Outdoor

McCain Institute, Polaris and Clear Channel Outdoor Expand Anti-Human Trafficking Campaign on Phoenix Billboards

Arizona’s New Attorney General Mark Brnovich and Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton Help Incite National Dialogue as Phoenix Welcomes The Big Game; Campaign Counter-Markets Traffickers and Shows Victims Help is Available

PHOENIX, AZ – January 7, 2015 – Cindy McCain and The McCain Institute for International Leadership at Arizona State University, Polaris, and Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CCO), together with Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich and Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, today announced a renewed and expanded campaign to combat human trafficking with outdoor media throughout Phoenix.  The billboard campaign is aimed at reaching both trafficking victims who may be unaware that resources exist to help them and residents who can help identify suspicious activity with raised awareness that human trafficking is a major problem in Arizona and throughout the US 365 days a year.  Over recent years, the prevalence of sex trafficking at major sporting events has been discussed in conjunction with the nation’s biggest game.  With their support for the billboard campaign, Arizona and Phoenix elected officials, law enforcement and community groups joined with Mrs. McCain, Polaris and Clear Channel Outdoor to combat human trafficking in the days leading up to February 1 and beyond.

Clear Channel Outdoor is donating ad space across 52 of their digital billboards in the Phoenix metropolitan area to promote the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) hotline, 1-888-373-7888, operated by Polaris. CCO is also leveraging traditional (printed) billboards and posters in the campaign to vigorously target the audiences and deliver the messages with high frequency.  Launching today, the initial campaign will run through February and deliver an estimated 17 million impressions.  Additionally, CCO has committed to support anti-human trafficking efforts with its media in Phoenix through the whole year, as it did with The McCain Institute and Polaris in Arizona in 2014. 

Polaris and Clear Channel Outdoor have forged a national partnership to combat human trafficking with campaigns in cities across America.  CCO launched its first anti-human trafficking campaign alongside Polaris in Philadelphia in 2012 and has since supported campaigns with Polaris and/or local partners in Baltimore, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Milwaukee, New Jersey, New York, Phoenix, San Francisco, Seattle, and across the entire state of Texas. This is CCO’s 15th anti-human trafficking campaign and measures show the campaigns drive calls to the hotline, including tips and requests by victims for help.

“This is an important campaign and an opportune moment to raise awareness of human trafficking in Arizona and beyond.  Thank you to Clear Channel Outdoor for your continued work to combat this enormous problem and to make a difference in people’s lives,” said Cindy McCain, Co-Chair, Arizona Human Trafficking Council and Chair of Human Trafficking Advisory Council, The McCain Institute for International Leadership at ASU.

“Human trafficking is a multi-billion dollar criminal industry that affects every state in the nation, every day of the year. These billboards are critical to ensuring victims and survivors know there is help when they need it, as well as to raise awareness that modern slavery is a 365-day-a-year problem that requires greater resources to combat it.  I applaud the McCain Institute, Clear Channel Outdoor, and advocates throughout Arizona for their steadfast commitment to eradicating this crime,” said Bradley Myles, CEO of Polaris.

“Knowing there is help and a safe place to go is an important first step in surviving slavery,” said Carolyn Jones, a former victim of sex trafficking who now works for StreetLightUSA, a program that aims to eradicate child rape for profit. “This billboard campaign by the McCain Institute, Polaris and Clear Channel Outdoor will be a lifeline to people who may be living without hope for escaping their oppressors.”

“Billboards and other outdoor media are ideal for targeting specific audiences and for reaching people at scale, and we welcome our responsibility to use this power to help the people of Arizona and those in the other cities in which we operate.   On any given day, Clear Channel Outdoor works with law enforcement, government agencies and nonprofits on a number of public safety and community building initiatives; no issue we touch is more detestable than modern slavery,” said Diane Veres, President, Clear Channel Outdoor - Arizona.  “The stories of loved ones lost to labor and sex trafficking are truly heartbreaking.  If we can help one person regain their freedom and dignity, and reunite them with their families, this campaign will be an enormous success.”

The National Human Trafficking Resource Center, operated by Polaris, is a confidential, toll-free lifeline for victims and survivors of human trafficking to reach out for help and for people to anonymously report tips of suspected human trafficking. People can call the NHTRC at 1-888-373-7888 or send a text to Polaris at BeFree (233733), 24 hours-a-day, every day of the year. With bilingual staff, the hotline is available in English and Spanish, and in more than 180 languages through the use of interpreters.

Mrs. McCain and her husband, U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), supported Arizona State University’s launch of the McCain Institute for International Leadership. Mrs. McCain is participating in efforts at the Institute to fight human trafficking through a partnership with Polaris to strengthen anti-trafficking legislation in Arizona and other mountain states.

Clear Channel Airports Inks 10-Year ClearVision Deal with ClearTV Media to Continue Bringing Broadcast and Cable TV to Top Airports

New York, NY– Clear Channel Airports, a brand division of Clear Channel Outdoor (NYSE: CCO), and a subsidiary of iHeart Media Inc., announced today it has signed a new 10 year deal with ClearTV Media to continue delivering diverse broadcast and cable network TV programming to airport travelers -- enhancing consumers’ air travel experiences while also bringing unique and immersive digital place-based advertising opportunities to local, regional and national brands.

ClearVision is the only airport television network that links brand campaigns to a variety of content from major TV Networks, including; ABC, FOX, NBC, E!, PGA Tour and many more. ClearVision delivers a lineup of top network shows from over 200 content providers, transformed into short-form “mini-sodes” covering entertainment, news, weather and sports and enabling airports to offer customized TV stations featuring local businesses and airport promotions.

“We are thrilled to continue our successful relationship with Clear Channel Airports for the long term,” said David Tetreault, COO, ClearTV Media “As broadcasters in the away-from-home television space, we strive to deliver a programming line-up that is embraced by viewers, because of the rich entertainment, education and information included, and also by advertisers for our delivery of the highly desirable demographic – the affluent business traveler."

ClearVision offers local, regional and national businesses a competitive branding opportunity to reach coveted consumers -- frequent travelers. The platform gives participating airports the capability to incorporate customized messages within the programmed content, helping them to better connect with visitors and enhance their traveling experience. And ClearVision’s locally branded channels, such as LOVE-TV in Dallas, have already proven effective in promoting hometown businesses, tourism and higher-educational institutions.

“Using ClearVision at Dallas Love has added a unique and effective element to our overall marketing campaign in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. We are able to communicate our message to our target audience in a way that is effective and memorable,” said Michelle Hougland, director, marketing and brand management, Texas Tech University.

“The ClearVision 10-year renewal is a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to helping airports across the country deliver best-in-class traveler amenities,” said Jon Sayer, president, Clear Channel Airports. “The key learnings over the last few years confirm the value we knew ClearVision would provide to our airport and advertising clients, consumers and the communities in which we operate.”

Since its launch in 2012, CCA has deployed ClearVision in Louis-Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), Raleigh-Durham International (RDU),Cleveland-Hopkins International (CLE), Dallas Love Field (DAL) and most recently at Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids, Mich.  All participating airports have leveraged the unique ability to create their own locally branded television networks, featuring the best content in both national and local news, entertainment, sports and weather.

SCWC & CCO Announce Second Phase Of Lawn Dude Conservation Campaign

Clear Channel Outdoor Continues Donation of Digital Billboard Space to Encourage Drought Tolerant Landscaping as California’s Historic Drought Persists

Los Angeles, CA – Southern California Water Committee (SCWC) and Clear Channel Outdoor (CCO) today announced the second phase of the @Lawn_Dude advertising campaign aimed at encouraging Californians to remove turf and invest in water-wise landscaping. The @Lawn_Dude campaign was first launched during the summer and focused on encouraging Californians to cut back outdoor water use during the state’s historic drought. The next chapter advocates for drought tolerant landscaping and will feature new art gracing digital billboards in the Los Angeles region, once again donated by CCO.

“It’s time to take it all off California! I know you love me but I drink too much during our drought so go ahead, give me a Brazilian,” said @Lawn_Dude, SCWC’s conservation spokesperson. “Keeping me thirsty isn’t enough. I need a new look and I’m loving the succulent style.”

Governor Jerry Brown announced a drought emergency in January of this year and conditions have yet to improve. The State Water Resources Control Board enacted mandatory conservation measures during the summer, requiring residents and businesses to cut back on their water use, or face fines. As the drought persists, residents and businesses need to consider additional steps that can be taken to further reduce water consumption, like turf removal and drought tolerant landscaping.

The digital billboard campaign partnership will continue through the end of the year, featuring two new conservation messages. The new campaign advocates for turf removal by urging Californians to “Take it off, take it all off,” and suggests that residents and businesses ‘plant smart’ by checking out @Lawn_Dude’s “succulent new style” and investing in drought tolerant landscaping.

“We saw a great response from our initial @Lawn_Dude campaign and are grateful to have the opportunity to again partner with Clear Channel Outdoor to extend the conservation message and promote turf removal in Southern California,” said Charles Wilson, chairman of the SCWC Board of Trustees. “Thanks to CCO’s generous donation we’ll again be able to harness the power of digital billboards to educate Southern Californians about how they step up conservation efforts during our historic drought.”

CCO regularly donates space on its digital and traditional billboards in Southern California and throughout the nation to display public safety and public awareness messages.

“As California’s drought persists into the winter, it’s time for residents to get smart about outdoor water use – there’s more to conservation than reduced water use – and we’re proud to help get the word out to Californians,” said Layne Lawson, director of public affairs for Clear Channel Outdoor. “We love @Lawn_Dude’s succulent new style and hope to see desert landscapes coming to yards throughout the Southland.”

The unique ability of digital signs to reach a wide audience while displaying messages in real-time allows them to act as valuable resources for non-profit organizations, public safety agencies, law enforcement and a variety of others who need to effectively relay messages to the public.

The @Lawn_Dude ads will appear on digital billboards across Southern California through the end of the year. Southern Californians are encouraged to continue interacting with @Lawn_Dude on Twitter and share billboard sightings, personal water saving practices and photos of their new drought tolerant yards.

For more information on SCWC, please visit www.socalwater.org. For additional consumer tips on conservation, visit Save Our Water.

Clear Channel Spectacolor and Heart Gallery NYC Support National Adoption Month with Touching Photo Exhibition

8th Annual Partnership Calls Attention to Crucial Need for Adoptive Families in New York City Area

New York, NY—November 24, 2014 — Clear Channel Spectacolor, a brand division of Clear Channel Outdoor (NYSE: CCO), a subsidiary of iHeartMedia Inc. (NYSE: IHRT), is partnering with Heart Gallery NYC, the unique non-profit organization that utilizes the talents of award-winning professional photographers to capture the spirit of children currently in the foster care system to raise awareness of the plight of foster children during National Adoption Awareness Month.  Heart Gallery NYC is displaying a photo exhibition in the Amtrak Rotunda at Pennsylvania Station in New York City from November 17-24. 

To support the campaign, Clear Channel is donating more than 2.5 million impressions on two of its prime location, full-motion digital billboards in New York City, including the screen on Broadway between 46th and 47th Streets (in the heart of Times Square) and the screen at Penn Plaza on 7th Avenue between 33rd and 34th Streets.

“All children deserve to have a family and a place to call home,” said Harry Coghlan, President & General Manager, Clear Channel Outdoor New York and Heart Gallery NYC Board member. “We know that commuters and travelers who pass through Penn Station will be inspired by the moving portraits by some of the nation’s leading photographers. These beautiful faces are sure to stir an emotional response, and Clear Channel is proud to do our part igniting the conversation around the need for more adoptive families in and around New York for the eighth straight year.”

November is recognized as National Adoption Awareness Month. While all adoption-related issues are important, the particular focus of the month of the Heart Gallery exhibit is the adoption of children currently in foster care.

The portraits are taken by some of the nation’s preeminent and emerging photographers and shared via the Heart Gallery NYC website and travelling gallery exhibits in the hope that potential families will be moved to adopt. Many of these photographers have photographed celebrities and notable figures from President Obama to Mick Jagger to Brad Pitt, and donate their talents to the Heart Gallery to help children find their forever families. This year’s Heart Gallery features works by renowned photographers such as Martin Schoeller, Amy Arbus, Deborah Feingold and others.

Thousands of children have found adoptive homes through the Heart Gallery program, which has more than 100 chapters in the United States and Canada, and enjoys the support of celebrity adoptive parents or adoptees such as Darryl McDaniels of Run-DMC, Rosie O'Donnell and Ellen Burstyn.

“We are so appreciative of Clear Channel’s continued support of Heart Gallery NYC here in New York and in other cities around the country,” said Laurie Sherman Graff, Executive Director of Heart Gallery NYC. “The Spectacolor digital screens help raise public awareness of the more than 115,000 children in the United States in need of adoptive homes and help ensure that the portraits of foster children will be seen by many potential adoptive families right here in New York.”

Clear Channel Spectacolor Selected as Sales Agent for World’s Largest, Most Technically Advanced Digital Billboard in Times Square to Help Brands Captivate Consumers

New York’s Busiest Consumer Playground Now Even More Dynamic with Over 25,000 Sq. Feet of the Highest Resolution LED Ever, Covering an Entire City Block

New York, NY—November 17, 2014— Clear Channel Spectacolor, a brand division of Clear Channel Outdoor (NYSE: CCO), a subsidiary of iHeartMedia Inc. (NYSE: IHRT), today announced the addition of the largest, most technically advanced billboard in Times Square to its portfolio of media and experiential marketing solutions helping advertisers make an impact in one of the most visited, photographed and filmed locations in the world. 

Spanning a full city block – and larger by far than any other billboard in Times Square -- the new billboard was built by Vornado Realty Trust in a dramatic redevelopment of the Marriott Marquis hotel’s façade and retail spaces. Located at 1535 Broadway between 45th and 46th Streets, the new sign offers both massive size superiority and marquee placement in the heart of Times Square.  The sign is visible from virtually every vantage point in the Square’s “bowtie.”

Vornado chose Spectacolor as sales agent for the one-of-a-kind display designed for the world’s most prominent advertisers. Built with state of the art Diamond Vision® display technology from Mitsubishi Electric, the display’s unparalleled features include:

More than 25,000 square feet of seamless digital canvas -- a record-breaking 77.69 feet by 329.65 feet
Pixel density of 2,368 x 10,048 -- the highest resolution LED video display in the world of this size, dwarfing 4K ultra high definition pixel density by 15 million pixels
The highest contrast LED screen in the U.S. with Real Black™ LED technology, producing deep, rich black levels and unsurpassed vertical viewing angles, ensuring Times Square crowds have clear views of the display when close and in bright sunlight
High definition crowd cameras
Interactive, social media and live broadcast feed capabilities
“Times Square now has North America’s biggest and most awe-inspiring digital screen, enabling Clear Channel’s marketing partners to stand out in an incredibly significant way in one of the world’s busiest shopping and tourist meccas,” said Harry Coghlan, president and general manager, Clear Channel Outdoor New York. “This innovative and thoroughly distinctive display establishes a new iconic landmark in Times Square while creating a powerful, value proposition for our advertisers. We experienced tremendous pre-sale interest, and the display is sold out to one advertiser through January 2015. We have great confidence that this spectacular billboard will be the most sought after display in the world for years to come.”

Per TAB ratings, the new display will deliver more than 2 million impressions with adults 18+ passing this prime location weekly. Times Square is the center of the consumer universe, with as many as 460,000 people visiting daily.  Nearly 500,000 vehicles pass through Times Square each week, and nearly 400,000 direct and indirect employees traverse the square on their commute.  Times Square is home to twenty-five percent of all New York City hotel rooms, and eighty percent of New York City tourists visit Times Square, with eighty-three percent saying the billboards are the appeal of Times Square.  And on New Year’s Eve, one million people will stand for five to ten hours on the Square celebrating and waiting for the ball to drop, while more than one billion worldwide will view the celebration televised.

In addition to the billboard’s direct exposure to consumers in the Square, marketers investing in this premium opportunity will enjoy incomparable secondary impressions from media outlets  located nearby or broadcasting prominent events, including Good Morning America, Telemundo, Extra, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin Eve, The New York Times; Advertising Week and Crain’s New York Business to name but a few.

Broadway Fans Invited to View History-Making Outdoor Broadcast of “Side Show” Act I Finale Live on Opening Night

Clear Channel Spectacolor Broadcasts to the Heart of Times Square

November 17 – New York, NY – Side Show will make history on Opening Night, November 17 at 7:45 p.m. when Clear Channel Spectacolor will broadcast the show-stopping Act I finale in Times Square with never before used audio technology on one of their digital billboards. The rousing Act I finale, Who Will Love Me as I Am, sung by the show’s two leading ladies, Erin Davie and Emily Padgett, will be the first opening night performance in history aired live in Times Square.

Side Show super-fans and Broadway fans alike are invited to gather at the famous red steps at Duffy Square in Times Square at 47th Street to view the show-stopping number.

“Clear Channel Spectacolor is proud to premier this extraordinary performance to everyone in Duffy Square on Side Show’s opening night, using the new audio technology that lets us deliver unique events, sponsor-ships and brand experiences on behalf of advertisers,” said Harry Coghlan, President, Clear Channel Outdoor New York. “As a producing partner of Side Show, we are delighted to bring the full breadth of our capabilities to the show’s marketing program which is as unique and distinctive as the show itself.”

"It is exciting for all of us at Side Show to celebrate Broadway in this historic way,” said the show’s director, Bill Condon.

Directed by Academy Award®-winner Bill Condon, featuring a “supercharged score” (Charles Isherwood, New York Times), Side Show includes new music by multiple Grammy Award® winner and Academy Award®, Golden Globe®, and Tony Award® nominee Henry Krieger (Dreamgirls), with book and lyrics by Tony Award® nominee Bill Russell and additional book material by Bill Condon, and choreography by Tony and Olivier Award® nominee Anthony Van Laast (Mamma Mia!).

Side Show is inspired by the remarkable true story of the Hilton twins, Daisy and Violet, who were legends in their time and the highest paid performers on the vaudeville circuit. Side Show is their heartwarming search for first love and acceptance amidst the spectacle of fame and scrutiny under the spotlight.

Clear Channel Outdoor Brings Advertising Week NY to Ad Agencies Across U.S.; Launches #ConfidenceIsBeautiful with The Ipsos Girls’ Lounge

New York, NY – September 29, 2014 – Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CCO), Advertising Week, and The Ipsos Girls’ Lounge today announced an outdoor advertising campaign  amplifying the dialogue at the premiere U.S. advertising event, Advertising Week-New York (September 29 – October 3, 2014) to the masses in Times Square and across the country in a targeted digital billboard program that will reach advertising executives in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas and San Francisco.  This is the first time happenings at the annual Advertising Week have been featured in outdoor media in markets outside of New York.

CCO has installed digital kiosks inside and out at the Times Center in New York, which is the hub of Advertising Week activity.  The kiosks will feature the day’s agenda, along with photos and the official #AWXI twitter feed for the show.  Additionally, in partnership with The Ipsos Girls’ Lounge, CCO is also featuring tweets hash tagged #ConfidenceisBeautiful.  Female executives attending Advertising Week are encouraged to take a photo at the Girls’ Lounge and to tweet their thoughts about confidence being the core of true beauty.  They will pick from fifteen Confidence is Beautiful signatures and custom emoticons to accompany their “selfie” which they can share on social media, in Times Square and across the country.

Tweets and photos tagged with #AWXI and/or #ConfidenceIsBeautiful will have the opportunity to be displayed on one of Clear Channel’s spectacular digital billboards in the heart of Times Square.  Spectacolor, a brand division of Clear Channel Outdoor, is the leading innovator of outdoor advertising in Times Square and is enabling the amplification of AWXI events on their display located at 1567 Broadway, adjacent to the TKTS booth & Duffy Square.  Additionally, Clear Channel Outdoor has developed a special digital network targeted to decision makers at advertising agencies in top markets – Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas and San Francisco. 

“Clear Channel Outdoor is proud to again sponsor Advertising Week in New York, and the unique campaign we have developed shows the power of outdoor advertising to spark dialogue and create memorable brand experiences,” said Rocky Sisson, Chief Revenue Officer.  “The very essence of social media is to offer people the opportunity to be heard and seen.  Many of our clients have delighted their customers and fans by taking their social media interactions to big screens in the real world, and we are excited to help Advertising Week and The Ipsos Girls’ Lounge extend their conversations to Times Square and in key markets nationwide.”

“The Ipsos Girls’ Lounge is taking our confidence message on the road, heading on a national tour with our Confidence Is Beautiful bus and Advertising Week is an important stop,” said Shelley Zalis, CEO, Ipsos OTX and Founder of The Ipsos Girls' Lounge.  “The Ipsos Girls’ Lounge is broadening our message to explore what ‘the good life at work’ looks like for women in our industry and is encouraging a sense of confidence to create harmony and happiness at work, at home and in every role women play in between. The amplification of this message in Times Square and across the nation with Clear Channel Outdoor’s media will be an incredible expansion of the voice of female executives.”

“Leading the way forward is the essence of Advertising Week and Clear Chanel Outdoor is a big cog in the evolving landscape,” said Matt Scheckner, Executive Director of Advertising Week. “And their partnership with us really builds a bridge from classic to leading edge."

In Its First Ever Theatrical Venture, Clear Channel Spectacolor Joins the Producing Team of “Side Show”

On Broadway Performances Begin Tuesday, October 28 at Broadway’s St. James Theatre

New York (September 25, 2014) – Clear Channel Spectacolor, the U.S. market leader in spectacular sign displays and a brand division of Clear Channel Outdoor (NYSE: CCO) announced today that it, has joined the producing team of the upcoming Broadway production of Side Show. This marks the first time the outdoor advertising powerhouse has produced a theatrical venture, and the deal represents an expansion of Spectacolor’s business interests within the Times Square community where its spectacular traditional and digital displays provide high impact impressions for national and international brands. Spectacolor works closely with the advertising community to create innovative custom experiential marketing programs for brands, often tapping into the creative and artistic talent on Broadway, and joining the producing team of Side Show furthers its relationships within the artistic community and opens new doors to unique brand sponsorship opportunities for its partners.

Clear Channel Spectacolor joins producers Darren Bagert, Martin Massman, Jayne Baron Sherman, Universal Stage Productions, Joan Raffe & Jhett Tolentino, Joined At The Hip, ShadowCatcher Entertainment, Michael Kaiser, Catherine & Fred Adler, Jim Kierstead, Marc Levine, Seaview Productions, Pretty Little Freaks, Matthew Masten, and Jujamcyn Theaters in association with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and La Jolla Playhouse.

Directed by Academy Award® winner Bill Condon (Chicago, Dreamgirls, Twilight: Breaking Dawn Parts 1 and 2, Gods and Monsters) making his Broadway directorial debut, this entirely reimagined production of Side Show will begin preview performances on Broadway Tuesday, October 28 with an official Opening Night on Monday, November 17.

“Clear Channel Spectacolor is deeply connected to the Broadway community and we are excited to expand our support to ‘The Great White Way’ with this innovative partnership promoting a great musical that deserves to be cherished as a classic,” said Harry Coghlan, President, Clear Channel Outdoor New York. “Spectacolor has served as a producing partner of the popular Tony Awards simulcast for the past 6 years, and our media resources in Times Square are crucial to driving attendance to the theaters. Through programs like the Tony Awards simulcast and this partnership in Side Show, we not only help support Broadway’s finest artistic productions, but also cultivate opportunities for one-of-a-kind sponsorship opportunities for our advertisers.”

“Clear Channel Spectacolor is a major innovator in the way the world views media”, says Darren Bagert, lead producer of Side Show. “As a true producing partner on Side Show, Clear Channel is showing the world yet again, they can be innovative in the way we market great theater on Broadway. I am proud their first theatrical venture is Side Show, which will touch the hearts of many more theatergoers because of their significant involvement.”

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About Clear Channel Spectacolor
Clear Channel Spectacolor is the US market leader in spectacular sign displays and a division of one of the world’s leading outdoor advertising companies, Offering innovative out-of-home marketing resources in major pedestrian destinations such as Times Square and The Las Vegas Strip, Clear Channel Spectacolor’s inventory includes: spectacular billboards, time-based video screens, wallscapes, sky murals, unique ad panels and experiential marketing events. In-house creative services and start-to-finish project management assist marketers in producing high-impact executions for a growing on-the-go audience. Spectacolor was established in 1976.

About Side Show
Visit SideShowBroadway.com.

“This vivid new production of Side Show is less a revival than a full-scale re-imagining of the show.”

“Side Show is emotionally stirring.”
– Charles Isherwood, New York Times

“A Searing, Soaring American Musical is Reborn!” “Dazzling!”

“Anyone not knocked out by this ravishing musical is hereby ordered to have their vital signs checked.”
– Peter Marks, The Washington Post

Cast, Polaris, & Clear Channel Outdoor Launch Anti-Human Trafficking Awareness Campaign

Clear Channel Outdoor Donates Outdoor Advertising Space to Encourage Public Aid in Fight Against Human Trafficking and to Help Victims Seek Safety

Los Angeles, CA – The Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking (CAST), Polaris, and Clear Channel Outdoor (CCO) were joined by county and city elected officials and advocates today as they announced a partnership to raise awareness against human trafficking in the greater Los Angeles area. CAST, Polaris, and CCO launched an advertising campaign, along with regional elected officials and actor and Polaris Ambassador Terry Crews, to assist victims of the crime by providing information about how they can escape. The campaign features the National Human Trafficking Resource Center’s (NHTRC) 24-hour, multi-lingual hotline for victims and community members. The NHTRC is operated by Polaris. CCO donated space on 25 digital billboards, 20 traditional billboards, and 20 transit shelter posters throughout the Southland to help spread this important message and encourage victims to seek assistance. The advertisements are running in English and Spanish.

“It is important that all Los Angeles County residents learn to recognize the signs of human trafficking and do their part to report and combat this horrific crime,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe. “I applaud CAST, Polaris, and Clear Channel Outdoor for bringing this issue out of the dark with the bold public awareness campaign announced today.  We must do everything we can to protect our most vulnerable young children.”

The Los Angeles area’s diverse populations and sprawling geography, combined with its international transit hubs, make it a hotbed for the growing crime of human trafficking. Unfortunately, because of the covert nature of human trafficking and the intimidation and manipulation tactics often used to bring victims under traffickers’ control, it remains extremely difficult to combat.

"The fight against human trafficking is an on-going struggle, and public awareness is essential to winning that fight,” said Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson.  I am grateful for the leadership of CAST, Polaris and Clear Channel Outdoor.  They are truly making an important difference."

"I would like to commend Clear Channel Outdoor, Polaris and CAST for helping combat sex trafficking in our communities," said Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas. "We need everyone to take notice. These billboards will help spread the word, will educate and raise awareness so that victims know they are not alone and that there is a way out."

The billboard awareness partnership was announced at a press conference that brought together regional elected officials, anti-trafficking nonprofit organizations, and advocates to discuss the growing issue of human trafficking in Los Angeles County and the increasing need for awareness campaigns to urge the public to report the crime and provide victims a resource to escape their captors.

“Knowing there is a safe place to go in the community is an important first step for a human trafficking survivor,” said Kay Buck, Executive Director of the Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking (CAST).

“Survivors can trust that when they reach out for help, CAST will be there with a safe home, help with legal proceedings, life skills, and job opportunities.  We are building important partnerships that are committed to bringing survivors to a place where they are no longer enslaved, but can now contribute to the rich diversity and social fabric of Los Angeles.”

Human trafficking is the world’s fastest growing criminal activity – worth an estimated $150 billion a year. The crime has forced approximately 20.9 million people worldwide to live in modern day slavery, including hundreds of thousands of men, women, and children here in the United States. Los Angeles has become a top hub for modern slavery and human trafficking, making the fight to end the crime in Los Angeles County important on a national scale.

"Victims of human trafficking need to know there is help available for them when they are ready to reach out and be connected to services across the country, including here in Los Angeles. Raising awareness about modern slavery and the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline through campaigns like these is critical as we work to empower victims to rebuild their lives," said Bradley Myles, CEO of Polaris. "Polaris is grateful to participate in this effort with CAST, Clear Channel Outdoor, and the many officials and advocates throughout the region who are fighting this crime."

Polaris and Clear Channel Outdoor have forged a national partnership that will see the launch of anti-human trafficking campaigns in additional targeted cities where human trafficking is proliferating.  Clear Channel Outdoor commenced its first anti-human trafficking campaign alongside Polaris in Philadelphia in 2012 and has since supported campaigns with various anti-trafficking organizations in Baltimore, Las Vegas, Miami, Milwaukee, New Jersey, New York, Phoenix, San Francisco, Seattle, and across the entire state of Texas.   CCO, County Supervisor Don Knabe and MTA launched their first anti-human trafficking campaign in L.A. in 2012 and this marks the second anti-human trafficking supported by Supervisor Knabe and CCO this year.
 
 “The fight against human trafficking is daunting in scale, making it increasingly important that the public be engaged in the effort to recognize and report the crime,” said Greg McGrath, President of Southern California for Clear Channel Outdoor. “Everyone needs to ensure they’re aware of the signs of human trafficking and are able to report it when they spot it; Clear Channel Outdoor is proud to be a part of this effort to raise awareness and to combat this abominable crime.”
 
The unique ability of digital signs to reach a wide audience while displaying messages in real-time allows them to act as valuable resources in the fight against crimes, like human trafficking, that occur around us every day. CCO has routinely lent these tools to support real time, life-saving messaging like AMBER Alerts, FBI and U.S. Marshall Wanted notices and emergency notifications.  The boards are also a useful tool for non-profit organizations, public safety agencies, law enforcement and a variety of others who need to effectively relay messages to the public.

“Modern slavery is the husband coerced through violence to harvest crops, it’s the mother forced to work excessive hours as a domestic servant with little pay, and it’s the daughter sold online for sex against her will. Modern slavery is the 20.9 million people worldwide estimated to be victims of sex and labor trafficking, and we must do what’s in our power to restore their freedom,” said Terry Crews, Polaris Ambassador, actor, and former NFL player. “The more we raise awareness about the help available for victims of human trafficking in America, the more we can empower them to become survivors.”

The anti-trafficking campaign goes up today throughout the greater Los Angeles area. To get help or report a suspected instance of human trafficking, please call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-888-373-7888 or text BeFree (233733). Hotline Call Specialists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to take reports from anywhere in the country related to potential trafficking victims, suspicious behaviors, and/or locations where trafficking is suspected to occur.

For more information on CAST, please visit www.castla.org, and for more information on Polaris, please visit www.polarisproject.org. 

About the Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking (CAST)
For over 15 years, CAST, a Los Angeles-based organization with international and domestic programming, has championed a survivor-centered approach to combatting human trafficking. CAST provides trafficking survivors with a continuum of life-transforming services: a 24-hour emergency response system; legal and social services; and a world-renowned survivor leadership program. Through this intensive work in the trenches, CAST holds a unique perspective that has impacted state and federal policies, as well as catalyzed innovative partnerships which have transformed the trajectories of survivors’ lives. CAST has been honored with the Presidential Award for Extraordinary Efforts to Combat Trafficking in Persons and is a recognized leader in the anti-trafficking field.  Learn more at www.castla.org or follow CAST on Twitter (@CASTLA) and Facebook (CASTLosAngeles).

About Polaris
Polaris is a leader in the global fight to eradicate modern slavery. Named after the North Star that guided slaves to freedom in the U.S., Polaris acts as a catalyst to systemically disrupt the human trafficking networks that rob human beings of their lives and their freedom. By working with government leaders, the world’s leading technology corporations, and local partners, Polaris equips communities to identify, report, and prevent human trafficking. Our comprehensive model puts victims at the center of what we do -- helping survivors restore their freedom, preventing more victims, and leveraging data and technology to pursue traffickers wherever they operate. Learn more at www.polarisproject.org.

Southern California Water Committee & Clear Channel Outdoor Launch Drought Awareness & Water Conservation Campaign

Clear Channel Donates Digital Billboard Space to Encourage Water Conservation Across the Southland As Mandatory Restrictions Are Enacted By State

Los Angeles, CA – Southern California Water Committee (SCWC) and Clear Channel Outdoor (CCO) were joined by state and regional water leaders today as they announced a partnership to encourage Californians to save water during the ongoing drought. SCWC and CCO launched an advertising campaign featuring a water-saving character, @Lawn_Dude, who will be gracing digital billboards across Southern California and sharing conservation tips with an integrated social media campaign. CCO donated space on 25 digital billboards throughout the Southland to help @Lawn_Dude get this important message across.

“Some Californians haven’t been taking this drought seriously, so I’m here to make sure people take steps to save water,” said @Lawn_Dude, the newest spokesperson for conservation during California’s drought. “I’d be the first to admit that I love using lots of water, but I’m cutting back on my drinking because, take it from me, nobody likes a drunk lawn.”

Governor Jerry Brown announced a drought emergency earlier this year and conditions have yet to improve. The State Water Resources Control Board enacted mandatory water conservation measures this week that impact all Californians, banning excessive watering, hosing of sidewalks and driveways, washing cars without a turnoff valve, and using fountains without recycled water.

“During this time of unprecedented drought, we appreciate creative partnerships, like the one announced today, that utilize interesting and unique ways to spread the word about the importance of conserving water,” said State Water Resources Control Board Vice Chair Fran Spivy-Weber. “Lawn Dude’s presence on digital billboards is going to be a great way to engage people and share water saving tips.”

The digital billboard campaign partnership was announced at a press conference that brought together various water leaders to discuss the new regulations and the increasing need for informational campaigns to help Californians conserve, specifically reducing outdoor water use.

“It is important that each and every Californian do their part to save water and limit outdoor watering,” said Los Angeles City Councilmember Felipe Fuentes, Chair of the Energy & Environment Committee. “We’ve made great progress over the years here in Southern California and Los Angeles, but there is much more to be done. I applaud Clear Channel Outdoor and Southern California Water Committee for collaborating on this important education effort during this historic drought.” 

“We appreciate the generous donation of digital billboard space from Clear Channel Outdoor to help get the word out about the importance of reducing outdoor water use,” said Charles Wilson, chairman of the SCWC Board of Trustees. “Our partnership has allowed us to utilize this powerful platform to educate the public and will help move the dial on conservation efforts throughout Southern California.”

CCO regularly donates space on its digital and traditional signs in Southern California and throughout the nation to display public safety and public awareness messages.

“As the statewide drought persists, it’s become increasingly important that Californians get serious about conservation and Clear Channel Outdoor is proud to be a part of this effort to encourage folks to listen up and reduce their personal water use,” said Layne Lawson, director of public affairs for Clear Channel Outdoor. “Everyone needs to make sure that conservation becomes a way of life, and we’re pleased to do our part in spreading that message via our digital signs in Southern California.”

The unique ability of digital signs to reach a wide audience while displaying messages in real-time allows them to act as valuable resources for non-profit organizations, public safety agencies, law enforcement and a variety of others who need to effectively relay messages to the public.

“The Southern California Water Committee and Clear Channel are stepping up to spread the word about conservation with an emphasis on cutting back on outdoor water use during this hottest time of the year,” said Jeffrey Kightlinger, general manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. “This is an unprecedented drought that requires extraordinary efforts from all Californians.”

The @Lawn_Dude ads will appear on digital billboards across Southern California throughout the summer. Southern Californians are encouraged to interact with @Lawn_Dude on Twitter and share billboard sightings and personal water saving practices.

For more information on SCWC, please visit www.socalwater.org. For additional consumer tips on conservation, visit Save Our Water. For more information about the State Water Board’s emergency regulations, please review the fact sheet here.

About Southern California Water Committee
Established in 1984, the Southern California Water Committee is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, public education partnership dedicated to informing Southern Californians about our water needs and our state’s water resources. Spanning Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, San Bernardino, Imperial, Riverside, Ventura and Kern counties, the SCWC’s members include representatives from business, government, agriculture, water agencies, labor and the general public. Visit us at www.socalwater.org and find us on Facebook.