In case critics of digital billboards didn’t notice the first two studies that show digital billboards are “safety neutral,” a third study was released Thursday (Nov. 19). Conducted by Philadelphia-based Tantala Associates in Cleveland, Ohio, the study is the largest study of digital-billboard safety yet conducted.

Even digital out-of-home, one of the fastest-growing media, was not immune to the effects of the economy in 2009.

Debbie Reichig joined Clear Channel Outdoor Monday (Nov. 9) as senior vp of business development and marketing, a newly created position. In her new role, Reichig will be responsible for client development and helping clients market their brands.

After bucking the downward trend of most media, cinema advertising took a hit in third quarter. Cinema rep firm National CineMedia reported late Thursday (Nov. 6) advertising down nearly 12 percent to $88.3 million in third quarter.

ABC Regional Sports and Entertainment Sales announced Thursday (Nov. 5) an exclusive deal to handle sales for American Eagle Outfitters’ new electronic sign in New York City’s Times Square.

Lamar Advertising, the nation’s third largest outdoor media company, reported third-quarter earnings Thursday (Nov. 5) that beat analyst expectations and offered plenty of optimism that a turnaround was underway in outdoor advertising.

Digital out-of-home advertising will reach $2.2 billion this year, hitting $3.7 billion by 2013.


According to a BIA/Kelsey forecast released Wednesday (Nov. 4), the segment, which includes digital billboards and place-based networks, will grow at an annual rate of 13.5 percent, outpacing traditional out of home’s 1.4 percent growth rate.

Zoom Media Corp. continues to grow its digital out-of-home portfolio in fitness venues, announcing Tuesday (Nov. 3) it had acquired Gym Screen Media (Gym TV), a 160 venue digital channel in high-end fitness centers in the U.K.

7-Eleven, home of the Slurpee and the Big Gulp, announced Tuesday (Nov. 3) the launch 7-Eleven TV.

Cinema rep firm National Cinemedia expanded its preshow advertising network, signing multi-year agreements with Cobb Theatres, Galaxy Theatres and Storyteller Theatres Corp.

Taking advantage of off-peak movie hours, Screenvision announced Monday (Oct. 26) it is rolling out its new live feed technology to 300 theaters by the end of 2010. The technology allows Screenvision to reach a broader audience with sports, concerts, arts and news events on the 40-foot screen.

As the critical holiday retail season nears, advertisers are slowly returning to the malls, putting their messages in front of receptive shoppers. According to a report from EYE Corp., a company that offers advertising 250 malls across the country, several categories have significantly increased spending in the second half of the year.

News America Marketing is getting more aggressive targeting clients outside of the consumer packaged goods realm. The division of News Corp., best known for its SmartSource Coupon Machines and Shelftalk banners, video and tearpads, has expanded beyond grocery and drug stores.

Nascar is headed to the big screen. Through a content agreement announced Wednesday (Oct. 21) Screenvision will become “The Official Cinema Advertising Partner of Nascar.”


Beginning in February, Nascar content will be part of Screenvision’s pre-show programming for its 15,000 theater network.

PumpTop TV, a digital media network at the gas pump, announced Monday (Oct. 19) it signed a content deal with MovieSet.com. As part of the agreement, MovieSet.com will air “behind the scenes” clips from movie location shoots across PumpTop’s network in 12 markets.

ABC might not be able to simulate spaceships hovering above cities as in the show's premiere episode, but the network came up with the next best thing to promote the launch of its alien-invasion drama V.

Expanding its digital out-of-home advertising network, Premier Retail Networks announced Friday (Oct. 16) it had signed a deal to provide national and regional ad sales representation for IndoorDirect, which operates The Restaurant Television Network in quick-service and casual dining restaurant chains.

Cemusa has won a five-year contract with the City of Atlanta and General Growth Properties to manage the advertising on 100 new street vending kiosks in Atlanta.

Titan and MySpace launched Monday (Oct. 12) a joint promotion that ties together digital out-of-home with social media. The two companies are betting that the three-week experiment will attract advertisers to use the converged media in advertising campaigns.

Screenvision announced Wednesday (Oct. 7) it had signed a new long-term deal to sell on-screen advertising for Malco Theatres, which has partnered with Screenvision for the past seven years.