Brewer signs bill allowing electronic billboards on Phoenix freeways, possibly by Arizona Cardinals – Phoenix Business Journal
Brewer signs bill allowing electronic billboards on Phoenix freeways, possibly by Arizona Cardinals – Phoenix Business Journal
May 18Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer has approved a bill to allow some electronic billboards along state freeways in the Phoenix area.
That could help Clear Channel Outdoor, American Outdoor Advertising and CBS Outdoor Inc. put up more digital billboards along Loops 101 and 202 and other state roads in the Valley.
It could also aid an expected effort by the Arizona Cardinals to erect electronic billboards and other signage outside University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale. The Cardinals own the stadium parking lots and have given some indications they want to get into the electronic billboard business.
Brewer signed into law House Bill 2543, which was passed in the waning moments of this year’s legislative session. She vetoed a previous, broader version that would have allowed electronic signs statewide. Astronomers worried that would hurt their work at observatories in Tucson, Safford and Flagstaff.
The new industry-backed measure restricts illuminated signs near observatories, but allows the bright lights in Phoenix area.
There’s a provision in HB 2543 that prohibits cities from enacting electronic billboard rules that are more restrictive than the rules set for state freeways.
A number of Valley cities have turned down or been skeptical toward electronic billboards. Arizona observatories support the bill inked by Brewer.
Some influential lobbying companies represented the billboard industry in its push to get the bill through the Legislature and approved by the governor.
HighGround Inc. lobbies for CBS Outdoor. Husk Partners represents American Outdoor. Veridus LLC and Bas Aja are listed at Clear Channel Outdoor’s lobbyists, according to the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office.
The Cardinals have quietly indicated interest in generating revenue via electronic billboard s. Steve Ellman’s El Media already has digital and static signs up at Westgate City Center, next to UOP Stadium. Ellman owned Westgate before it went into foreclosure last year.
Mike Sunnucks writes about politics, law, airlines, sports business and the economy.