South San Francisco narrowly approved a fourth digital billboard in the city, despite concerns that the media company seeking approval owns another billboard responsible for the controversial “I love J.K. Rowling” ads displayed in 2020.
Outfront Media sought the City Council’s green light on a 1,300-square-foot digital billboard located near 140 Beacon Ave. off Highway 101, in exchange for about $6 million to the city over the course of 30 years.
While Councilmember Mark Addiego was opposed on the grounds that he didn’t find the deal particularly lucrative, Councilmember Mark Nagales was more concerned over the firm’s ad content several years ago, as its message praised J.K Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, who made controversial public remarks about the transgender community.
“Why should I approve of a fourth digital billboard sign with potentially — and there’s a history here — of controversial comments being posted in my city?” Nagales said. “Honestly, I don’t care how much money you give me. There’s a principle to this.”
According to its presentation, the company does have ad content guidelines, particularly around adult-oriented or tobacco-related messaging, but otherwise generally adheres to First Amendment principles, which may include political speech that not everyone agrees with.
Remaining councilmembers were in support of the additional billboard, noting the importance of additional funds and the aesthetic subtleness of its proposed location.
“We should take this on case-by-case basis, but on this fourth one that will be in the commercial and industrial area, I really don’t think it will diminish the beauty or skyline of our city, so I am willing to support this, because I don’t think that amount of money is something to balk at,” Councilmember Flor Nicolas said.
The city boasts ideal real estate for such billboards, as it’s situated along a highly-trafficked stretch of Highway 101 close to San Francisco and the San Francisco International Airport. Its foray into such digital signs began around 2020, when Outfront’s current standing billboard was approved, with media firm ClearChannel erecting two digital billboards in the years following.
The proposed billboard’s ad messaging would be visible from both north and south facing directions and would stand 65 feet tall. As part of the agreement, the city would also get an advertising spot on the billboard for eight weeks annually.
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(3) comments
I wonder if any of the council can quote what remarks JK Rowling has said that are "controversial". JK Rowling believes, as do I and the vast majority of people, that biological sex is real and cannot be changed. This is in no way controversial, and we have to get back to reality and stop pretending that it is. While all humans should be treated with respect, women have rights to private spaces including sports and locker rooms, and even prisons (currently incarcerated women are facing rape and pregnancies due to men "identifying" into women's prisons.)
Well written, MichKosk. I’d add that we can add Mr. Nagales to those who are only for their version of “free” speech. Glad to hear he was outvoted. Perhaps time to have Mr. Nagales become a former Councilmember? After all, Mr. Nagales’ “principle” outranks free speech, including yours. Of course, if Mr. Nagales is willing to gift SSF $6 million some folks might turn a blind eye…
Yes Terence, that point is perhaps even more important than the one I made. Contrary to Mr. Nagales, I want to hear all points of view, even "controversial" ones, to then make my own decisions on issues. Weird that the left has become so pro controlling speech they disagree with.
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