Using digital billboards to catch criminals

Prosecutor Mark Hasse was gunned down in Kaufman, Texas, on 31 January and digital billboards in Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma are calling for information, supplying a response number at the FBI, and a US$100,000 reward for information that leads to the apprehension of the perpetrator.

In the case of Ammar Harris, suspected shooter in Las Vegas, the digital billboard featured his "wanted" image on 21 February, he was apprehended, and the billboard placed "CAPTURED!" over the image and contact information for local law enforcement.

Donating to a very good cause

"Unsold inventory is always the elephant in the room, " says Du Plessis. "No one wants to give away unsold inventory, but donating it to such a good cause is the win-win answer for all concerned. It is the perfect CSR initiative for an out-of-home company, leveraging its core business to benefit the community at large."

"Another striking use of unsold industry I discussed with our American colleagues was the support of deserving charities, like the Starlight Foundation; one of the iconic OOH community campaigns. Since 2008, 47 media partners have participated in donating over US$4m of unsold inventory to the charity," he concluded.

About OHMSA

Out of Home Media South Africa (OHMSA) is the officially recognised trade association for the out of home media industry in this country. Its members provide media platforms across the entire spectrum of out-of-home from ambient or alternative media through to airport advertising, giant billboards and brand activation. As a non-profit organisation, OHMSA seeks to promote and to protect the interests of the association and its members, while serving the needs of consumers, advertisers, and the public. This is achieved through co-operation between its members and affiliated associations, government and local authorities. OHMSA aims to uplift the industry through skills investment and encouraging fair and free competition in the out-of-home industry.

OHMSA has recently joined FEPE, which now provides connectivity with other out-of-home media associations across the globe as well as the latest global research and trends.

For more information, or to become a member of OHMSA, visit www.ohmsa.co.za.