Clear Channel Spectacolor and Times Square Alliance Unveil State-of-the-Art Digital Billboard Dedicated to Serve the Square’s Small Businesses
PHOENIX – January 10, 2012 – Clear Channel Spectacolor, the U.S. market leader in spectacular sign displays and a division of one of the world’s largest outdoor advertising company, Clear Channel Outdoor (NYSE: CCO), has partnered with the Times Square Alliance to launch a state-of-the-art digital billboard in the heart of New York City’s famed Times Square dedicated to providing the area’s many small businesses with competitive marketing opportunities. New to the market, the digital screen will help local businesses reach the crowds who pass through Times Square every day.
Situated on a new marquee above the entrance to the Times Square Visitor Center and Museum on Seventh Avenue between 47th and 46th streets, adjacent to the TKTS booth and Duffy Square, the LED video display was designed to give area businesses the ability to boost their presence, build their brand and drive consumer interest by utilizing the power of out-of-home (OOH) advertising in Times Square. With approximately 280 restaurants and bars and 40 theatres vying for attention in Times Square, Clear Channel Spectacolor and the Times Square Alliance have created a platform with unparalleled visibility that reaches a crucial audience – half a million daily visitors. The display will broadcast a mixture of on- and off-premise advertisers, in addition to serving as a community message board for the Times Square Visitor Center and Museum. The Times Square Visitor Center and Museum includes a Broadway Ticket and Concierge Center, city sightseeing tours, the official Times Square gift shop, a city information desk, the New Year’s Eve Centennial Ball and Confetti Wishing Wall.
“After decades of providing advertising opportunities to the biggest brand names in the world, we look forward to working with the Times Square Alliance and leveraging our spectacular and digital marketing experience to develop valuable ad products for local businesses within the Times Square community, such as the abundant restaurants, bars, theatre venues, and quality shops catering mainly to tourists,” said Alan High, President and General Manager, Clear Channel Spectacolor and Times Square Alliance Board Member. “We are pleased to expand our suite of digital products to better serve these companies as they look to more effectively engage with targeted consumers through prime advertising real estate channels.”
“Aside from managing New York City’s busiest tourism center and advocating on behalf of our constituents, we are dedicated to improving the quality of commerce in the district. In joining forces with Clear Channel, the Times Square Alliance seeks to address the needs of local businesses in a highly competitive advertising marketplace,” said Tim Tompkins, President, Times Square Alliance. “We believe the board will be instrumental in maintaining a level advertising playing field and in helping area entrepreneurs and professionals grow their businesses.”
Advertisers will have access to a standard feature set that is unrivalled by other billboards catering to small businesses. The Times Square Visitor Center display easily switches between locally stored video clips, web-based streaming content or live HDTV feeds for events. The display also supports interactive and dynamic web-based content, text to screen and integrates with social media.
About The Times Square Alliance
The Times Square Alliance, founded in 1992, works to improve and promote Times Square - cultivating the creativity, energy and edge that have made the area an icon of entertainment, culture and urban life for over a century. In addition to providing core neighborhood services with its Public Safety Officers and Sanitation Associates, the Alliance promotes local businesses; encourages economic development and public improvements; co-coordinates numerous major events in Times Square (including the annual New Year’s Eve and Broadway on Broadway celebrations); manages the Times Square Visitor Center and Mini-Museum; and advocates on behalf of its constituents with respect to a host of public policy, planning and quality-of-life issues. www.TimesSquareNYC.org.