OOH Connects Communities Around the Country
As California first responders continue to battle the deadliest wildfire in the state’s history, OAAA member Stott Outdoor Advertising confirmed nine employers have lost their homes.
According to Stott General Manager Jim Moravec, “The majority of these are frontline employees, hourly employees posting and maintaining our structures.”
Soon after learning about the “Stott 9,” the OOH industry united to support those displaced. A GoFundMe account was established to raise funds, and digital billboards encouraged donations. In days, more than 100 people have contributed $30,000.
Digital billboards are also carrying messages of hope and support for all those affected by the fires in California.
The OOH industry often reacts to timely events, recognizing local or national affairs and uniting communities in which it serves.
Other recent examples include:
Stan Lee
The passing of comic book icon Stan Lee has been mourned by super hero fans around the world. To honor his work and legacy, digital billboards displayed messages of remembrance.
We're remembering the legendary @Marvel superheroes creator on our digital #OOH billboards. RIP, #StanLee. pic.twitter.com/i4jc1tyK0F
— Lamar Advertising (@LamarOOH) November 12, 2018
Excelsior! #RIPStanLee #OOH #Billboard pic.twitter.com/aBSCgGANcf
— Jimmy Parker (@JimmyParker_AD) November 12, 2018
Veterans Day
Each year, OAAA and the OOH industry honor those who served in the Armed Forces on Veterans Day. This year, images of military service ribbons adorned digital OOH faces across the country. ABC 13 in Michigan covered the story.
On Veterans Day, the #OOH industry honors all the men and women in uniform who have served our country. pic.twitter.com/2BSllD09tO
— Nancy Fletcher (@nfletcherOAAA) November 11, 2018
Major Brent Taylor
On November 3, Major Brent Taylor was killed while serving in Afghanistan. Taylor, who also served as mayor of North Ogden, UT, left behind a wife, seven children, and a community that came together to mourn his death and honor his service. Digital billboards in Utah paid tribute to his memory.
Vote
To encourage citizens to hit the polls in the recent election, Vote.org launched a billboard campaign to speak to specific communities. The non-partisan organization communicated its message on 2,500 OOH formats, targeted to areas with strong registration but weak turnout.
In an interview with Roll Call, Vote.org CEO Debra Cleaver recalled coming up with the idea while reading an ad at a San Francisco bus stop.
Casual reminder pic.twitter.com/Whn3ILFgMB
— VOTE⋅org (@votedotorg) October 19, 2018
Jewish Community Support
In August, when a synagogue in Carmel, IN, was vandalized with anti-Semitic graffiti, 12 digital billboards across central Indiana expressed community support. Three OOH media companies united to share a message of “LOVE” featuring the Star of David. The local news covered the story.
Following the synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh last month, in which 11 congregates were killed, the local OOH industry quickly posted messages of support, reminding community members together they are “Stronger Than Hate.”
We stand in solidarity and support those who lost their lives. We are all #StrongerThanHate #OOH pic.twitter.com/fxKtdFIpgO
— OAAA (@YourOAAA) October 30, 2018
Father’s Day
On Father’s Day this year, digital billboards in Oklahoma City celebrated all fathers in the area with “dad jokes” published throughout the day.
Happy Father's Day!
— Lamar of Oklahoma City (@LamarOKC) June 17, 2018
To celebrate, we are running some dad jokes on a few of our digital boards today. #fathersday #dadjokes #ooh
design: Leanne Gayle pic.twitter.com/bBViIjAlo9
More examples of how OOH connects with and unites communities can be seen in OAAA’s latest video “OOH Connects Communities.”