Bulletins (or billboards) are the largest and among the most impactful standard-sized OOH media formats. Located primarily on major roads, they attract high-density consumer exposure (mostly to vehicular traffic, but often to pedestrians). Bulletins afford heightened visibility due not only to their size, but also because they allow creative “customizing” through extensions and embellishments.

Primary Uses

Bulletins provide high impact and ratings for many kinds of products and services to reach consumers. 

Rotary Bulletins
Rotary bulletins are moved to different, pre-approved locations periodically to give broad market coverage. 

Permanent Bulletins
Permanent bulletins have dominant coverage of high traffic volumes at fixed locations; advertising remains at the location throughout the duration of the contract. Permanent bulletins are also used for directional or selected geo-demographic coverage purposes.

Availability

Bulletins are available in virtually all markets (cities, towns, connecting highways, and expressways) in all states except Alaska, Hawaii, Maine, and Vermont.

Research/Market Information

TAB OOH Ratings are the official measurement system. Reach and frequency can be calculated using several accepted media software programs.

Method of Purchase

Rotary Bulletins
Rotary bulletins are usually purchased in multi-month contract; generally moved to new locations every 60 days.

Permanent Bulletins
Permanent bulletins are purchased and priced individually, predicated on location and audience delivery. Contracts are generally for six months or longer.

Shorter contract periods are possible for all bulletins.

Specifications

Overall Size
The most common bulletin sizes are shown below. However, there are specially constructed “spectacular” bulletins with elaborate features and embellishments (such as backlighting), which can be negotiated individually.

The most common live copy area sizes are:

Standard Sizes
14' H x 48' W
10’ H x 40’ W
10’6” H x 36’ W

Spectacular Sizes
20’ H x 60’ W
16’ H x 60’ W

Design
Efficient creative design is critical for visual impact. A simple design provides the best impact for reaching the targeted audience.

Production

Painted Bulletins 
This technique is rarely used today. Artwork should be received by plant operators 60 days before the posting date. Rendered by skilled artists and painted, the artwork scale should be 3/8” or 1/2” = 1’.

Printed Bulletins (Opaque PVC Vinyl or PE plastic)
This is the most common technique for producing bulletins. Durable and long-lasting flexible vinyl faces present a uniform appearance with good color and art quality. Vinyl or plastic bulletins must be supplied to plant operators at least 10 working days prior to the posting date. The material is usually produced on one sheet and stretched over the face of the structure. A four inch pole pocket is contained within the bleed on all four sides are required.

The vinyl-coated polyester weave and polyethylene plastic used as a bulletin substrate varies in weight and density, depending on its application. Typically, billboard flex is a lightweight material; its strength is derived from the structure it wraps. Usually, it is not fire-retardant and is between eight and 12 oz. per square yard. There is a heavier 18 oz. material which is fire-retardant and is typically used for interior signage and in situations where flame spread and smoke density are an issue.

Inks
All inks are weatherproof and waterproof with sufficient UV protection.

Preparation of Artwork

Traditional Mechanicals
The layout size for 14’ x 48’ bulletins is 7” x 24”, scaled to 1/2 ”x 1’. A tissue overlay is used to note special embellishments and colors and, if a photograph is used in the design, an 8” x 10” (or larger) color photograph should be provided with a color copy of the layout.

Digital Files 
Digital files should be supplied at 300 dpi with a printout. The preferred layout sizes are 3/8” or 1/4” scale. Screen and printer fonts should be included as well as all image files. Low resolution images are acceptable for placement only. Supply original transparencies or hi-resolution scans for any artwork. All images and art files provided should be saved in CMYK mode, and as EPS or TIFF files with an accompanying color printout of the layout.

Extensions
To increase the impact of bulletins, extensions (cutouts that extend beyond the basic shape of the structure) are often used. Extensions or cut-outs may be added around perimeters often with a one-time charge per square foot and a once-a-month maintenance charge. Depending on local restrictions, extensions or cut-outs may be added from 5’ to 5’6” on top, 2’ on the side and 1’ on the bottom. Extra space cost is comparable to print media foldouts or inserts. Check with local out of home operators for market-specific rules and regulations.