeals board granted an appeal by Affordable Signs regarding its sign at Exxon On the Run at 2464 New Salem Highway, which had been cited for a similar violation. That sign was allowed to remain because of a loophole in the city ordinance, which defined electronic messaging signs as those used for "non-commercial" purposes.
The suit claims:
• The same loophole that applied to Exxon On the Run should apply to the Lamar sign.
• The Lamar sign is not a "flashing sign" as some board members had suggested because its pictures stay static for eight seconds.
• The sign had a valid permit because it was inspected and approved by a city sign inspector after its erection. Lamar was issued the permit in November.
• No public hearing was allowed at Lamar's appeal.
Mike O'Conner, who drives by the sign almost every day, said he thinks the city made the right decision.
Kate Hollow, a recent MTSU graduate, said she doesn't see what the problem with the sign is.
"So it's a big screen. It's hardly the biggest distraction on the road," she said.
Source: Gannett Tennessee By TURNER HUTCHENS
Digital billboard debate to continue next month
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
A local planning board decided Tuesday that an ordinance to allow digital billboards needed more tweaking, and voted unanimously to table consideration until its next meeting.
The Chatham County-Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission was considering a text amendment that would allow digital billboards in the city limits, but commissioners felt certain requirements were unclear, such as whether the 5,000-foot minimum distance between signs was linear or as the crow flies.
Commissioners also wanted the sign company that prompted the ordinance, Lamar Outdoor Advertising, to take down more non-digital billboards to compensate for the digital ones the company wanted.
Lamar representatives had offered to take down 24 non-digital billboards, but several commissioners pushed for even more to come down, specifically "non-conforming" billboards, which do not meet ordinance requirements.
City Manager Michael Brown, who sits on the commission, likened it to wetlands mitigation, where a developer must replace wetlands he plans to destroy.
"What we're saying is right now we do not allow digital billboards as a matter of right," Brown said. "We're going to allow them as a matter of right. What we're saying is if someone wants to put in a digital billboard, they can go buy a regular billboard and take it out of service and put in a digital billboard."
Some commissioners said the requirement should be stipulated in the ordinance.
Attorney Harold Yellin, representing Lamar, argued that being forced by ordinance to take down non-conforming signs was essentially a deal breaker.
"Non-confirming could be a sign that when we put it up was perfectly legal, and then a school came in next to us," he said.
Yellin also objected to any stipulations in the ordinance that Lamar remove signs, saying that other companies that don't have signs in Savannah would not have to meet such a requirement.
"I don't think you can require something of Lamar that you can't require of everybody," Yellin said. "You're creating an ordinance that is not universal. It's probably not constitutional."
Some commissioners also wanted the 24 signs Lamar had volunteered to take down stipulated in the ordinance.
"How would there be an assurance that these other signs come down without there being an item in the ordinance?" Commission Chairman Stephen Lufburrow asked.
Yellin said Lamar would sign a contract agreeing to take down the 24 signs.
In the end, the commissioners decided they needed to iron out the details before voting, and tabled the item until their Sept. 18 meeting.
Source: Savannah Morning News
A local planning board decided Tuesday that an ordinance to allow digital billboards needed more tweaking, and voted unanimously to table consideration until its next meeting.
The Chatham County-Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission was considering a text amendment that would allow digital billboards in the city limits, but commissioners felt certain requirements were unclear, such as whether the 5,000-foot minimum distance between signs was linear or as the crow flies.
Commissioners also wanted the sign company that prompted the ordinance, Lamar Outdoor Advertising, to take down more non-digital billboards to compensate for the digital ones the company wanted.
Lamar representatives had offered to take down 24 non-digital billboards, but several commissioners pushed for even more to come down, specifically "non-conforming" billboards, which do not meet ordinance requirements.
City Manager Michael Brown, who sits on the commission, likened it to wetlands mitigation, where a developer must replace wetlands he plans to destroy.
"What we're saying is right now we do not allow digital billboards as a matter of right," Brown said. "We're going to allow them as a matter of right. What we're saying is if someone wants to put in a digital billboard, they can go buy a regular billboard and take it out of service and put in a digital billboard."
Some commissioners said the requirement should be stipulated in the ordinance.
Attorney Harold Yellin, representing Lamar, argued that being forced by ordinance to take down non-conforming signs was essentially a deal breaker.
"Non-confirming could be a sign that when we put it up was perfectly legal, and then a school came in next to us," he said.
Yellin also objected to any stipulations in the ordinance that Lamar remove signs, saying that other companies that don't have signs in Savannah would not have to meet such a requirement.
"I don't think you can require something of Lamar that you can't require of everybody," Yellin said. "You're creating an ordinance that is not universal. It's probably not constitutional."
Some commissioners also wanted the 24 signs Lamar had volunteered to take down stipulated in the ordinance.
"How would there be an assurance that these other signs come down without there being an item in the ordinance?" Commission Chairman Stephen Lufburrow asked.
Yellin said Lamar would sign a contract agreeing to take down the 24 signs.
In the end, the commissioners decided they needed to iron out the details before voting, and tabled the item until their Sept. 18 meeting.
Source: Savannah Morning News
Judge allows billboards to go electronic
A ruling issued Friday in Platte County Circuit Court will allow Lamar Advertising to proceed with conversion of more than a dozen Kansas City billboards into electronic billboards.
First up — a sign near Interstate 29 and Northwest 64th Street.
Lamar went to court seeking an injunction against a Kansas City moratorium that in effect has prevented construction of new billboards since March 2006.
Next week the city is to consider an ordinance that would prohibit construction of new billboards along city streets.
Carol Winterowd, a south Kansas City resident who has led the charge against what she termed “billboard blight,” called the ruling “a sad day for the visual beauty of Kansas City. Digitals are the worst of them all.”
Digital signs are becoming more popular.
“The industry loves digital signs because they can get more money off those,” she said. “And they can change those signs in the office with the flick of a switch. It’s a real efficiency move for the industry.”
Although the city cannot appeal the injunction, assistant city attorney Maggie Moran said she found another issue to pursue.
She said the planned digital Northland billboard was illegal because it was built too close to housing.
“We just found that out this week,” Moran said. “We’re going to start an enforcement action.”
Source: The Kansas City Star By KAREN UHLENHUTH
First up — a sign near Interstate 29 and Northwest 64th Street.
Lamar went to court seeking an injunction against a Kansas City moratorium that in effect has prevented construction of new billboards since March 2006.
Next week the city is to consider an ordinance that would prohibit construction of new billboards along city streets.
Carol Winterowd, a south Kansas City resident who has led the charge against what she termed “billboard blight,” called the ruling “a sad day for the visual beauty of Kansas City. Digitals are the worst of them all.”
Digital signs are becoming more popular.
“The industry loves digital signs because they can get more money off those,” she said. “And they can change those signs in the office with the flick of a switch. It’s a real efficiency move for the industry.”
Although the city cannot appeal the injunction, assistant city attorney Maggie Moran said she found another issue to pursue.
She said the planned digital Northland billboard was illegal because it was built too close to housing.
“We just found that out this week,” Moran said. “We’re going to start an enforcement action.”
Source: The Kansas City Star By KAREN UHLENHUTH
Coming to Your Highway: Digital Billboards
By Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA May 15, 2007
Ever wondered who owns and operates the advertising billboards plastered across American highways? There are three key players that control most of the industry. And after years of modest organic sales gains, digital billboards could inject the space with big-time growth opportunities.
The pure-play operator is Lamar Advertising (Nasdaq: LAMR), and it appears to be taking a measured pace. During its first-quarter earnings release last Thursday, the company reported total sales growth of 8.6% and a sizeable earnings increase, after taking into account a gain from the sale of a private-company interest. Analysts are calling for an almost 17% earnings increase for the full year, but going forward, digital has the most potential to boost results.
Lamar reported "428 digital displays in 107 markets." That's clearly a small percentage of its total billboards, but demonstrates the extent to which digital could end up altering the competitive landscape. Digital could boost sales and profitability metrics for all players in the industry, but Lamar might soon be the only pure-play option for investors to capitalize on the new technology.
The other two key players are Clear Channel Outdoor (NYSE: CCO) and CBS Outdoor, a division of CBS (NYSE: CBS). Together they control an estimated 85% of the billboards in the United States, according to Value Investor Insight. All are similar in size, but Lamar mostly concentrates its 150,000 billboards in smaller, more regional markets. Clear Channel and CBS, on the other hand, chase larger, national advertisers to pursue synergies with their radio and other advertising platforms.
Digital billboards are slowly starting to replace traditional billboards, and could revolutionize the industry. If ads could be updated quickly and cost-effectively by electronic means, billboard operators could rotate ads throughout the day with multiple advertisers per unit.
Digital currently has appealing economics, with five to 10 times higher revenue per unit based on my calculations. Of course, installing these digital billboards can be costly, so build-out expenses may be substantial as well. But with the company looking to reach more than 600 units by the end of this year, clearly it is placing its dollars on digital and not looking back.
Source : Motley Fool
Ever wondered who owns and operates the advertising billboards plastered across American highways? There are three key players that control most of the industry. And after years of modest organic sales gains, digital billboards could inject the space with big-time growth opportunities.
The pure-play operator is Lamar Advertising (Nasdaq: LAMR), and it appears to be taking a measured pace. During its first-quarter earnings release last Thursday, the company reported total sales growth of 8.6% and a sizeable earnings increase, after taking into account a gain from the sale of a private-company interest. Analysts are calling for an almost 17% earnings increase for the full year, but going forward, digital has the most potential to boost results.
Lamar reported "428 digital displays in 107 markets." That's clearly a small percentage of its total billboards, but demonstrates the extent to which digital could end up altering the competitive landscape. Digital could boost sales and profitability metrics for all players in the industry, but Lamar might soon be the only pure-play option for investors to capitalize on the new technology.
The other two key players are Clear Channel Outdoor (NYSE: CCO) and CBS Outdoor, a division of CBS (NYSE: CBS). Together they control an estimated 85% of the billboards in the United States, according to Value Investor Insight. All are similar in size, but Lamar mostly concentrates its 150,000 billboards in smaller, more regional markets. Clear Channel and CBS, on the other hand, chase larger, national advertisers to pursue synergies with their radio and other advertising platforms.
Digital billboards are slowly starting to replace traditional billboards, and could revolutionize the industry. If ads could be updated quickly and cost-effectively by electronic means, billboard operators could rotate ads throughout the day with multiple advertisers per unit.
Digital currently has appealing economics, with five to 10 times higher revenue per unit based on my calculations. Of course, installing these digital billboards can be costly, so build-out expenses may be substantial as well. But with the company looking to reach more than 600 units by the end of this year, clearly it is placing its dollars on digital and not looking back.
Source : Motley Fool
Las Vegas Allows Brothels to Advertise
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Las Vegas residents and visitors were surprised to see a moving billboard, basically a large truck with a digital billboard attached, driving through the streets of Las Vegas advertising the brothels from nearby towns. While prostitution is actually technically illegal in Clark County, including in the Las Vegas area, there has still been some considerable amount of illegal prostitution that still continues to occur in the Vegas area, taking advantage of all the traffic into the famous gambling mecca in the desert, as people come to attend shows and view Las Vegas attractions. This lifting of the ban on advertising for prostitution allows legal prostitution networks from out of town establishments to provide services to the Las Vegas area, including transportation to and from the brothels. This focus on allowing legal prostitution to flourish is considered a good way to reduce the amount of illegal prostitution in the Clark County area and provide protection for legal workers.Oddly enough, the advertising chosen and presented on the moving billboard did not actually feature any women of any kind, as the proprietors chose to be as tasteful and sensitive as possible. Instead, the advertising shows only a profile of the brothel itself from the outside front, showing zero racy content and simply offering a phone number and location information for the brothel. Locals expect the amount of advertising to increase in the future, as more and more legal prostitution establishments come on board and begin strengthening their advertising and marketing programs in the same manner. While the moving billboard might not be the choice for everyone, any type of advertising and marketing is generally considered an effective tool for the prostitution industry and provides a monstrous amount of incoming traffic and paying customers. Naturally, without this influx of new traffic and visitors, no establishment can continue to earn money and remain solvent for very long. As more and more companies focus on advertising for prostitution and legal brothels in the Las Vegas area, it remains to be seen what impact these types of advertising will have on the Las Vegas area over all.Nearby counties that can legally support prostitution expect to experience a tremendous amount of new business, as the strategic combination of advertising and transportation allows legal brothels to attract visitors and users from the swarming and extremely busy Las Vegas area.
Las Vegas residents and visitors were surprised to see a moving billboard, basically a large truck with a digital billboard attached, driving through the streets of Las Vegas advertising the brothels from nearby towns. While prostitution is actually technically illegal in Clark County, including in the Las Vegas area, there has still been some considerable amount of illegal prostitution that still continues to occur in the Vegas area, taking advantage of all the traffic into the famous gambling mecca in the desert, as people come to attend shows and view Las Vegas attractions. This lifting of the ban on advertising for prostitution allows legal prostitution networks from out of town establishments to provide services to the Las Vegas area, including transportation to and from the brothels. This focus on allowing legal prostitution to flourish is considered a good way to reduce the amount of illegal prostitution in the Clark County area and provide protection for legal workers.Oddly enough, the advertising chosen and presented on the moving billboard did not actually feature any women of any kind, as the proprietors chose to be as tasteful and sensitive as possible. Instead, the advertising shows only a profile of the brothel itself from the outside front, showing zero racy content and simply offering a phone number and location information for the brothel. Locals expect the amount of advertising to increase in the future, as more and more legal prostitution establishments come on board and begin strengthening their advertising and marketing programs in the same manner. While the moving billboard might not be the choice for everyone, any type of advertising and marketing is generally considered an effective tool for the prostitution industry and provides a monstrous amount of incoming traffic and paying customers. Naturally, without this influx of new traffic and visitors, no establishment can continue to earn money and remain solvent for very long. As more and more companies focus on advertising for prostitution and legal brothels in the Las Vegas area, it remains to be seen what impact these types of advertising will have on the Las Vegas area over all.Nearby counties that can legally support prostitution expect to experience a tremendous amount of new business, as the strategic combination of advertising and transportation allows legal brothels to attract visitors and users from the swarming and extremely busy Las Vegas area.
Electronic reader boards called a safety hazard
Dominic Cuccia can flash some catchy digital images and text messages across the sign outside his drive-through car wash/Italian eatery business on North Oak Trafficway.
One shows a car getting showered with water and then brushed. Seconds later, the sign reads “Dominic’s Mom is back in the Kitchen.” On another day, the sign reminds passersby that the car wash will be open on Labor Day.
“The things I can do with this reader board are unlimited,” Cuccia said, “and there is no more going outside and putting up a (manual) display board in bad weather.”
Cuccia is among a growing number of business owners who are advertising their products through outdoor electronic, or LED, reader boards.
Once found in only a handful of places, reader boards — described by a sign industry Web site as “the town crier of the modern age”— are popping up in large number, at least in cities where they are allowed.
Businesses like to use reader boards because they can flash several different messages in a minute’s time and their LED technology has become cheaper in the past decade.
“I am guessing that there are probably 10 times more reader boards out there than there used to be 10 years ago,” said Mark Bourgart, president of Infinity Sign Systems, which installs reader boards.
But officials in some cities want nothing to do the phenomenon. They contend that the electronic message boards are not only unattractive but also a dangerous distraction to drivers.
They cite studies by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that concluded that taking one’s eyes off the road for more than two seconds significantly increases the chances of having an accident.
“They are ugly, offensive and even more in-your-face than billboards,” said Tom Nelson, a local architect who serves on the board of Scenic America, a national nonprofit group that opposes outdoor advertising.
Digital displays are allowed in most commercial areas of Kansas City, except for specially planned areas such as Zona Rosa.
Leaders in Gladstone, where Cuccia’s business is located, have similar concerns and have formed a committee to review the city’s sign ordinance.
On the 3.5-mile stretch of North Oak Trafficway that runs through Gladstone, there are 10 electronic message boards.
“I don’t want Gladstone looking like Times Square,” said Councilman Mark Revenaugh said. “We are trying very hard to keep Gladstone from having the appearance of an aging community. These reader boards detract from our effort to move this city forward.”
Several cities in the metropolitan area either prohibit electronic signs or impose heavy restrictions on them.
Independence, for instance, prohibits such signs in its growing retail district near Interstate 70 and Missouri 291 but allows it elsewhere, said Stuart Borders, a senior planner for the city.
Borders estimated that there are about a dozen electronic reader boards on Noland Road. But like other cities, Independence has regulations, he said.
Bourgart, whose sign company has been installing digital reader monuments for several CVS drug stores in the area, said businesses have found that reader boards are an effective advertising medium.
“Because so many people have TiVo or satellite radio at home, they don’t have to watch or listen to commercials, so companies have to find new ways to get the message out to their clientele,” he said.
Bourgart added that when CVS puts in a message board at one of its stores, retail sales at that location rise from 17 percent to 40 percent. That, in turn, increases sales tax revenue for the city.
Cuccia, who spent $30,000 on his electronic reader board sign, agreed that they help draw business.
He said he thinks the sign is tasteful and also disputed claims that such signs distract motorists.
“Anything can distract a driver,” he said.
But Nelson of Scenic America said he was awaiting a study by the Federal Highway Administration that will examine the safety issues related to electronic signs.
“One of these days, someone will die because of these reader boards,” he said. “I hope it doesn’t happen, but I fear that it could.”
Source: The Kansas City Star By MIKE RICE
One shows a car getting showered with water and then brushed. Seconds later, the sign reads “Dominic’s Mom is back in the Kitchen.” On another day, the sign reminds passersby that the car wash will be open on Labor Day.
“The things I can do with this reader board are unlimited,” Cuccia said, “and there is no more going outside and putting up a (manual) display board in bad weather.”
Cuccia is among a growing number of business owners who are advertising their products through outdoor electronic, or LED, reader boards.
Once found in only a handful of places, reader boards — described by a sign industry Web site as “the town crier of the modern age”— are popping up in large number, at least in cities where they are allowed.
Businesses like to use reader boards because they can flash several different messages in a minute’s time and their LED technology has become cheaper in the past decade.
“I am guessing that there are probably 10 times more reader boards out there than there used to be 10 years ago,” said Mark Bourgart, president of Infinity Sign Systems, which installs reader boards.
But officials in some cities want nothing to do the phenomenon. They contend that the electronic message boards are not only unattractive but also a dangerous distraction to drivers.
They cite studies by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that concluded that taking one’s eyes off the road for more than two seconds significantly increases the chances of having an accident.
“They are ugly, offensive and even more in-your-face than billboards,” said Tom Nelson, a local architect who serves on the board of Scenic America, a national nonprofit group that opposes outdoor advertising.
Digital displays are allowed in most commercial areas of Kansas City, except for specially planned areas such as Zona Rosa.
Leaders in Gladstone, where Cuccia’s business is located, have similar concerns and have formed a committee to review the city’s sign ordinance.
On the 3.5-mile stretch of North Oak Trafficway that runs through Gladstone, there are 10 electronic message boards.
“I don’t want Gladstone looking like Times Square,” said Councilman Mark Revenaugh said. “We are trying very hard to keep Gladstone from having the appearance of an aging community. These reader boards detract from our effort to move this city forward.”
Several cities in the metropolitan area either prohibit electronic signs or impose heavy restrictions on them.
Independence, for instance, prohibits such signs in its growing retail district near Interstate 70 and Missouri 291 but allows it elsewhere, said Stuart Borders, a senior planner for the city.
Borders estimated that there are about a dozen electronic reader boards on Noland Road. But like other cities, Independence has regulations, he said.
Bourgart, whose sign company has been installing digital reader monuments for several CVS drug stores in the area, said businesses have found that reader boards are an effective advertising medium.
“Because so many people have TiVo or satellite radio at home, they don’t have to watch or listen to commercials, so companies have to find new ways to get the message out to their clientele,” he said.
Bourgart added that when CVS puts in a message board at one of its stores, retail sales at that location rise from 17 percent to 40 percent. That, in turn, increases sales tax revenue for the city.
Cuccia, who spent $30,000 on his electronic reader board sign, agreed that they help draw business.
He said he thinks the sign is tasteful and also disputed claims that such signs distract motorists.
“Anything can distract a driver,” he said.
But Nelson of Scenic America said he was awaiting a study by the Federal Highway Administration that will examine the safety issues related to electronic signs.
“One of these days, someone will die because of these reader boards,” he said. “I hope it doesn’t happen, but I fear that it could.”
Source: The Kansas City Star By MIKE RICE
Clear Channel expands digital billboard network
August 20, 2007
Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings Inc.. is expanding the reach of its digital billboard network into some of the nation's largest designated market areas (DMA), including Chicago and Philadelphia. The company is also launching a second phase in Los Angeles where the network was first introduced in May.
The company has now deployed 76 digital billboards since the first of the year and by the end of August it will be operating 16 digital billboard networks in the following 14 DMAs: Akron, Ohio; Albuquerque, N.M.; Chicago; Cleveland; Columbus, Ohio; El Paso, Texas; Memphis, Tenn.; Milwaukee; Minneapolis/St. Paul; Orlando, Fla.; Tampa Bay, Fla.; Wichita, Kan. and two networks in both Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
"After successful programs in a number of smaller markets, we are now experiencing strong market demand for digital billboards in our larger markets, including the top 10 DMAs," says Paul Meyer, president and chief operating officer of Clear Channel Outdoor. "The popularity of this new and exciting medium is the result of its unique responsiveness to advertisers' desires to vary their messages as many times and as frequently as their campaign needs dictate."
Digital billboards display static messages that resemble standard printed billboards when viewed, but also allow advertisers to remotely and instantaneously change messages.
Source: San Antonio Business Journal
Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings Inc.. is expanding the reach of its digital billboard network into some of the nation's largest designated market areas (DMA), including Chicago and Philadelphia. The company is also launching a second phase in Los Angeles where the network was first introduced in May.
The company has now deployed 76 digital billboards since the first of the year and by the end of August it will be operating 16 digital billboard networks in the following 14 DMAs: Akron, Ohio; Albuquerque, N.M.; Chicago; Cleveland; Columbus, Ohio; El Paso, Texas; Memphis, Tenn.; Milwaukee; Minneapolis/St. Paul; Orlando, Fla.; Tampa Bay, Fla.; Wichita, Kan. and two networks in both Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
"After successful programs in a number of smaller markets, we are now experiencing strong market demand for digital billboards in our larger markets, including the top 10 DMAs," says Paul Meyer, president and chief operating officer of Clear Channel Outdoor. "The popularity of this new and exciting medium is the result of its unique responsiveness to advertisers' desires to vary their messages as many times and as frequently as their campaign needs dictate."
Digital billboards display static messages that resemble standard printed billboards when viewed, but also allow advertisers to remotely and instantaneously change messages.
Source: San Antonio Business Journal
Electronic billboard drawing strong reactions
Wednesday August 29, 2007
CHAMPAIGN – A new electronic billboard along Kirby Avenue is drawing strong reactions from city residents.
"I'm hearing about it, from a couple of people who don't like it," said council member Michael La Due. "I think the city council might want to revisit it. I don't know that we want Champaign to look like downtown Tokoyo."
Source: The News Gazette By Mike Monson
CHAMPAIGN – A new electronic billboard along Kirby Avenue is drawing strong reactions from city residents.
"I'm hearing about it, from a couple of people who don't like it," said council member Michael La Due. "I think the city council might want to revisit it. I don't know that we want Champaign to look like downtown Tokoyo."
Source: The News Gazette By Mike Monson
Firm fights for digital billboards
LAFAYETTE — A local outdoor advertising company is going to court in an effort to force city-parish government to approve a conversion to digital billboards.
Bass Ltd., which has dozens of billboards along Interstate 49, Interstate 10 and U.S. 90, argues unfair treatment because permits for digital billboards were approved for competitor Lamar Advertising, a national outdoor advertising company based in Baton Rouge.
“What we’re talking about here is giving permits to one company and not giving permits to another without reason,” Bass attorney Alan Breaud said.
The attorney said that Bass has been trying to secure permits to convert billboards to digital since Lamar was granted similar permits in December 2005.
“He’s being kept out of the market,” Breaud said.
City-parish ordinances already prohibit new billboards in Lafayette Parish.
What’s at issue in the Bass lawsuit is whether the company may convert five of its billboards to digital — four of those near the high-traffic area at I-49 and I-10.
Digital billboards are similar in size and appearance to conventional billboards but can scroll through several digital advertisements each minute.
The lawsuit comes as the City-Parish Council is mulling a proposed sign ordinance that would restrict the size and appearance of business signs and allow conventional billboards to be converted to digital only if existing billboards are taken down in exchange.
The Lafayette Planning and Zoning Commission has responded to Bass that no digital billboard conversions will be approved while discussions are pending on the ordinance, which aims to reduce the clutter of signs common in some areas of the parish.
But the lawsuit questions why city-parish officials allowed Lamar Advertising to convert existing billboards to digital but has not allowed Bass to do the same.
“We cannot comment on pending litigation, but hopefully we’ll be able to work this out,” City-Parish Chief Administrative Officer Dee Stanley said.
The issue is set for a hearing on Oct. 8 before 15th Judicial District Judge Kristian Earles.
Breaud said he will request to schedule the hearing sooner, because Bass is competing at a disadvantage every day the company cannot offer digital billboards to clients while its competitor can.
The attorney said the city-parish’s position is tantamount to telling Bass: “You just stay out of business while we contemplate on this.”
Breaud said that in addition to allowing Lamar to convert existing billboards to digital, city-parish government has also approved other digital signs for businesses.
“Everybody has digital,” Breaud said, comparing conventional signs to “a car without air conditioning.”
Source: By RICHARD BURGESS Advocate Acadiana bureau Published: Aug 28, 2007
Bass Ltd., which has dozens of billboards along Interstate 49, Interstate 10 and U.S. 90, argues unfair treatment because permits for digital billboards were approved for competitor Lamar Advertising, a national outdoor advertising company based in Baton Rouge.
“What we’re talking about here is giving permits to one company and not giving permits to another without reason,” Bass attorney Alan Breaud said.
The attorney said that Bass has been trying to secure permits to convert billboards to digital since Lamar was granted similar permits in December 2005.
“He’s being kept out of the market,” Breaud said.
City-parish ordinances already prohibit new billboards in Lafayette Parish.
What’s at issue in the Bass lawsuit is whether the company may convert five of its billboards to digital — four of those near the high-traffic area at I-49 and I-10.
Digital billboards are similar in size and appearance to conventional billboards but can scroll through several digital advertisements each minute.
The lawsuit comes as the City-Parish Council is mulling a proposed sign ordinance that would restrict the size and appearance of business signs and allow conventional billboards to be converted to digital only if existing billboards are taken down in exchange.
The Lafayette Planning and Zoning Commission has responded to Bass that no digital billboard conversions will be approved while discussions are pending on the ordinance, which aims to reduce the clutter of signs common in some areas of the parish.
But the lawsuit questions why city-parish officials allowed Lamar Advertising to convert existing billboards to digital but has not allowed Bass to do the same.
“We cannot comment on pending litigation, but hopefully we’ll be able to work this out,” City-Parish Chief Administrative Officer Dee Stanley said.
The issue is set for a hearing on Oct. 8 before 15th Judicial District Judge Kristian Earles.
Breaud said he will request to schedule the hearing sooner, because Bass is competing at a disadvantage every day the company cannot offer digital billboards to clients while its competitor can.
The attorney said the city-parish’s position is tantamount to telling Bass: “You just stay out of business while we contemplate on this.”
Breaud said that in addition to allowing Lamar to convert existing billboards to digital, city-parish government has also approved other digital signs for businesses.
“Everybody has digital,” Breaud said, comparing conventional signs to “a car without air conditioning.”
Source: By RICHARD BURGESS Advocate Acadiana bureau Published: Aug 28, 2007
Billboard approved by the Boston Redevelopment Authority
WGBH 1,350 sq ft "digital mural" Set to Go Live September 17th
Visible for up to 2 Miles
"The digital mural will not feature text or images that are overtly promotional. Rather, the slowly changing images will evoke the science, history, public affairs and children’s programming produced inside the building and for which WGBH is renowned. Examples of digital mural images might be a DNA strand that calls to mind Nova’s science programming, or an early photo of the Wright Brothers that reflects the history content of American Experience. The digital mural will operate from 6:30am to 7pm, with the day’s image replaced by a night sky “screensaver” in the evening." - email from WGBHThe newest light emitting diode (LED) sign on the Mass Pike is a 1,350 square-foot screen on the exterior of the new office of WGBH. The screen is set to go live on September 17th 2007 - the day that the building is set to be dedicated. The LED sign is visible to eastbound commuters on the Mass Pike up to two miles away.This is the first actual electronic billboard to be approved by the Boston Redevelopment Authority, under their new initiative for digital signage. The sign will display "slowly changing images that evoke WGBH's award-winning science, history, public affairs, lifestyle, drama and childrens programming."
Visible for up to 2 Miles
"The digital mural will not feature text or images that are overtly promotional. Rather, the slowly changing images will evoke the science, history, public affairs and children’s programming produced inside the building and for which WGBH is renowned. Examples of digital mural images might be a DNA strand that calls to mind Nova’s science programming, or an early photo of the Wright Brothers that reflects the history content of American Experience. The digital mural will operate from 6:30am to 7pm, with the day’s image replaced by a night sky “screensaver” in the evening." - email from WGBHThe newest light emitting diode (LED) sign on the Mass Pike is a 1,350 square-foot screen on the exterior of the new office of WGBH. The screen is set to go live on September 17th 2007 - the day that the building is set to be dedicated. The LED sign is visible to eastbound commuters on the Mass Pike up to two miles away.This is the first actual electronic billboard to be approved by the Boston Redevelopment Authority, under their new initiative for digital signage. The sign will display "slowly changing images that evoke WGBH's award-winning science, history, public affairs, lifestyle, drama and childrens programming."
Electronic billboards could light up Texas highways
Aesthetic, economic impacts debated as public comment sought
Billboards along urban stretches of major highways could soon be converted to digital signs that are able to flash vivid new color images every eight seconds.
The Texas Transportation Commission approved proposed rules Thursday that are designed to end Texas' decades-long ban on digital billboards along interstates and other major roads. The signs would still be banned in rural areas.
No final action will be taken until after a 90-day period for public comment. But billboard opponents already have decried the proposal as unsafe, ugly and – given the recent death of Lady Bird Johnson – in poor taste.
In addition, a public hearing will be at 9 a.m. Nov. 28 in Austin.
Mrs. Johnson's efforts as first lady led to the passage of the Highway Beautification Act in 1965. That law, though weakened over the years, requires states to enforce federal laws limiting the number and type of billboards along major highways.
"We've had a wonderful woman die recently in our state and she tried very hard to do something about this problem in 1965," said Margaret Lloyd, policy director for Scenic Texas, a nonprofit group that opposes what it calls the "visual blight" of billboards.
Still, the Texas Transportation Commission voted 4-0 in favor of publishing the new rules at its meeting Thursday. Chairman Ric Williamson argued that the views of the outdoor advertising industry – representing "tax-paying businesses" – should be heard as well.
"The billboard industry appeared before the commission last year and asked us to post rules so the public could be allowed to comment on the issue and see where everybody is," Mr. Williamson said in an interview Wednesday. "We've been thinking about that for almost a year, and we have now decided to let everybody air their positions out."
Commissioner Ned Holmes of Houston abstained.
Source: By MICHAEL A. LINDENBERGER / The Dallas Morning News
Billboards along urban stretches of major highways could soon be converted to digital signs that are able to flash vivid new color images every eight seconds.
The Texas Transportation Commission approved proposed rules Thursday that are designed to end Texas' decades-long ban on digital billboards along interstates and other major roads. The signs would still be banned in rural areas.
No final action will be taken until after a 90-day period for public comment. But billboard opponents already have decried the proposal as unsafe, ugly and – given the recent death of Lady Bird Johnson – in poor taste.
In addition, a public hearing will be at 9 a.m. Nov. 28 in Austin.
Mrs. Johnson's efforts as first lady led to the passage of the Highway Beautification Act in 1965. That law, though weakened over the years, requires states to enforce federal laws limiting the number and type of billboards along major highways.
"We've had a wonderful woman die recently in our state and she tried very hard to do something about this problem in 1965," said Margaret Lloyd, policy director for Scenic Texas, a nonprofit group that opposes what it calls the "visual blight" of billboards.
Still, the Texas Transportation Commission voted 4-0 in favor of publishing the new rules at its meeting Thursday. Chairman Ric Williamson argued that the views of the outdoor advertising industry – representing "tax-paying businesses" – should be heard as well.
"The billboard industry appeared before the commission last year and asked us to post rules so the public could be allowed to comment on the issue and see where everybody is," Mr. Williamson said in an interview Wednesday. "We've been thinking about that for almost a year, and we have now decided to let everybody air their positions out."
Commissioner Ned Holmes of Houston abstained.
Source: By MICHAEL A. LINDENBERGER / The Dallas Morning News
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Billboard catches IDOT's eye
New advertisement still needs permit, will be reviewed to ensure it's not too distracting
Thursday, August 23, 2007
- It's the latest craze to hit advertising and is designed to capture your attention at busy intersections, such as War Memorial Drive and University Street.
For westbound War Memorial Drive motorists, it's almost impossible to miss: The multiple messages illuminated from a billboard that digitally switches advertisers every 10 seconds.
While visually impressing motorists, the new billboard structure has caught the attention of the state's Department of Transportation, which is in charge of reviewing permits to allow these structures to be constructed.
Problem is, there is no permit. IDOT has yet to get one from the billboard's owners, Adams Outdoor Advertising, which legally allows the billboard to operate.
The lighted billboard could soon go dark and stay that way until a city permit is received, reviewed and approved by IDOT.
"We'll have to turn it off," Eric Therkildsen, program development engineer with IDOT's Peoria district, said Wednesday. "It'll be in the next day or two and we'll go from there."
Adams' general manager Skip Holmes describes the lack of having a permit to operate the 14-foot-tall, 48-foot-wide billboard as an oversight that will soon be corrected. A similar, but smaller, billboard at University and Glen Avenue was unveiled in mid-June and it has been permitted by the city, Holmes added.
"We have a good working relationship with IDOT," he said. "It's not like we were out there pulling a fast one on them."
Therkildsen agrees, calling the situation a "gray area," in that the company was probably unaware of the need to purchase a new permit to operate a billboard they already own.
He said Adams had a state permit to utilize the structure for constant advertising on what was previously a regular, nondigital billboard.
"We view this as a change in the overall value of a billboard," Therkildsen said. "It's like going from a black-and-white TV to a 42-inch plasma. It's still a TV, but the permits have a value to them. (Adams) needs to upgrade."
While IDOT has the authority to decline a permit's application, Holmes does not foresee that happening. He anticipates the billboard will operate successfully at the corner for some time to come.
"We're able to take a location with one static advertiser and convert it to six advertisers and generate significantly more revenue from it," Holmes said, predicting a few more digital billboards will be constructed in the Peoria area even though they are considerably more expensive. Holmes said it costs about $400,000 to construct and operate a digital billboard, whereas a normal two-faced structure costs only about $40,000 to $50,000 to build.
Too distracting?
Referred to as an electronic multiple message sign by City Hall, the billboard at War Memorial and University will be reviewed to see if its appearance distracts motorists at an intersection that was, about five years ago, the most crash-prone intersection in the city.
"It'll be interesting to see if anything changes on the accident rates," said Terry Beachler, owner of a service station located in front of the billboard's location, who calls it "effective" advertising. "It's like a cell phone distraction. It might jump up and bite someone."
Therkildsen said motorist distraction is one thing that will be considered when the permit is reviewed for approval. Holmes said there should be no cause for concern.
"No doubt, (the billboard) is there and is designed to attract a motorist's attention regardless what the message is," he said, but added, "People are probably a whole lot more dangerous on the road talking on their cell phones than looking at a billboard."
Even if the billboard might cause some motorists to gaze for a few seconds, Therkildsen said the state simply cannot pull Adams' permit.
"We have to have cause not to give one," he said, saying a study would have to be conducted showing the billboard's dangers. "As it stands, (the digital billboard) fits all the regulations."
Digital restrictions
Digital billboards were not allowed in areas outside Downtown Peoria until earlier this year after the City Council voted to allow them as long as its messages changed every 10 seconds. Also, city requirements prohibit the signs from flashing or featuring any movement, such as a commercial or scrolling message.
Only in Downtown Peoria, where the area is labeled as an entertainment district, can flashy signs be displayed, said Pat Landes, director of the city's Planning and Growth Department.
"Flashing and running lights creates a different atmosphere and, quite honestly, we haven't had much demand for it," she said
Source: By John Sharp of the Journal Star PEORIA
Thursday, August 23, 2007
- It's the latest craze to hit advertising and is designed to capture your attention at busy intersections, such as War Memorial Drive and University Street.
For westbound War Memorial Drive motorists, it's almost impossible to miss: The multiple messages illuminated from a billboard that digitally switches advertisers every 10 seconds.
While visually impressing motorists, the new billboard structure has caught the attention of the state's Department of Transportation, which is in charge of reviewing permits to allow these structures to be constructed.
Problem is, there is no permit. IDOT has yet to get one from the billboard's owners, Adams Outdoor Advertising, which legally allows the billboard to operate.
The lighted billboard could soon go dark and stay that way until a city permit is received, reviewed and approved by IDOT.
"We'll have to turn it off," Eric Therkildsen, program development engineer with IDOT's Peoria district, said Wednesday. "It'll be in the next day or two and we'll go from there."
Adams' general manager Skip Holmes describes the lack of having a permit to operate the 14-foot-tall, 48-foot-wide billboard as an oversight that will soon be corrected. A similar, but smaller, billboard at University and Glen Avenue was unveiled in mid-June and it has been permitted by the city, Holmes added.
"We have a good working relationship with IDOT," he said. "It's not like we were out there pulling a fast one on them."
Therkildsen agrees, calling the situation a "gray area," in that the company was probably unaware of the need to purchase a new permit to operate a billboard they already own.
He said Adams had a state permit to utilize the structure for constant advertising on what was previously a regular, nondigital billboard.
"We view this as a change in the overall value of a billboard," Therkildsen said. "It's like going from a black-and-white TV to a 42-inch plasma. It's still a TV, but the permits have a value to them. (Adams) needs to upgrade."
While IDOT has the authority to decline a permit's application, Holmes does not foresee that happening. He anticipates the billboard will operate successfully at the corner for some time to come.
"We're able to take a location with one static advertiser and convert it to six advertisers and generate significantly more revenue from it," Holmes said, predicting a few more digital billboards will be constructed in the Peoria area even though they are considerably more expensive. Holmes said it costs about $400,000 to construct and operate a digital billboard, whereas a normal two-faced structure costs only about $40,000 to $50,000 to build.
Too distracting?
Referred to as an electronic multiple message sign by City Hall, the billboard at War Memorial and University will be reviewed to see if its appearance distracts motorists at an intersection that was, about five years ago, the most crash-prone intersection in the city.
"It'll be interesting to see if anything changes on the accident rates," said Terry Beachler, owner of a service station located in front of the billboard's location, who calls it "effective" advertising. "It's like a cell phone distraction. It might jump up and bite someone."
Therkildsen said motorist distraction is one thing that will be considered when the permit is reviewed for approval. Holmes said there should be no cause for concern.
"No doubt, (the billboard) is there and is designed to attract a motorist's attention regardless what the message is," he said, but added, "People are probably a whole lot more dangerous on the road talking on their cell phones than looking at a billboard."
Even if the billboard might cause some motorists to gaze for a few seconds, Therkildsen said the state simply cannot pull Adams' permit.
"We have to have cause not to give one," he said, saying a study would have to be conducted showing the billboard's dangers. "As it stands, (the digital billboard) fits all the regulations."
Digital restrictions
Digital billboards were not allowed in areas outside Downtown Peoria until earlier this year after the City Council voted to allow them as long as its messages changed every 10 seconds. Also, city requirements prohibit the signs from flashing or featuring any movement, such as a commercial or scrolling message.
Only in Downtown Peoria, where the area is labeled as an entertainment district, can flashy signs be displayed, said Pat Landes, director of the city's Planning and Growth Department.
"Flashing and running lights creates a different atmosphere and, quite honestly, we haven't had much demand for it," she said
Source: By John Sharp of the Journal Star PEORIA
Digital billboard plan stirs debate Some say the signs would be driver distraction
More from Texas
AUSTIN — The prospect of digital billboards proliferating along highways pitted outdoor advertisers against scenery defenders Thursday at the Texas Transportation Commission, which proposed rules for public comment that would allow the technology.
The proposal, which can be commented on until Dec. 6 and would require another commission vote before it could take effect, would allow the electronic, changeable billboards on highways — with numerous restrictions.
The billboards would be allowed only within municipalities or their surrounding areas. Cities would have to approve each billboard.
The signs would be subject to restrictions including a requirement for each message to be displayed at least eight seconds. A change of message would have to happen within two seconds. Only static messages would be allowed, with no movement of images or flashing lights.
Backers of the technology, including the Outdoor Advertising Association of Texas and outdoor advertising giant Clear Channel Outdoor, said it would give businesses a fresh way to sell themselves through a long-used avenue.
"This new technology is just another way for them to present their business services to the traveling public. That stimulates the local economy, and that's good for Texas overall," said Lee Vela, president of the Outdoor Advertising Association of Texas.
Emphasizing that the proposal would leave the decision with cities, Vela said, "This action gives the cities the right to control their own destiny. That is local control. We think that's a good policy."
Opponents said it's no such thing and that the billboards would pose a new distraction that could not only be unattractive but threaten driver safety by drawing too much attention.
Advocates of the signs contend they pose no new safety hazard and could be used for public-service data.
"The powerful interests lobbying to legitimize electronic billboards want you to change course and drive headlong into their alternative world. This is the same world where drinking makes you cool, smoking makes you macho and credit cards are the key to prosperity and priceless memories of quality time with your children," said Neal Rackleff, board member of the North Houston Association.
"In this alternative universe, somebody actually thinks this visual blight is attractive," Rackleff said, noting that drivers already are confronted with giant inflated gorillas atop car dealerships. "Folks who are in Houston subjected to those gorillas ... would like to not have additional visual blight."
Terral Smith, representing Scenic Texas, said, "Why? Why do we even discuss LED (light emitting diode) signs, or signs that light up?"
Blake Custer, president of the San Antonio division of Clear Channel Outdoor, told the commission that his company is "ecstatic" about the opportunity to use LED displays but, if allowed, would move forward "on a sensitive and balanced basis."
Digital billboards already are allowed on business premises, which fall under different regulations, and municipalities can regulate whether they are allowed off of business premises along city streets, as opposed to state and interstate highways.
In Houston, a longstanding ordinance has prevented new signs off of business premises since 1980, said senior assistant city attorney Larry Schenk. He said he doesn't anticipate that changing in the near future.
Houston officials, in a position statement, said they're satisfied with the current law that prohibits such signs "and we frankly see no reason for the change," Schenk said.
The commission voted 4-0 to publish the rules, with Ned S. Holmes abstaining.
A public hearing is scheduled for Nov. 28. Written comments may be submitted to John Campbell, Director, Right of Way Division, Texas Department of Transportation, 125 11th St., Austin, Texas 78701-2483.
Source: Houston Chronicle Austin Bureau By PEGGY FIKAC
AUSTIN — The prospect of digital billboards proliferating along highways pitted outdoor advertisers against scenery defenders Thursday at the Texas Transportation Commission, which proposed rules for public comment that would allow the technology.
The proposal, which can be commented on until Dec. 6 and would require another commission vote before it could take effect, would allow the electronic, changeable billboards on highways — with numerous restrictions.
The billboards would be allowed only within municipalities or their surrounding areas. Cities would have to approve each billboard.
The signs would be subject to restrictions including a requirement for each message to be displayed at least eight seconds. A change of message would have to happen within two seconds. Only static messages would be allowed, with no movement of images or flashing lights.
Backers of the technology, including the Outdoor Advertising Association of Texas and outdoor advertising giant Clear Channel Outdoor, said it would give businesses a fresh way to sell themselves through a long-used avenue.
"This new technology is just another way for them to present their business services to the traveling public. That stimulates the local economy, and that's good for Texas overall," said Lee Vela, president of the Outdoor Advertising Association of Texas.
Emphasizing that the proposal would leave the decision with cities, Vela said, "This action gives the cities the right to control their own destiny. That is local control. We think that's a good policy."
Opponents said it's no such thing and that the billboards would pose a new distraction that could not only be unattractive but threaten driver safety by drawing too much attention.
Advocates of the signs contend they pose no new safety hazard and could be used for public-service data.
"The powerful interests lobbying to legitimize electronic billboards want you to change course and drive headlong into their alternative world. This is the same world where drinking makes you cool, smoking makes you macho and credit cards are the key to prosperity and priceless memories of quality time with your children," said Neal Rackleff, board member of the North Houston Association.
"In this alternative universe, somebody actually thinks this visual blight is attractive," Rackleff said, noting that drivers already are confronted with giant inflated gorillas atop car dealerships. "Folks who are in Houston subjected to those gorillas ... would like to not have additional visual blight."
Terral Smith, representing Scenic Texas, said, "Why? Why do we even discuss LED (light emitting diode) signs, or signs that light up?"
Blake Custer, president of the San Antonio division of Clear Channel Outdoor, told the commission that his company is "ecstatic" about the opportunity to use LED displays but, if allowed, would move forward "on a sensitive and balanced basis."
Digital billboards already are allowed on business premises, which fall under different regulations, and municipalities can regulate whether they are allowed off of business premises along city streets, as opposed to state and interstate highways.
In Houston, a longstanding ordinance has prevented new signs off of business premises since 1980, said senior assistant city attorney Larry Schenk. He said he doesn't anticipate that changing in the near future.
Houston officials, in a position statement, said they're satisfied with the current law that prohibits such signs "and we frankly see no reason for the change," Schenk said.
The commission voted 4-0 to publish the rules, with Ned S. Holmes abstaining.
A public hearing is scheduled for Nov. 28. Written comments may be submitted to John Campbell, Director, Right of Way Division, Texas Department of Transportation, 125 11th St., Austin, Texas 78701-2483.
Source: Houston Chronicle Austin Bureau By PEGGY FIKAC
TxDOT to consider allowing cities to permit electronic billboards
AUSTIN — Electronic billboards with changeable advertising could be allowed in Texas under rules being considered by the state transportation commissioner.
The rules being given preliminary review Thursday would still require home-rule cities to allow the billboards and would not permit them on rural highways. Cities would have the final say whether the signs would be allowed.
Any signs that are allowed could not have moveable images, such as constantly scrolling pictures. The image on the billboard could not change more than once every eight seconds and the switch to the new message would have to occur within two seconds.
"Movement is the thing we want to prohibit," said John Campbell, the state Transportation Department's right of way division director. "Movement is the bigger safety concern than anything else. You want to minimize that distractive effect."
Preliminary approval would start a 90-day public comment period, including a public hearing, before a final vote.
Despite the limitations of the proposed rule change, Margaret Lloyd, policy director for Scenic Texas, said her organization will oppose it.
"We think this is very premature," Lloyd said. "The jury's still out on safety; the jury's still out on cost; the jury's still out on public will."
Lloyd contends that the Federal Highway Administration, in a 2006 exchange of letters with the state Transportation Department, said that electronic billboards were not legal under a 1972 contract between the federal agency and the state.
Campbell said that is not the department's interpretation of the agreement, made under the auspices of the 1965 Highway Beautification Act
Source: Houston Chronicle
The rules being given preliminary review Thursday would still require home-rule cities to allow the billboards and would not permit them on rural highways. Cities would have the final say whether the signs would be allowed.
Any signs that are allowed could not have moveable images, such as constantly scrolling pictures. The image on the billboard could not change more than once every eight seconds and the switch to the new message would have to occur within two seconds.
"Movement is the thing we want to prohibit," said John Campbell, the state Transportation Department's right of way division director. "Movement is the bigger safety concern than anything else. You want to minimize that distractive effect."
Preliminary approval would start a 90-day public comment period, including a public hearing, before a final vote.
Despite the limitations of the proposed rule change, Margaret Lloyd, policy director for Scenic Texas, said her organization will oppose it.
"We think this is very premature," Lloyd said. "The jury's still out on safety; the jury's still out on cost; the jury's still out on public will."
Lloyd contends that the Federal Highway Administration, in a 2006 exchange of letters with the state Transportation Department, said that electronic billboards were not legal under a 1972 contract between the federal agency and the state.
Campbell said that is not the department's interpretation of the agreement, made under the auspices of the 1965 Highway Beautification Act
Source: Houston Chronicle
Network CN Inc. Adds Mega-Size Digital Video Billboard in Wuhan to Its Media Network
Network CN Inc. , a Chinese travel and media network company headquartered in Hong Kong, today announced that it has entered into a business cooperation agreement with Wuhan Weiao Advertising Company Ltd. Under terms of the agreement, Network CN, through its subsidiary, Shanghai Quo Advertising Company Ltd., is authorized to install and operate a 200-square- meter digital video billboard at Wuhan Gongyi Tower on Zhongshan Road in Wuhan, China. Network CN's rights to operate this mega-size video billboard for advertising extend for a period of five years.
"As of June 30, 2007, our media network had grown to comprise rights to install and operate 677 roadside LED panels and 4 mega-size digital video billboards," Godfrey Hui, Chief Executive Officer of Network CN, commented. "We are proud to extend our media network with this additional prominently placed mega-size digital video billboard in Wuhan. As our Media network continues to expand, our advertisers will benefit from our reach, fulfilling our growth strategy and building shareholder value for our investors."
Wuhan, the capital of Hubei Province, is among the largest cities along the Yangtze River, with a population of eight million. It is a hub for economic and cultural activity in Central China. Wuhan's Gongyi Tower is in the city's central commercial district, which attracts over 450,000 people a day.
"As of June 30, 2007, our media network had grown to comprise rights to install and operate 677 roadside LED panels and 4 mega-size digital video billboards," Godfrey Hui, Chief Executive Officer of Network CN, commented. "We are proud to extend our media network with this additional prominently placed mega-size digital video billboard in Wuhan. As our Media network continues to expand, our advertisers will benefit from our reach, fulfilling our growth strategy and building shareholder value for our investors."
Wuhan, the capital of Hubei Province, is among the largest cities along the Yangtze River, with a population of eight million. It is a hub for economic and cultural activity in Central China. Wuhan's Gongyi Tower is in the city's central commercial district, which attracts over 450,000 people a day.
Digital Billboards Could Be Coming to Savannah
Savannah, Ga
It is the newest wave in advertising and it may be coming soon to a community near you. Digital billboards offer brighter, cleaner looking images than paper ones and they can be changed almost instantaneously.
But are they too distracting for drivers? That's what the Chatham County Metropolitan Planning Commission wants to find out. They're holding a public workshop on Thursday night before taking up the issue again at their meeting next month.
Digital billboards are popping up in cities like Richmond, Virginia as well as Georgia cities like Atlanta, Albany and Brunswick. The images change easily, allowing multiple advertisers to use the same billboard.
"I'm all for it," said Todd Moyer of Savannah. "I work for a technology company and that looks very tech savvy. I would say that would be a very good appearance for the city."
Lamar Outdoor Advertising has more than 550 digital billboards around the country, including 21 in Georgia. Now, they want to bring them to Savannah.
"People say it's going to be like Vegas and Times Square and it's not," said Lamar Outdoor Advertising vice president Chris Di Silvestro. "The digital billboard looks just like any other billboard."
Billboards, especially digital billboards, are highly regulated. They're designed to adjust according to the available lighting. The billboards automatically dim at night, since they don't need to be as bright to be seen. In most states, they also can't contain any moving or flashing lights. That's because officials want to make sure they don't cause distractions on the road.
"We leave open the question about safety for people who are driving and viewing them," said Chatham County MPC executive director Tom Thomson. "That's why we only allow the change, six images per minute, with the idea that would not distract drivers."
The images can be changed almost instantly, remotely by computer. Di Silvestro says that immediacy can also help the community.
"In Minneapolis, 15 minutes after the bridge collapse, all digital billboards in the city were alerting drivers that they needed to detour their paths because of that disaster," he said.
The signs can also alert drivers to missing children. They were used in Brunswick when 6-year-old Christopher Barrios was abducted.
"One hour after we got approval from the sheriff's department, we posted the alert on all the digital billboards in Georgia," he said. "We had a picture up, a description and the information to contact the Glynn County Sheriff's Department."
Many residents, like LaJoy Brown, want to see that feature in more communities.
"That's great," Brown said. "Because then you will be able to find kids if someone's got them in like the grocery store and you pass by and say, 'hey I saw that kid.'"
Still, even if advertisers get the go-ahead, don't expect to see digital billboards everywhere. Georgia law states they have to be at least 5,000 feet apart. They also cost $250,000 to $400,000 each. Di Silvestro said if his company does get approval, they'll look for high volume traffic areas.
"You're best bet is probably Abercorn, due to the volume of traffic and exposure. It's a highly commercial corridor," he said.
The Chatham County MPC says no billboards will be allowed in the historic district or close to residential communities. They're holding a public workshop on the issue Thursday night, August 23 at 6pm in the MPC Boardroom. The Metropolitan Planning Commission is located at 112 East State Street, Savannah.
Source: WTOC
It is the newest wave in advertising and it may be coming soon to a community near you. Digital billboards offer brighter, cleaner looking images than paper ones and they can be changed almost instantaneously.
But are they too distracting for drivers? That's what the Chatham County Metropolitan Planning Commission wants to find out. They're holding a public workshop on Thursday night before taking up the issue again at their meeting next month.
Digital billboards are popping up in cities like Richmond, Virginia as well as Georgia cities like Atlanta, Albany and Brunswick. The images change easily, allowing multiple advertisers to use the same billboard.
"I'm all for it," said Todd Moyer of Savannah. "I work for a technology company and that looks very tech savvy. I would say that would be a very good appearance for the city."
Lamar Outdoor Advertising has more than 550 digital billboards around the country, including 21 in Georgia. Now, they want to bring them to Savannah.
"People say it's going to be like Vegas and Times Square and it's not," said Lamar Outdoor Advertising vice president Chris Di Silvestro. "The digital billboard looks just like any other billboard."
Billboards, especially digital billboards, are highly regulated. They're designed to adjust according to the available lighting. The billboards automatically dim at night, since they don't need to be as bright to be seen. In most states, they also can't contain any moving or flashing lights. That's because officials want to make sure they don't cause distractions on the road.
"We leave open the question about safety for people who are driving and viewing them," said Chatham County MPC executive director Tom Thomson. "That's why we only allow the change, six images per minute, with the idea that would not distract drivers."
The images can be changed almost instantly, remotely by computer. Di Silvestro says that immediacy can also help the community.
"In Minneapolis, 15 minutes after the bridge collapse, all digital billboards in the city were alerting drivers that they needed to detour their paths because of that disaster," he said.
The signs can also alert drivers to missing children. They were used in Brunswick when 6-year-old Christopher Barrios was abducted.
"One hour after we got approval from the sheriff's department, we posted the alert on all the digital billboards in Georgia," he said. "We had a picture up, a description and the information to contact the Glynn County Sheriff's Department."
Many residents, like LaJoy Brown, want to see that feature in more communities.
"That's great," Brown said. "Because then you will be able to find kids if someone's got them in like the grocery store and you pass by and say, 'hey I saw that kid.'"
Still, even if advertisers get the go-ahead, don't expect to see digital billboards everywhere. Georgia law states they have to be at least 5,000 feet apart. They also cost $250,000 to $400,000 each. Di Silvestro said if his company does get approval, they'll look for high volume traffic areas.
"You're best bet is probably Abercorn, due to the volume of traffic and exposure. It's a highly commercial corridor," he said.
The Chatham County MPC says no billboards will be allowed in the historic district or close to residential communities. They're holding a public workshop on the issue Thursday night, August 23 at 6pm in the MPC Boardroom. The Metropolitan Planning Commission is located at 112 East State Street, Savannah.
Source: WTOC
Police Chief Takes Time Out From Fighting Crime To Bash Cartoon Praise New Billboards
Hey, everybody: Your favorite company is at it again! Yes, that's right, my and your favorite American corporation, Clear Channel, is about to install video billboards in the Philadelphia area.
Now, Clear Channel, being the great benevolent corporation that they are, knew people might get a little upset about LED billboards that rotate every 8 seconds, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, 1000 years a millennium. And so the great Clear Channel was way ahead of you there.
Kauker recruited two local law-enforcement officials - Philadelphia Police Commissioner Sylvester Johnson and Fred Harran, director of public safety in Bensalem Township, Bucks County - to endorse the video billboard.
Johnson was quoted in a ClearChannel statement as saying digital billboards were in the "community's best interests because they have the capability to deliver important emergency information, such as Amber Alerts or disaster-preparedness bulletins."
Ahh, so nice when the head of the police force whores himself out to a major corporation. Maybe Clear Channel can spend 8 seconds a day encouraging citizens to snitch.
Source: Philadelphia will do
Now, Clear Channel, being the great benevolent corporation that they are, knew people might get a little upset about LED billboards that rotate every 8 seconds, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, 1000 years a millennium. And so the great Clear Channel was way ahead of you there.
Kauker recruited two local law-enforcement officials - Philadelphia Police Commissioner Sylvester Johnson and Fred Harran, director of public safety in Bensalem Township, Bucks County - to endorse the video billboard.
Johnson was quoted in a ClearChannel statement as saying digital billboards were in the "community's best interests because they have the capability to deliver important emergency information, such as Amber Alerts or disaster-preparedness bulletins."
Ahh, so nice when the head of the police force whores himself out to a major corporation. Maybe Clear Channel can spend 8 seconds a day encouraging citizens to snitch.
Source: Philadelphia will do
Allentown using LED billboard as 'wanted' poster
The digital billboard perched about 60 feet up on a building at Seventh and Hamilton streets in Allentown advertises a place to dine, places to go and services provided by local companies, including a bail bondsman.Now, tucked amid the constantly changing ads for local businesses, is a modern-day "wanted" poster for a man police believe is one of the city's most dangerous criminals -- he allegedly forced another man to lie on the floor, then coldly shot him in the head and robbed him.The digital billboard, erected in March at Monument Plaza, 645 Hamilton St., is being used to combat crime by displaying information provided by the Allentown police, Amber Alerts for missing children and upcoming community events.
"It's reminiscent of the old wanted posters with the infusion of new technology," Assistant Chief Joe Hanna said.While new to Allentown, digital billboards have been used in cities across the country to try to find missing children, nab criminals and alert the public about dangers.Billboard Connection, the outdoor advertising company that runs the messages on the digital billboard in Allentown, is donating the space to the city and its Police Department."Countless people have the ability to view this display," Hanna said. "The nice part is that you have a continuous display of important information and it remains fresh, fresh and timely, which is something that is really critical in our law enforcement strategy."After receiving approval from the city's Zoning Hearing Board in late July, the billboard began displaying the image of Kendall C. Richardson, who is "considered armed and dangerous" and is wanted in the June 18 killing of Alfredo Suarez Jr. in Suarez's apartment at 1303 1/2 Wayne St., Allentown.The display gives the phone number for the Police Department's tip line, 610-439-5911.The wanted poster is one of several ads currently displayed on the billboard.The others include the Allentown Art Museum, Gerry's New City Cafe and Lehigh Valley Arts Box Office.The ads are made using LED displays and change every six seconds.City officials thought of using the billboard as a crime-fighting tool after learning about a Massachusetts case in which an alleged serial rapist fled the state after constantly seeing a sketch of his face on the billboards, according to city spokesman Mike Moore.The man was arrested last month in New Jersey during a routine traffic stop.Doug Reed, the senior media consultant for Billboard Connection, said the sign is the first in a downtown in the Lehigh Valley.Two other digital billboards in the Valley are along highways."This is technically a digital display message center," Reed said. "We are proud to do our part to try to reduce crime in Allentown."The city has had 11 homicides this year, six of which remain unsolved.Reed said there are about 500 digital billboards throughout the country. Allentown's billboard is owned by HiMark LLC.Billboard owners lease a space on the building.Mayor Ed Pawlowski, in a prepared release, called the billboard the newest tool in "Allentown's crime-fighting arsenal."Sitting on a bench near Seventh and Hamilton streets, 60-year-old Rose Sherman read the changing message and said, "That is a smart idea. A lot of people drive by this area. If enough people see his face, they'll remember him."
Source: By Manuel Gamiz Jr. Of The Morning Call August 21, 2007
"It's reminiscent of the old wanted posters with the infusion of new technology," Assistant Chief Joe Hanna said.While new to Allentown, digital billboards have been used in cities across the country to try to find missing children, nab criminals and alert the public about dangers.Billboard Connection, the outdoor advertising company that runs the messages on the digital billboard in Allentown, is donating the space to the city and its Police Department."Countless people have the ability to view this display," Hanna said. "The nice part is that you have a continuous display of important information and it remains fresh, fresh and timely, which is something that is really critical in our law enforcement strategy."After receiving approval from the city's Zoning Hearing Board in late July, the billboard began displaying the image of Kendall C. Richardson, who is "considered armed and dangerous" and is wanted in the June 18 killing of Alfredo Suarez Jr. in Suarez's apartment at 1303 1/2 Wayne St., Allentown.The display gives the phone number for the Police Department's tip line, 610-439-5911.The wanted poster is one of several ads currently displayed on the billboard.The others include the Allentown Art Museum, Gerry's New City Cafe and Lehigh Valley Arts Box Office.The ads are made using LED displays and change every six seconds.City officials thought of using the billboard as a crime-fighting tool after learning about a Massachusetts case in which an alleged serial rapist fled the state after constantly seeing a sketch of his face on the billboards, according to city spokesman Mike Moore.The man was arrested last month in New Jersey during a routine traffic stop.Doug Reed, the senior media consultant for Billboard Connection, said the sign is the first in a downtown in the Lehigh Valley.Two other digital billboards in the Valley are along highways."This is technically a digital display message center," Reed said. "We are proud to do our part to try to reduce crime in Allentown."The city has had 11 homicides this year, six of which remain unsolved.Reed said there are about 500 digital billboards throughout the country. Allentown's billboard is owned by HiMark LLC.Billboard owners lease a space on the building.Mayor Ed Pawlowski, in a prepared release, called the billboard the newest tool in "Allentown's crime-fighting arsenal."Sitting on a bench near Seventh and Hamilton streets, 60-year-old Rose Sherman read the changing message and said, "That is a smart idea. A lot of people drive by this area. If enough people see his face, they'll remember him."
Source: By Manuel Gamiz Jr. Of The Morning Call August 21, 2007
Crossroads digital sign: big, bright and finally legal
The digital billboard looms over motorists along Interstate 80 at the Crossroads Travel Center in Bartonsville.
The sign is legal.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has issued a permit for the Crossroads digital billboard in Bartonsville.
The sign, located at the Crossroads Travel Center adjacent to Interstate 80, had been operating without a permit since 2006 by JP Ertle Development LP.
PennDOT initiated an investigation in March when it learned it never issued a permit for the sign.
The department later determined that the sign, if permitted, could only display on-premise advertising. At the time, the sign carried messages from several off-premise advertisers.
At one point PennDOT said it wanted the billboard torn down.
Ertle appealed PennDOT's ruling, and when the Travel Center was sold in 2007, the sign's display changed to only on-premise advertising.
The owners of the billboard will not be fined for either building and operating the sign without a permit or displaying off-premise advertising, according to Ron Young, District 5 press officer for PennDOT.
This, Young said, is because Ertle became compliant within the statutory time frame of notice.
The statutory time frame includes a 30-day notice, Young said, although it's unclear which of several 30-day notices he was referring to. Once Ertle responded with a challenge to the PennDOT notice, the statutory time frame was extended until a ruling might have been rendered or the owner became compliant. And when Ertle complied with the conditions of the permit, it ended the legal action.
Ertle is no longer contesting PennDOT's findings limiting the advertising to on-premise businesses.
The giant animated billboard flashes messages at eastbound and westbound drivers on Interstate 80. The sign was converted to a digital display last year without a PennDOT permit.
It's not clear why no permit application was made when the sign was upgraded amid much fanfare. Ertle hosted a "grand opening" party when the sign was lit and touted its value for displaying public safety messages such as Amber Alerts.
Opponents of the sign say it is an unsafe distraction for drivers.
The Crossroads billboard is one of about 400 such digital signs across the country.
Source: By HOWARD FRANK Pocono Record Writer August 22, 2007
The sign is legal.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has issued a permit for the Crossroads digital billboard in Bartonsville.
The sign, located at the Crossroads Travel Center adjacent to Interstate 80, had been operating without a permit since 2006 by JP Ertle Development LP.
PennDOT initiated an investigation in March when it learned it never issued a permit for the sign.
The department later determined that the sign, if permitted, could only display on-premise advertising. At the time, the sign carried messages from several off-premise advertisers.
At one point PennDOT said it wanted the billboard torn down.
Ertle appealed PennDOT's ruling, and when the Travel Center was sold in 2007, the sign's display changed to only on-premise advertising.
The owners of the billboard will not be fined for either building and operating the sign without a permit or displaying off-premise advertising, according to Ron Young, District 5 press officer for PennDOT.
This, Young said, is because Ertle became compliant within the statutory time frame of notice.
The statutory time frame includes a 30-day notice, Young said, although it's unclear which of several 30-day notices he was referring to. Once Ertle responded with a challenge to the PennDOT notice, the statutory time frame was extended until a ruling might have been rendered or the owner became compliant. And when Ertle complied with the conditions of the permit, it ended the legal action.
Ertle is no longer contesting PennDOT's findings limiting the advertising to on-premise businesses.
The giant animated billboard flashes messages at eastbound and westbound drivers on Interstate 80. The sign was converted to a digital display last year without a PennDOT permit.
It's not clear why no permit application was made when the sign was upgraded amid much fanfare. Ertle hosted a "grand opening" party when the sign was lit and touted its value for displaying public safety messages such as Amber Alerts.
Opponents of the sign say it is an unsafe distraction for drivers.
The Crossroads billboard is one of about 400 such digital signs across the country.
Source: By HOWARD FRANK Pocono Record Writer August 22, 2007
ET Billboard to Help Police Solve Crimes
Allentown, Pa.
An outdoor advertising agency says it will be using a new electronic billboard in downtown Allentown to help the city fight crime. Billboard Connection says the 12-foot by 24-foot sign at 645 Hamilton Street will be able to display Amber Alerts and Crime Stoppers information. "We are proud to do our part to try to reduce crime in Allentown," says Doug Reed, senior media consultant for Billboard Connection. Mayor Ed Pawlowski says putting the faces of the criminals in bright lights sends a message that making arrests of wanted people is a top priority. "We welcome this new tool in Allentown's crime-fighting arsenal," says Pawlowski. "We are also moving closer to installing surveillance cameras in areas of the city."
Source:WFMZ TV
Rule change would allow electronic billboards
Cities, however, would retain final say, and electronic billboards would remain illegal on rural roads.
The Texas Transportation Commission on Thursday will consider rules that for the first time would allow billboards in Texas to have electronic, changeable advertising.
However, contrary to the worst fears of those who oppose the proliferation of billboards, the proposed regulations would allow such signs only in home-rule cities and the surrounding territories under city control, not on rural highways. Cities would retain the final say over whether such signs would be allowed in their jurisdictions.
And any such signs permitted by cities could not have movable images, such as the constantly scrolling messages on a huge sign advertising a business on Texas 71 between Austin and Bastrop. That sign, on the property of the business it advertises, is an "on-premise" sign and thus exempt from regulation by the Texas Department of Transportation.
Under the proposed rules, which won't come up for final approval until at least December, the electronic image on a billboard could not change more than once every eight seconds, and the switch to the next image would have to occur within two seconds.
"Movement is the thing we want to prohibit," said John Campbell, the state Transportation Department's right of way division director. "Movement is the bigger safety concern than anything else. You want to minimize that distractive effect."
Despite the limitations of the proposed rule change, Margaret Lloyd, policy director for Scenic Texas, said her organization will oppose it.
"We think this is very premature," Lloyd said Monday. "The jury's still out on safety; the jury's still out on cost; the jury's still out on public will."
Lloyd contends that the Federal Highway Administration, in a 2006 exchange of letters with the state Transportation Department, said that electronic billboards were not legal under a 1972 contract between the federal agency and the state.
Campbell said that is not the department's interpretation of the agreement, made under the auspices of the 1965 Highway Beautification Act
"At this time, I don't think it's going to require a change in our federal agreement," Campbell said.
So why make the rule change? "I would say this is a recognition that this is what is going to occur in the industry," Campbell said.
Some years ago, after billboard companies installed a handful of signs that change images mechanically with rotating panels, Austin passed an ordinance saying that no billboard can be altered to a rotating or electronic sign, said Jessica King, a principal planner in the city's zoning review department. The rules are different for on-premise signs, and electronic messages are in use across the city.
The transportation commission's vote Thursday would initiate a 90-day public comment period on the rules, which would include a public hearing Nov. 28. A final vote could not occur until after the public comment period ends in December.
Source: By Ben Wear -AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF Tuesday, August 21, 2007
The Texas Transportation Commission on Thursday will consider rules that for the first time would allow billboards in Texas to have electronic, changeable advertising.
However, contrary to the worst fears of those who oppose the proliferation of billboards, the proposed regulations would allow such signs only in home-rule cities and the surrounding territories under city control, not on rural highways. Cities would retain the final say over whether such signs would be allowed in their jurisdictions.
And any such signs permitted by cities could not have movable images, such as the constantly scrolling messages on a huge sign advertising a business on Texas 71 between Austin and Bastrop. That sign, on the property of the business it advertises, is an "on-premise" sign and thus exempt from regulation by the Texas Department of Transportation.
Under the proposed rules, which won't come up for final approval until at least December, the electronic image on a billboard could not change more than once every eight seconds, and the switch to the next image would have to occur within two seconds.
"Movement is the thing we want to prohibit," said John Campbell, the state Transportation Department's right of way division director. "Movement is the bigger safety concern than anything else. You want to minimize that distractive effect."
Despite the limitations of the proposed rule change, Margaret Lloyd, policy director for Scenic Texas, said her organization will oppose it.
"We think this is very premature," Lloyd said Monday. "The jury's still out on safety; the jury's still out on cost; the jury's still out on public will."
Lloyd contends that the Federal Highway Administration, in a 2006 exchange of letters with the state Transportation Department, said that electronic billboards were not legal under a 1972 contract between the federal agency and the state.
Campbell said that is not the department's interpretation of the agreement, made under the auspices of the 1965 Highway Beautification Act
"At this time, I don't think it's going to require a change in our federal agreement," Campbell said.
So why make the rule change? "I would say this is a recognition that this is what is going to occur in the industry," Campbell said.
Some years ago, after billboard companies installed a handful of signs that change images mechanically with rotating panels, Austin passed an ordinance saying that no billboard can be altered to a rotating or electronic sign, said Jessica King, a principal planner in the city's zoning review department. The rules are different for on-premise signs, and electronic messages are in use across the city.
The transportation commission's vote Thursday would initiate a 90-day public comment period on the rules, which would include a public hearing Nov. 28. A final vote could not occur until after the public comment period ends in December.
Source: By Ben Wear -AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Police praise them. Conservationists and driver-safety groups oppose them.
Video billboards coming this way
One of ClearChannel's digital billboards in the Cleveland area. The outdoor-advertising company said an engineer it hired studied traffic for 18 months before and after the billboards' installation and found no link to highway accidents.
Praised by police, criticized by scenic conservationists and driver-safety groups, and hugely profitable for their owners, digital billboards are about to enter the Philadelphia area.
ClearChannel Outdoor, the largest outdoor advertising company, announced that it would have eight 14-by-48-foot video billboards - with images or ad messages that change every eight seconds - on major highways this year from Bucks County through the city and south into Delaware County.
ClearChannel did not waste time. It tried to activate two billboards yesterday - one on Interstate 95 facing south about 3,000 feet north of Keystone Street in Upper Chichester Township, and the other on Admiral Wilson Boulevard in Camden, facing east, about 0.4 miles from the Benjamin Franklin Bridge - only to be foiled by steady rain.
George Kauker, president of ClearChannel Outdoor's Philadelphia Division, focused on what he called the public-service aspect of "digital technology." He would not say what it costs to advertise on the giant screens.
"The instantaneous public-safety-messaging aspect of this technology can literally help avert disaster and save lives," Kauker said.
He said digital billboards recently helped advise motorists in Minneapolis and St. Paul about the collapse of the Interstate 35W Bridge and alternate routes. On Feb. 12, Kauker said, a missing Minneapolis girl was found a day after digital billboards were used in an Amber Alert.
Kauker recruited two local law-enforcement officials - Philadelphia Police Commissioner Sylvester Johnson and Fred Harran, director of public safety in Bensalem Township, Bucks County - to endorse the video billboard.
Johnson was quoted in a ClearChannel statement as saying digital billboards were in the "community's best interests because they have the capability to deliver important emergency information, such as Amber Alerts or disaster-preparedness bulletins."
Harran said video billboards "will certainly help us improve public-safety issues. . . . We'll be able to make [people] aware of things that are happening."
Not everyone is sold on the technology's benefits.
Mary Tracy, executive director of SCRUB, or Society Created to Reduce Urban Blight, which has fought ClearChannel and other billboard firms in court and out, called digital billboards a "plum to the outdoor-advertising industry at the expense of Philadelphia's visual environment and driver safety."
Scenic America, the Washington-based scenic conservation lobby, has called digital billboards "unsafe and unsightly at any speed."
The organization also questioned why outdoor-ad companies were pushing digital billboards so hard when there were questions about whether the bright, constantly changing messages contribute to highway accidents.
No independent study of the question has been done, although the Federal Highway Administration will commission one in the next few months and will have results no later than the end of 2009, spokesman Doug Hecox said.
"The challenge is that this technology is so new that some existing billboard regulations don't really apply to them," Hecox said.
Kauker, however, insisted that the technology does not distract drivers.
He said ClearChannel hired an engineer when it installed digital billboards in Cleveland. The engineer studied traffic for 18 months before and after the billboards' installation, and found no link to highway accidents.
Kauker also noted that the images were "static" and did not move or scroll like a film or animated billboards in New York City. He said ClearChannel would sell eight eight-second segments that repeat during the day.
Besides the two digital billboards that were to be activated yesterday, ClearChannel Outdoor released the locations of the six others: I-95, facing south, 0.4 miles north of Street Road, Bensalem Township; I-95, facing south, 2,000 feet east of Broad Street, South Philadelphia; I-95, facing north, 20 feet south of Third Street, in South Philadelphia near the stadiums; I-76, facing east, Walt Whitman Bridge, 50 feet east of Front Street, South Philadelphia; I-95, facing north, 550 feet north of Ashburner Street, Holmesburg; and Route 1, facing south, 0.6 miles south of Street Road in Bensalem Township.
Kauker said each digital billboard replaced a conventional one. In the city, the sites had to be at least 500 feet from any residence, and the face had to be 1,500 feet away from any residence.
The brightness of the billboards' LED display will be adjusted after sunset to avoid distracting drivers or residents.
Source Philly.com -staff writer Joseph A. Slobodzian .
One of ClearChannel's digital billboards in the Cleveland area. The outdoor-advertising company said an engineer it hired studied traffic for 18 months before and after the billboards' installation and found no link to highway accidents.
Praised by police, criticized by scenic conservationists and driver-safety groups, and hugely profitable for their owners, digital billboards are about to enter the Philadelphia area.
ClearChannel Outdoor, the largest outdoor advertising company, announced that it would have eight 14-by-48-foot video billboards - with images or ad messages that change every eight seconds - on major highways this year from Bucks County through the city and south into Delaware County.
ClearChannel did not waste time. It tried to activate two billboards yesterday - one on Interstate 95 facing south about 3,000 feet north of Keystone Street in Upper Chichester Township, and the other on Admiral Wilson Boulevard in Camden, facing east, about 0.4 miles from the Benjamin Franklin Bridge - only to be foiled by steady rain.
George Kauker, president of ClearChannel Outdoor's Philadelphia Division, focused on what he called the public-service aspect of "digital technology." He would not say what it costs to advertise on the giant screens.
"The instantaneous public-safety-messaging aspect of this technology can literally help avert disaster and save lives," Kauker said.
He said digital billboards recently helped advise motorists in Minneapolis and St. Paul about the collapse of the Interstate 35W Bridge and alternate routes. On Feb. 12, Kauker said, a missing Minneapolis girl was found a day after digital billboards were used in an Amber Alert.
Kauker recruited two local law-enforcement officials - Philadelphia Police Commissioner Sylvester Johnson and Fred Harran, director of public safety in Bensalem Township, Bucks County - to endorse the video billboard.
Johnson was quoted in a ClearChannel statement as saying digital billboards were in the "community's best interests because they have the capability to deliver important emergency information, such as Amber Alerts or disaster-preparedness bulletins."
Harran said video billboards "will certainly help us improve public-safety issues. . . . We'll be able to make [people] aware of things that are happening."
Not everyone is sold on the technology's benefits.
Mary Tracy, executive director of SCRUB, or Society Created to Reduce Urban Blight, which has fought ClearChannel and other billboard firms in court and out, called digital billboards a "plum to the outdoor-advertising industry at the expense of Philadelphia's visual environment and driver safety."
Scenic America, the Washington-based scenic conservation lobby, has called digital billboards "unsafe and unsightly at any speed."
The organization also questioned why outdoor-ad companies were pushing digital billboards so hard when there were questions about whether the bright, constantly changing messages contribute to highway accidents.
No independent study of the question has been done, although the Federal Highway Administration will commission one in the next few months and will have results no later than the end of 2009, spokesman Doug Hecox said.
"The challenge is that this technology is so new that some existing billboard regulations don't really apply to them," Hecox said.
Kauker, however, insisted that the technology does not distract drivers.
He said ClearChannel hired an engineer when it installed digital billboards in Cleveland. The engineer studied traffic for 18 months before and after the billboards' installation, and found no link to highway accidents.
Kauker also noted that the images were "static" and did not move or scroll like a film or animated billboards in New York City. He said ClearChannel would sell eight eight-second segments that repeat during the day.
Besides the two digital billboards that were to be activated yesterday, ClearChannel Outdoor released the locations of the six others: I-95, facing south, 0.4 miles north of Street Road, Bensalem Township; I-95, facing south, 2,000 feet east of Broad Street, South Philadelphia; I-95, facing north, 20 feet south of Third Street, in South Philadelphia near the stadiums; I-76, facing east, Walt Whitman Bridge, 50 feet east of Front Street, South Philadelphia; I-95, facing north, 550 feet north of Ashburner Street, Holmesburg; and Route 1, facing south, 0.6 miles south of Street Road in Bensalem Township.
Kauker said each digital billboard replaced a conventional one. In the city, the sites had to be at least 500 feet from any residence, and the face had to be 1,500 feet away from any residence.
The brightness of the billboards' LED display will be adjusted after sunset to avoid distracting drivers or residents.
Source Philly.com -staff writer Joseph A. Slobodzian .
Signs seen in a harsh light
Clear Channel is doubling its digital billboards in L.A. Critics call the signs distracting and an eyesore.
Now receiving prime billing in Los Angeles: digital billboards that advertisers see as a way to break through the marketing clutter.But the bright lights of these signs make many people cringe. Critics say they are a driving distraction and a neighborhood eyesore that should be forbidden.
But, in fact, digital signs are multiplying. Clear Channel Communications, which owns 10 such billboards throughout the city, is announcing plans today to double that number by the end of the month, making Los Angeles a prime growth area for these signs. The company also is expanding its network of digital signs in Chicago and Philadelphia, but its largest crop by September will be in Los Angeles."The more congested the area is, the more effective outdoor advertising can be," said Paul Meyer, president and chief operating officer of Clear Channel Outdoor.Advertisers like the signs because they're finding it difficult to reach consumers through traditional channels such as television and newspapers. But even fickle viewers go outside -- and in Southern California they're often stuck in traffic when they do so -- so billboards are harder to avoid. The digital signs allow marketers the flexibility to change their messages quickly, advertising daily promotions or special deals, Meyer said.They pay for the opportunity. A four-week campaign on a digital billboard, which flashes a different message every 8 seconds, costs $85,000, Meyer said. A campaign on 10 static billboards for a month costs half of that.Clear Channel isn't the only billboard company expanding its digital capabilities. There are more than 500 digital displays throughout the country, and analysts expect to see more of the country's 450,000 billboards converted in the next few years.Clear Channel's announcement comes six months after the company settled a lawsuit with the city. The suit came after Clear Channel and CBS Outdoor sued over a proposed ordinance that would have instituted an annual billboard inspection fee.The settlement levied an annual fee on billboards while allowing the companies to modernize their signs. The deal also gave Clear Channel and CBS Outdoor amnesty on billboards that lacked permits and allowed them to replace old static signs with flashy digital ones.Then, the community group Coalition to Ban Billboard Blight accused the City Council and city attorney of caving to the billboard company, but a judge prevented the group from filing a motion to stop the settlement. Now, representatives aren't surprised to hear that new digital signs are sprouting up."It's regrettable and a sellout of the aesthetic interests of every Los Angeles resident," said Gerald Silver, vice president of the community group.Some L.A. residents who live near the signs agree."My kitchen glows alternatively red, blue and orange," said Sarah Lagrotteria, a chef who moved into a new apartment near the Beverly Center only to discover that a digital sign had just been installed the next street over. The light flickers into her kitchen, she said, and sometimes she's driven to escape it by going into her bedroom and shutting the door.Her neighbor, Dora Davis, is not as fortunate. The billboard, which on a recent weeknight was flashing ads for the Hotel Bel Air, the movie "3:10 to Yuma" and a Wired magazine festival, shines into Davis' second-floor apartment, which is at the end of the building. The light reaches her bedroom, living room, kitchen and bathroom. Davis is having new blinds installed, but her windows for now are bare, allowing the lights to flicker in her rooms unabated."It came on at 5 a.m. and it was like someone slapping your face with red," she said. Davis' son called the company to complain, and Davis said the lights were slightly dimmed. But she still doesn't like the bright lights in her room and said she would prefer a regular billboard."But I'm stuck," she said. "There's nothing I can do about it."A man knocked on her door a few weeks ago with a petition to get rid of the sign, but Davis said she never heard from him again.Kevin Fry, the president of advocacy organization Scenic America, said the signs aren't just annoying but also dangerous. His group says that the billboards distract drivers and that signs on federal highways violate the Highway Beautification Act, which bans flashing and intermittent lights."State legislatures are passing laws left and right that regulate these signs," he said. "We think it's a tragic mistake."A bill introduced into the California Assembly this year by Fiona Ma (D-San Francisco) would have permitted companies to replace highway billboards with digital displays. The bill passed the Assembly, but Ma's spokesman said it was pulled from the Senate after Bay Area residents began complaining about the brightness of a digital display on I-80 heading toward Oakland.Fry said that opposition from Scenic America and other advocacy groups might also have played a role. In a letter to the California Senate Committee on Transportation and Housing, Scenic America pointed to a federal study that showed that anything distracting drivers for more than two seconds was dangerous."The brightest object in the driver's field of vision containing frequently changing, complex messages is often going to distract drivers for more than two seconds," Fry wrote.The billboard industry has sponsored two safety studies of its own, conducted by engineering consultants Tantala Associates and researchers at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute. The studies conclude that drivers generally look at digital displays for less than a second, and that digital billboards neither cause nor prevent accidents.The industry says the signs can also be useful during an emergency, diverting travelers to different routes and putting out the word about missing children.Stephen Freitas, chief marketing officer for the Outdoor Advertising Assn. of America, said that the digital signs are no more distracting than regular billboards. Digital billboards are outfitted with sensors that dim light at night and on cloudy and overcast days, he said, and on sunny days are as bright as a static sign.Plus, he said, advertisers are demanding them.Jim Richardson, associate publisher of marketing for Wired magazine, said the signs were a good way to convey a lot of information without too much clutter.Wired also bought online ads and regular billboard space, but Richardson wanted to try out the newest outdoor advertising technique in one of the country's best markets for outdoor advertising -- where, he said, people always seem to be stuck in their cars.
Source: By Alana Semuels, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer August 20, 2007
Now receiving prime billing in Los Angeles: digital billboards that advertisers see as a way to break through the marketing clutter.But the bright lights of these signs make many people cringe. Critics say they are a driving distraction and a neighborhood eyesore that should be forbidden.
But, in fact, digital signs are multiplying. Clear Channel Communications, which owns 10 such billboards throughout the city, is announcing plans today to double that number by the end of the month, making Los Angeles a prime growth area for these signs. The company also is expanding its network of digital signs in Chicago and Philadelphia, but its largest crop by September will be in Los Angeles."The more congested the area is, the more effective outdoor advertising can be," said Paul Meyer, president and chief operating officer of Clear Channel Outdoor.Advertisers like the signs because they're finding it difficult to reach consumers through traditional channels such as television and newspapers. But even fickle viewers go outside -- and in Southern California they're often stuck in traffic when they do so -- so billboards are harder to avoid. The digital signs allow marketers the flexibility to change their messages quickly, advertising daily promotions or special deals, Meyer said.They pay for the opportunity. A four-week campaign on a digital billboard, which flashes a different message every 8 seconds, costs $85,000, Meyer said. A campaign on 10 static billboards for a month costs half of that.Clear Channel isn't the only billboard company expanding its digital capabilities. There are more than 500 digital displays throughout the country, and analysts expect to see more of the country's 450,000 billboards converted in the next few years.Clear Channel's announcement comes six months after the company settled a lawsuit with the city. The suit came after Clear Channel and CBS Outdoor sued over a proposed ordinance that would have instituted an annual billboard inspection fee.The settlement levied an annual fee on billboards while allowing the companies to modernize their signs. The deal also gave Clear Channel and CBS Outdoor amnesty on billboards that lacked permits and allowed them to replace old static signs with flashy digital ones.Then, the community group Coalition to Ban Billboard Blight accused the City Council and city attorney of caving to the billboard company, but a judge prevented the group from filing a motion to stop the settlement. Now, representatives aren't surprised to hear that new digital signs are sprouting up."It's regrettable and a sellout of the aesthetic interests of every Los Angeles resident," said Gerald Silver, vice president of the community group.Some L.A. residents who live near the signs agree."My kitchen glows alternatively red, blue and orange," said Sarah Lagrotteria, a chef who moved into a new apartment near the Beverly Center only to discover that a digital sign had just been installed the next street over. The light flickers into her kitchen, she said, and sometimes she's driven to escape it by going into her bedroom and shutting the door.Her neighbor, Dora Davis, is not as fortunate. The billboard, which on a recent weeknight was flashing ads for the Hotel Bel Air, the movie "3:10 to Yuma" and a Wired magazine festival, shines into Davis' second-floor apartment, which is at the end of the building. The light reaches her bedroom, living room, kitchen and bathroom. Davis is having new blinds installed, but her windows for now are bare, allowing the lights to flicker in her rooms unabated."It came on at 5 a.m. and it was like someone slapping your face with red," she said. Davis' son called the company to complain, and Davis said the lights were slightly dimmed. But she still doesn't like the bright lights in her room and said she would prefer a regular billboard."But I'm stuck," she said. "There's nothing I can do about it."A man knocked on her door a few weeks ago with a petition to get rid of the sign, but Davis said she never heard from him again.Kevin Fry, the president of advocacy organization Scenic America, said the signs aren't just annoying but also dangerous. His group says that the billboards distract drivers and that signs on federal highways violate the Highway Beautification Act, which bans flashing and intermittent lights."State legislatures are passing laws left and right that regulate these signs," he said. "We think it's a tragic mistake."A bill introduced into the California Assembly this year by Fiona Ma (D-San Francisco) would have permitted companies to replace highway billboards with digital displays. The bill passed the Assembly, but Ma's spokesman said it was pulled from the Senate after Bay Area residents began complaining about the brightness of a digital display on I-80 heading toward Oakland.Fry said that opposition from Scenic America and other advocacy groups might also have played a role. In a letter to the California Senate Committee on Transportation and Housing, Scenic America pointed to a federal study that showed that anything distracting drivers for more than two seconds was dangerous."The brightest object in the driver's field of vision containing frequently changing, complex messages is often going to distract drivers for more than two seconds," Fry wrote.The billboard industry has sponsored two safety studies of its own, conducted by engineering consultants Tantala Associates and researchers at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute. The studies conclude that drivers generally look at digital displays for less than a second, and that digital billboards neither cause nor prevent accidents.The industry says the signs can also be useful during an emergency, diverting travelers to different routes and putting out the word about missing children.Stephen Freitas, chief marketing officer for the Outdoor Advertising Assn. of America, said that the digital signs are no more distracting than regular billboards. Digital billboards are outfitted with sensors that dim light at night and on cloudy and overcast days, he said, and on sunny days are as bright as a static sign.Plus, he said, advertisers are demanding them.Jim Richardson, associate publisher of marketing for Wired magazine, said the signs were a good way to convey a lot of information without too much clutter.Wired also bought online ads and regular billboard space, but Richardson wanted to try out the newest outdoor advertising technique in one of the country's best markets for outdoor advertising -- where, he said, people always seem to be stuck in their cars.
Source: By Alana Semuels, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer August 20, 2007
Clear Channel expands network
Clear Channel Outdoor's rollout of its digital billboard networks has come a long way since it erected the first board two years ago in Cleveland. The outdoor leader is adding digital board networks in two more top 10 markets—Philadelphia and Chicago—and a second net in Los Angeles, which was its first top 10 market in May.In a bid to attract more national advertisers to what primarily has been a local business, the company this year has focused on digital board networks in the top 10 markets."We believe that once we deploy in the major markets, we will have a totally different proposition to offer national advertisers," said Paul Meyer, CCO president and COO.CCO has deployed 76 digital billboards in 14 markets, well on its way to deploying 100 boards in 20 markets by year end. Depending on the market and the board's location, the digital boards increase revenue from five to as much as 10 times. In Albuquerque, N.M., the uptick is close to 15 times.But until May, when CCO built out the digital network in L.A., at least 80 percent of digital inventory was bought by local advertisers. The L.A. network reversed that model. Inventory not only sold out fast, 84 percent of it was bought by national advertisers such as Capitol One, ABC, CBS, NBC and General Motors."It gives national advertisers a lot more options," said Jack Sullivan, senior vp of out-of-home for Starcom. "Some are looking to buy up all the rotations, parceling it out to several brands, or an advertiser can take one brand and tell a story."Outside the top 10 markets, the digital boards remain in high demand among local advertisers, which have shifted budgets to take advantage of the signs' ability to change copy at a moment's notice. Liberty Ford, owner of five dealers in Cleveland, moved $500,000 from other media to buy a year on the network, even picturing CCO's digital sign on its Web site.
Source: MediaWeek
Source: MediaWeek
Digital displays on U.S. 52 are one of latest trends
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Traffic whizzes by the digital billboard near the U.S. 52/Waughtown Street overpass.(Journal Photo by Bruce Chapman)
It’s hard to miss the billboards that look like two big plasma TVs on U.S. 52 between Business 40 and Interstate 40.
The digital billboards are one of the latest trends in outdoor advertising. They are the first of their kind in Forsyth County.
Although some people might consider them one billboard, they are actually independent of each other; two “faces” in one location. The off-premise signs replaced a traditional steel billboard with vinyl ads.
In the United States, there are 450,000 billboards, according to the Outdoor Advertising Association of America Inc., a trade association in Washington. As of the first of the year, about 500 of them were digital, but that number has grown since then.
“We should see several hundred built a year over the next few years,” said Stephen Freitas, a spokesman for the association.
The digital billboards on U.S. 52 are owned by Lamar Advertising, based in Baton Rouge, La.
At 10 feet 6 inches by 36 feet, the signs change spots every 8 seconds for up to six advertisers on each side. An ad is shown every minute, which amounts to about 1,600 times a day for each advertiser.
The signs are operated by computer from the Lamar of Lenoir office.
“Basically it’s a big LED screen that we can operate in real time,” said Jamie Machut, the vice president and general manager of Lamar of Lenoir.
“The billboard is controlled by a high-speed modem connection. I can sit here from my desk and change an ad in a matter of minutes,” Machut said.
All he has to do is send e-mails to the billboards.
Lamar started installing digital billboards in its markets across the United States in January 2006, and now has more than 500. Lamar of Lenoir operates 1,500 billboards, and 11 of them are digital, including four in Greensboro.
“It’s a very small part of our business, but it’s growing,” Machut said.
He said that the biggest advantage of going digital is flexibility.
“It’s not really a billboard anymore,” he said. “It’s more (like) broadcast advertising.”
Machut declined to divulge the cost of Lamar’s billboards, but he said that they can cost up to five times more than traditional billboards.
Industry experts said that costs depend on a variety of things, including location and size, but they estimate construction costs for digital billboards in North Carolina at $250,000 to $300,000.
Experts said that digital billboards are the wave of the future in outdoor advertising.
“It is probably the most exciting thing to come down the pike in a long time in billboards and partly out-of-home media,” said Bill Porter, the owner of Big Shots Advertising in Winston-Salem.
Big Shots handles the digital-billboard ads on U.S. 52 for North Point Chrysler Jeep in Winston-Salem.
“You can continually merchandise the different messages that you want to make,” Porter said. “You can change them every day. About as fast as you can send an e-mail, you can change them.”
Still, experts don’t expect digital billboards to totally replace traditional ones.
“There may be a great billboard spot in the middle of nowhere, but there’s got to be demand built up for it,” Machut said.
The big digital signs are often faced with regulations, and some critics said they present aesthetic issues and safety problems for drivers.
But Freitas of the Outdoor Advertising Association said that two recent independent research studies show that digital billboards do not present any driver-distraction or safety issues.
The Federal Highway Administration hopes to have by 2009 the results of a planned study on the effect of digital billboards on drivers.
Fred Holbrook, a commercial-zoning review officer for the City-County Inspections Department, said he has not received other requests for digital billboards but expects that there will be more.
“It just opens so many more avenues for the advertisers to be able to keep the billboards current,” he said.
Still, Holbrook said that new digital billboards will most likely replace existing billboards because there are not many places left in Forsyth County where people can construct billboards because of space requirements and regulations prohibiting billboards from obscuring the view of areas such as downtown Winston-Salem.
Lamar’s biggest local competitor, Fairway Outdoor Advertising of the Triad in Greensboro, does not have any digital billboards in the Triad.
“It obviously is one of the new technologies that are available to the industry, and it is exciting technology,” said Dan O’Shea, Fairway’s general manager, “but they need to be deployed in the right places.”
O’Shea said that Fairway would first make sure that its digital billboards are a good fit and conform with community ordinances before deciding to put them up.
“It’s not something we’re going to rush into,” he said.
Source: Winston-Salem Journal -By Fran Daniel
Traffic whizzes by the digital billboard near the U.S. 52/Waughtown Street overpass.(Journal Photo by Bruce Chapman)
It’s hard to miss the billboards that look like two big plasma TVs on U.S. 52 between Business 40 and Interstate 40.
The digital billboards are one of the latest trends in outdoor advertising. They are the first of their kind in Forsyth County.
Although some people might consider them one billboard, they are actually independent of each other; two “faces” in one location. The off-premise signs replaced a traditional steel billboard with vinyl ads.
In the United States, there are 450,000 billboards, according to the Outdoor Advertising Association of America Inc., a trade association in Washington. As of the first of the year, about 500 of them were digital, but that number has grown since then.
“We should see several hundred built a year over the next few years,” said Stephen Freitas, a spokesman for the association.
The digital billboards on U.S. 52 are owned by Lamar Advertising, based in Baton Rouge, La.
At 10 feet 6 inches by 36 feet, the signs change spots every 8 seconds for up to six advertisers on each side. An ad is shown every minute, which amounts to about 1,600 times a day for each advertiser.
The signs are operated by computer from the Lamar of Lenoir office.
“Basically it’s a big LED screen that we can operate in real time,” said Jamie Machut, the vice president and general manager of Lamar of Lenoir.
“The billboard is controlled by a high-speed modem connection. I can sit here from my desk and change an ad in a matter of minutes,” Machut said.
All he has to do is send e-mails to the billboards.
Lamar started installing digital billboards in its markets across the United States in January 2006, and now has more than 500. Lamar of Lenoir operates 1,500 billboards, and 11 of them are digital, including four in Greensboro.
“It’s a very small part of our business, but it’s growing,” Machut said.
He said that the biggest advantage of going digital is flexibility.
“It’s not really a billboard anymore,” he said. “It’s more (like) broadcast advertising.”
Machut declined to divulge the cost of Lamar’s billboards, but he said that they can cost up to five times more than traditional billboards.
Industry experts said that costs depend on a variety of things, including location and size, but they estimate construction costs for digital billboards in North Carolina at $250,000 to $300,000.
Experts said that digital billboards are the wave of the future in outdoor advertising.
“It is probably the most exciting thing to come down the pike in a long time in billboards and partly out-of-home media,” said Bill Porter, the owner of Big Shots Advertising in Winston-Salem.
Big Shots handles the digital-billboard ads on U.S. 52 for North Point Chrysler Jeep in Winston-Salem.
“You can continually merchandise the different messages that you want to make,” Porter said. “You can change them every day. About as fast as you can send an e-mail, you can change them.”
Still, experts don’t expect digital billboards to totally replace traditional ones.
“There may be a great billboard spot in the middle of nowhere, but there’s got to be demand built up for it,” Machut said.
The big digital signs are often faced with regulations, and some critics said they present aesthetic issues and safety problems for drivers.
But Freitas of the Outdoor Advertising Association said that two recent independent research studies show that digital billboards do not present any driver-distraction or safety issues.
The Federal Highway Administration hopes to have by 2009 the results of a planned study on the effect of digital billboards on drivers.
Fred Holbrook, a commercial-zoning review officer for the City-County Inspections Department, said he has not received other requests for digital billboards but expects that there will be more.
“It just opens so many more avenues for the advertisers to be able to keep the billboards current,” he said.
Still, Holbrook said that new digital billboards will most likely replace existing billboards because there are not many places left in Forsyth County where people can construct billboards because of space requirements and regulations prohibiting billboards from obscuring the view of areas such as downtown Winston-Salem.
Lamar’s biggest local competitor, Fairway Outdoor Advertising of the Triad in Greensboro, does not have any digital billboards in the Triad.
“It obviously is one of the new technologies that are available to the industry, and it is exciting technology,” said Dan O’Shea, Fairway’s general manager, “but they need to be deployed in the right places.”
O’Shea said that Fairway would first make sure that its digital billboards are a good fit and conform with community ordinances before deciding to put them up.
“It’s not something we’re going to rush into,” he said.
Source: Winston-Salem Journal -By Fran Daniel
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Billboard ordinance ready for board
August 14, 2007 12:35 am
Next month the Stafford Board of Supervisors is expected to vote on an ordinance aimed at making significant changes in what kinds of commercial signs can be put up along the county's highways and byways.
The proposed regulations are the result of questions raised late last year by the Planning Commission when it noticed that three large electronic billboards--large, colorful LED-type signs--had appeared in the county. This new technology took official Stafford by surprise. Two thoughts leapt to the planning commissioners' minds: blots on the landscape and distractions to drivers.
In December, the planners asked the supervisors for directions on what should be done.
In February the board replied that it was a complex issue. There had been no significant changes in sign ordinances in the county in decades. Meanwhile, a rapidly developing Stafford had blossomed with signs.
The supervisors asked the planners to come up with proposals. The Planning Commission turned for advice to the Virginia Department of Transportation, which is in charge of all the public roads in the state.
Through the winter and spring and into the summer, the planning staff, the supervisors and VDOT kicked around a number of ideas, held public hearings and proposed changes. Finally, in mid-July, an ordinance emerged. It goes to the supervisors in September. It pretty much rewrites the old rules.
The principal proposals deal with billboards--those huge signs common along America's highways for nearly a century. But the ordinance also deals with large business signs and, for the first time, model home signs, which have become a growing presence as housing developments spring from fertile former farmland.
First, the billboards.
Erecting new billboards has been forbidden since the 1980s, when beautification was in vogue and legislation to that effect swept the nation. The principal targets on the roadside were the big signs. Stafford and others passed ordinances forbidding new ones.
The laws "grandfathered" existing billboards. They could stay and be kept in repair, but they could not be moved or replaced.
On the matter of keeping the billboards in good repair, there was a limit on the cost of this maintenance. Advertising companies weren't permitted to spend more than 50 percent of the big signs' replacement costs for repairs. Of course, that meant that environmental groups that wanted the signs down had to wait until they fell down.
Then technology entered the picture. In the past few years, more than 100 large electronic billboards have been built across the country. But not as "new" billboards. The advertising companies used existing billboard structures and converted them to LED eye-catchers.
"Wait a minute," the county said. It pointed out that it costs a lot more than 50 percent of the cost of the original sign to convert it into an electronic wonder.
So the new rules simply forbid new large electronic advertisements. The ordinance defines them as: "Signs that have multiple views and objects that digitally or electronically produce color and/or black and white images similar to a television screen and where such [a] sign exceeds six square feet in area." (The only exceptions are the "time and/or temperature" signs.)
The three existing LED boards in Stafford, are on U. S. 1 just north of the Falmouth light; on U.S. 17 a mile west of the GEICO headquarters; on State Route 610, a few miles west of Garrisonville.
The new ordinance also, for the first time, forbids "multisided-vision signs or display device[s] capable of presenting two or more separate images or ad copy sequentially by rotating multisided cylinders."
The county doesn't have any of these, but anyone traveling south on Interstate 95 has seen them.
The second major focus of the ordinance tightens the rules on putting up commercial signs that are not on the business' property. This means one can't put up a sign down the road from what is being advertised. This affects, for example, hotels, motels, businesses and--a new target--model homes.
As developments burgeon and the housing competition increases, more and bigger signs saying "Model Homes This Way" appear. Not any more, says the ordinance. They can be only on the model home's lot itself. No grandfathering here. As the homes are sold, existing signs will naturally disappear.
Source: The Free Lance Star by Hugh Muir
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