B.B. provides expert insights on the latest in the OOH industry, covering the 83rd Annual OBIE Awards, Clear Channel Outdoor’s legal win, Geopath’s revitalization plan, Steve Gallow’s OAAA Hall of Fame induction, and Gary Greenstein’s move to the Board of Advisors at Vector Media.
1. Winners of 83rd Annual OBIE Awards
The 83rd Annual OBIE Awards, presented by the Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA), recognized excellence in out-of-home (OOH) advertising at the 2025 OOH Media Conference in Boston. The highest honor, the Platinum OBIE Award, was awarded to The Coca-Cola Company and Ogilvy for their “Recycle Me” campaign, which effectively used bold visuals and minimal copy to promote Coca-Cola’s recyclable packaging. American Express was inducted into the OBIE Hall of Fame for its consistent investment in OOH advertising and visually impactful campaigns.
Gold OBIE Awards were presented across various categories, including Billboards, Buzzworthy & Transit, Custom Installation, Holographic & Projection, Integrated Multi-Media, International, and Public Service & Nonprofits. Notable winners included Coca-Cola and Ogilvy for “Recycle Me,” e.l.f. Beauty and Oberland for “Change the Board Game – So Many Dicks,” and Nike and Wieden+Kennedy for “Dodgers World Series Reactive ‘24.” The awards showcased OOH advertising’s growing influence in shaping culture and connecting with audiences in creative and impactful ways.
B.B.’s Take: Great show. Well done by the OAAA. When the ‘books’ come out we will make them available for free as we have in the past years. Stay tuned.
2. CCO Victory After Eight-Year Legal Battle
Clear Channel Outdoor (CCO) has secured a significant legal victory after an eight-year battle with the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) over the legality of its bridge signs in Perth Amboy, NJ. The NJDOT had claimed that the billboards violated state advertising regulations due to their proximity to other signs, threatening removal and substantial fines.
Attorney Michael S. Di Croce of Di Croce Law challenged these claims, arguing that the billboards were lawfully erected and maintained in accordance with both state and federal guidelines. The final ruling dismissed NJDOT’s claims and affirmed the legality of the billboard’s operation, setting a precedent for similar disputes involving state regulation of outdoor advertising in New Jersey and nationwide.
B.B.’s Take: Not a great deeal o fsubstance to this story. Suprisingly submitted by the law firm and not CCO. ‘Eight years’ that’s quite a length of time and I suspect cost. Happy ending.
3. Geopath OAAA Speech
At the 2025 OOH Media Conference, Geopath’s Interim President Rob Peterson, representing The Wyse Group, outlined a comprehensive strategy for revitalizing the organization. Peterson’s team conducted assessments of Geopath’s financial health, operations, and member needs. Their findings led to the implementation of financial and operational improvements, emphasizing transparency, enhanced member support, and efficient service delivery.
The Board’s approval of the 2025 budget reaffirmed Geopath’s commitment to its role as a independent, reliable source for standardized audience measurement in Out of Home advertising.
B.B.’s Take: Tremendous comments from the Interim President Peterson. Well worth the read. Note the between the lines comments. Significant comments regarding the future of the organization?
4. Steve Gallow Inducted into the OAAA Hall of Fame
Steve Gallow, a trailblazer in the out-of-home (OOH) advertising industry, was inducted into the OAAA Hall of Fame during the 2025 OOH Media Conference in Boston. Recognized for his transformative contributions, Gallow’s career journey began in the late 1970s at Gannett’s Canadian print operations, where he swiftly advanced to print production manager.
His entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found GHQ, one of the world’s first digital printing operations, facilitating the industry’s shift from hand-painted signs to digital billboards. Following the sale of GHQ to Prismaflex, Gallow continued to innovate by partnering with Jörg Cieslok to form Cieslok Media and collaborating with various billboard companies across Canada. Since acquiring Media Resources in 2005, he has spearheaded the development of cutting-edge digital billboard technologies such as VISIONiQ, eQVISION, and TruVIEW
B.B.’s Take: Congrats to Gallow. Strong background in the OOH Industry not typical for a LED supplier. Well done.
5. Greenstein Moves to the Board Room
Gary Greenstein, a key figure in Vector Media’s success, has transitioned from his executive role to the company’s Board of Advisors. Over his 25 years with the company, Greenstein played an instrumental role in shaping Vector’s client-first approach and cultivating a culture of innovation, collaboration, and trust. His leadership helped establish the company as a significant player in the out-of-home advertising industry.
In his new advisory role, Greenstein will continue to provide strategic guidance and strengthen relationships with key clients, ensuring Vector’s continued growth and success. His move to the Board of Advisors marks a new chapter for both Greenstein and the company, as they continue to navigate the ever-evolving OOH advertising landscape. Greenstein’s deep expertise and insights will remain invaluable as Vector moves forward.
B.B.’s Take: Saving the best story for last. I can not say enough good things about Gary Greenstein. One of the smartest and most dynamic individuals in the Industry. Well deserved promotion.
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