Our Company History

For over 110 years, we’ve helped build brands and shape the out-of-home industry.

• 2015
• Clear Channel Outdoor Americas Taps Vistar Media’s Audience Buying Platform to Enhance Advertisers’ Digital OOH Campaigns
• Clear Channel Outdoor Americas and Vertical Bridge Announce Landmark National Partnership for Wireless Deployment on Billboards
• CCOA Launches “WhatsInaName” TimeSquare Billboard campaign with Coca-Cola, powered by Google
• The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, Clear Channel Outdoor Americas and Clear Channel Airports Launch Year-Long ‘Be Here for Kids’ Campaign timed with National Missing Children’s Day
• Scott Wells Becomes Chief Executive Officer, Clear Channel Outdoor Americas
• 2014
• BlueFocus Communications Group and Clear Channel Outdoor Partner to Promote Prominent Chinese Brands in U.S.
• Clear Channel Outdoor launches ‘Connect,’ the first global out-of-home mobile interactive advertising platform
• Clear Channel Airports and Adlux Create First Global Private Digital Aviation Advertising Network
• San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Taps Clear Channel Outdoor to Expand Bus Shelter Media
• 2013
• Clear Channel Launches Show Your Stripes – a company-wide community service initiative to address the issue of unemployment among U.S. military veterans and to encourage businesses to hire skilled veterans.
• Clear Channel Outdoor Ignites July 4th Celebration with First Cross-Country Digital Billboard Display of “The Star Spangled Banner”
• Lady Gaga Partners with Clear Channel Outdoor in an Exclusive Global Unveiling of New ARTPOP Album Cover
• Clear Channel Launches “AIR Chicago,” First Ever 24-Hour Radio Station Dedicated to Aviation Information at Chicago O’Hare and Midway International Airports
• A CCO-based study finds digital out-of-home campaigns that ignore the unique features of digital represent a $2.3 billion/year missed opportunity to the global advertising sector.
• CCO leverages the immediacy of digital during the Boston Marathon bombings, deploying local units for emergency messaging and public safety alerts.
• CCO rolls out consumer networks, a portfolio of pre-selected outdoor products to help streamline the media buy and to better engage key audiences.
• Clear Channel Airports wins 2013 International Digital Signage Award for Interactivity for GE Canada’s groundbreaking execution of “Mine Flight.”
• Clear Channel Airports selected by San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to provide enhanced digital media and sponsorship solutions throughout SFO’s airport terminals.
• 2012
• CCO strengthens leadership team to drive outdoor advertising momentum, naming William Eccleshare, CEO of Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc., Rocky Sisson, Chief Revenue Officer, Vicki Lins, Chief Marketing Officer and Suzanne Grimes, President/COO.
• Clear Channel Airports launches ClearVision, a digital network service offering customized content.
• CCO, together with Clear Channel Media + Entertainment, launches massive international multimedia debut of Madonna’s single “Give Me All Your Luvin’.” The song debuts on Clear Channel radio stations, iHeartRadio and the full-length music video runs on CCO digital displays in major US and International markets.
• 2011
• Bob Pittman named CEO of Clear Channel Media Holdings, overseeing radio, digital and outdoor
• 2010
• Eco material now used on bulletins.
• National Sales Group (NSG) formed to better meet the needs of national advertisers.
• CCO sells Taxi Media business to Verifone.
• 2009
• Ron Cooper becomes President/CEO of CCO Americas.
• The FBI-Clear Channel Outdoor partnership leads to the arrest of 13 fugitives.
• CCO goes green, leading the industry in eco-poster recycling.
• 2008
• Digital units nationwide offer updated election primary information – reaching over 5 million viewers.
• CCO works directly with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, committing to national Amber Alert opportunities on all digital units.
• 2007
• First Amber Alert tests conclude on digital media. System goes live in Las Vegas.
• Five more cities integrate digital media, including Los Angeles.
• CCO pioneers a partnership with the US Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) to use digital for wanted fugitives.
• 2006
• CCO acquires Interspace Airports, adding more than 190 small to mid-sized airports to their advertising inventory.
• Clear Channel Communications, Inc. enters into a merger agreement with private equity group co-led by Bain Capital Partners, LLC and Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P.
• 2005
• CCO becomes first outdoor company to use current TAB-audited DECs.
• Company implements WebPOP, an online Proof of Performance site, giving advertisers immediate access to campaign progress.
• Paul Meyer named Global President/COO of Clear Channel Outdoor.
• CCO-Cleveland unveils a network of seven high profile LED bulletin displays, making it the first market to have a digital footprint.
• Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. files with the Securities and Exchange Commission a Form S-1 for its planned initial public offering (IPO) of its common stock.
• 2004
• Paul Meyer elected Chairman of OAAA.
• CCO explores new technologies that allow for remote and dynamic signage. Michael Hudes is named EVP, Corporate Development, charged with making digital signage a reality.
• CCO awarded franchise to provide advertising on NCTD buses operating within North San Diego county.
• Eighty Manhattan street displays are converted to company’s first digital network—marketed as the “Digital Street Network.”
• Domestic outdoor surpasses $1 billion in revenue.
• 2003
• CCO chooses Arbitron and Scarborough research for information services in all US outdoor markets.
• CCO-Los Angeles receives 2003 Silver Bell Award for community service.
• Clear Channel Adshel and the city of Oakland dedicate a citywide street furniture program.
• 2002
• CCO merges with Ackerley Media Group.
• Clear Channel Airports (Chicago O’Hare division) ranks among BtoB’s 2002 Top 50 Media Power List for its unique ability to reach business travelers.
• Paul Meyer named President/CEO.
• Karl Eller retires and receives a Lifetime Achievement award from OAAA.
• Fast Pitch introduced—industry-first online sales proposal generator.
• 2001
• Eller celebrates 100 years.
• Company announces first-ever out-of-home “real time” rate card via its web site.
• Eller launches sweeping industry standardization changes for Proof of Performance in response to customer needs.
• Eller Media Company officially changes its name to Clear Channel Outdoor (CCO) signaling its commitment to the parent company’s strategy to create a global brand.
• 2000
• Eller acquires Ackerley Media units in the Miami and West Palm Beach markets. This addition dramatically increases Eller’s total number of outdoor products in these key Florida markets.
• A partnership agreement with Spectacolor is finalized, positioning Eller as the top outdoor advertising company in Times Square.
• The acquisition of Spain-based Urbamex quickly accelerates Eller’s outdoor media advantage in Mexico.
• Eller enters the taxi advertising industry with the acquisition of Taxi Tops. Eller renames the new asset Eller Taxi Media.
• The acquisition of Donrey Outdoor adds 10 new markets to Eller’s US market roster. Eller purchases Chile’s leading outdoor advertising company, Procom.
• 1999
• Eller acquires Mall Communications Network, becoming the leader in US mall advertising.
• Paul Meyer named President/COO of Eller Media Company replacing Scott Eller who becomes Vice Chairman.
• The More Group becomes Clear Channel International representing all of Clear Channel’s international media properties.
• Eller completes the century as it started–remaining as America’s number one outdoor advertising company in customer service and top market presence.
• 1998
• Clear Channel Communications acquires the More Group operating in 25 countries. Company now operates in 33 major US markets, and 25 countries, with over 200,000 advertising displays.
• Eller Media web site launched.
• Joe Blackstock, company archivist/historian and 58-year veteran of the industry, passes away.
• 1997
• Company sold to Clear Channel Communications of San Antonio.
• Scott Eller becomes President and Chief Operating Officer
• Eller acquires 4,000 transit shelter displays in Los Angeles and Orange Counties, and Northern San Diego from Metro Display Advertising.
• Company distributes 20″x30″ American automobile industry posters commemorating a century of classic automotive outdoor advertising.
• Karl Eller hosts reunion of former employees of F&K, Pacific Outdoor and Eller in Los Angeles.
• Clear Channel Communications buys large Universal Outdoor Co. The Eller Outdoor division now consists of 88,000 display faces.
• 1996
• Transit shelter plant developed to cover booming San Jose/Silicon Valley in Northern California.
• “Ellie” Award established to recognize creative excellence in Out of Home advertising.
• 1995
• Patrick Mall Displays opens in West Los Angeles and Orange County shopping centers.
• Acquire Sam Trans bus-side advertising contract covering Bayshore Transit routes in San Mateo County.
• L.A. Paint department commissioned to paint three giant murals on Fox Studios soundstages, including this wall for “The Seven Year Itch,” featuring Marilyn Monroe and Tom Ewell.
• PMG co-sponsors auto racing team named PMG/Firestone Indy Light Racing Series.
• Company acquired by Eller Media Company and Hellman & Friedman Capital Partners. Name changes to Eller Media Company. Karl Eller is Chairman/CEO.
• Corporate headquarters moves to Phoenix.
• 1994
• Mobile Billboard service begins utilizing trucks flush mounted with two 30-sheet posters one facing on each side of vehicle.
• Premiere Plus panels introduced in Milwaukee, featuring painted vinyl surfaces wrapped around two vertical decked poster panels making a 600 sq. ft. surface.
• 1993
• New Premiere Panels introduced, converting standard 30-sheet poster panels to 30% larger, full- bleed image area.
• PMG awarded BART transit advertising franchise contract in San Francisco Bay area.
• Company acquires Target Media bus shelters advertising in Orange County, CA.
• Acquire Shelter Advertising of America bus shelters in Miami.
• Company buys Blue Wallscapes Co. Purchase includes 57 large walls located in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
• MapInfo geographic information systems (GIS) utilized.
• Macintosh computers installed in all account executive sales offices.
• Protesters demonstrate on Hollywood Blvd. to save 50-year-old Coca-Cola semi-spectacular board.
• 1991
• Corporate headquarters/administrative center moves to Chicago.
• Stephen A. McNeeley appointed new President/CEO.
• PMG becomes consolidated affiliate of General Electric Capital Corporation.
• OAAA celebrates centennial with “The American Billboard: 100 Years.”
• 1990
• State of California begins large-scale anti-smoking campaign using PMG posters
• 1989
• PMG sponsors large outdoor advertising exhibit at the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery
• 1988
• PMG designates consultant for outdoor development in China. Goal is to help modernize and expand medium there.
• California Supreme Court rules outdoor advertising signs may only be placed on land zoned primarily for commercial or industrial use.
• Rod Wales patents anti-pigeon lightweight spinning propeller device for use on outdoor units.
• 1987
• Company receives prestigious Silver Bell Award from Advertising Council for outstanding contribution to public service advertising
• 1986
• Structure Inventory Management System (SIMS) installed. Provides computer data for each location.
• Computerized painted copy displayed on bulletins in Los Angeles.
• Metromedia sells Foster and Kleiser Division to Patrick Media. Company name changes to Patrick Media Group (PMG). Corporate headquarters shifts to Scranton, PA, headed by Gerald Joyce, new President/CEO.
• 1985
• The Super 300 Plus introduced. Structures are 12×12, hand painted with cut-out extensions. Copy rotates every 90 days.
• 1984
• Bert Dart named President
• 1983
• Hurricane Alicia damages or destroys more than 1,000 outdoor structures in Houston
• 1982
• Metromedia sells all F&K structures to Outdoor Advertising Associates in a limited partnership. Metromedia will continue to manage the business.
• U.S. Supreme Court declares San Diego anti-billboard ordinance unconstitutional.
• 1980
• F&K now operating 40,000 outdoor facings, and is the largest outdoor advertising company in the US
• 1979
• First F&K 8-sheet plant built in Oakland and San Francisco
• 1978
• F&K stages art show at California Museum of Science and Industry in Los Angeles called “Big Art,” featuring the craft of billboard pictorial artists.
• 1977
• Proposition to prohibit billboards in San Francisco rejected by voters in November election
• 1976
• Company motion picture, “Birth of A Notion,” released.
• Foster and Kleiser Company celebrates 75 years.
• 1974
• Ross Barrett named senior vice president of Metromedia.
• Rotating paint programs shift from 30-day to 60-day rotation.
• Los Angeles billroom fire causes substantial damage. Luckily, fire doors prevent spread of flames to rest of branch office and studios.
• 1973
• Billboard Control Measure defeated in Seattle
• 1971
• Oakland branch bombed, causing $750,000 damage to office. Weatherman antiwar group later admit attack was a mistake. The Army Officers Club one block west was intended target.
• 1970
• Frank Lott named President and General Manager
• 1969
• People’s Gallery, featuring triosk structures in regional shopping malls introduced.
• A.C. Nielsen Study completed in Chicago.
• 1968
• Sheets from first 24-sheet poster printed in US presented to F&K by Morgan Litho Co.
• 1967
• Company’s new motion picture, “Adman’s Dilemma,” released. The David Wolper production stars Jonathan Winters.
• Public exhibition of famous Ervine Metzel posters held in major cities.
• F&K publishes complete Outdoor Advertising Manual.
• 1966
• Alfred Politz Awareness Studies conducted in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles
• 1965
• First aerial photographic study takes place in Los Angeles, measuring and comparing freeway and surface street traffic volume.
• F&K supports Highway Beautification Act of 1965.
• Study of children’s outdoor readership conducted by Poster Appraisal Service for F&K in Los Angeles and New York.
• 1964
• Second A.C. Nielsen study conducted in Los Angeles and Orange County. First to reveal complementary values of combined outdoor/television campaigns
• 1963
• F&K begins operation of Chicago and New York outdoor plants formerly owned by General Outdoor
• 1962
• Phoenix and Fresno branch territories sold to Karl Eller who forms Eller Outdoor Advertising Co.
• First mobile panels used for merchandising and public relations.
• First modern “multivision” bulletin displayed in Sacramento.
• IBM computer system installed for all accounting operations.
• 1961
• Ross Barrett named President.
• Single-post unitized construction of poster panels begins. Prefabricated panels are hoisted into place by boom truck.
• Pre-pasting of posters begins.
• First printed bulletin displayed.
• 1960
• A.C. Nielsen study completed—developed first reach and frequency figures for outdoor
• 1959
• W.R. Grace announces sale of Foster and Kleiser to Metropolitan Broadcasting Co.
• Neon-embellished poster panels displayed in Los Angeles.
• 1956
• F&K featured on KGO-TV’s, “Success Story,” in San Francisco.
• Larger sized 30-sheet posters become popular.
• F&K hosts OAAA’s 59th Annual Convention in Los Angeles.
• 1955
• Sun reflecting “dancing discs” embellishment appears on Hamm’s beer bulletin in San Jose.
• Gil Haynes retires. L.H. Odell becomes President.
• 1954
• Jackman board along L.A.’s Wilshire Blvd. features new bulletin design—without molding and including cut-out extensions
• 1953
• Sunset Strip bulletin for Sahara Hotel features swimming pool and live “bathing beauties.” Comedian Red Skelton leaps into pool to publicize opening of his Vegas act.
• 1952
• George Kleiser dies.
• Company sold to W.R. Grace Co.
• Karl Eller begins outdoor advertising career joining F&K as real estate representative in Phoenix.
• 1951
• 50th anniversary observed
• 1950
• Black light embellishments introduced, combining fluorescent paint and ultraviolet light
• 1949
• Three-alarm fire destroys Oakland branch operating area
• 1948
• New posting pickup trucks replace traditional closed-panel vehicles.
• Coloring book published, featuring “Ad Andy in Outdoorland.” Copies distributed to schools throughout west coast.
• Industrial Paint departments commissioned to paint murals for LA-area drive-in movie theaters.
• 1947
• Gil Haynes becomes F&K president. Kleiser is Chairman of Board.
• Industrial Painting and Decorating division begins. First assignment: paint Governor’s mansion in Sacramento.
• OOH best practices guide, “Poster Design” by Walter Warde, distributed to clients, agencies, art schools and west coast libraries.
• Construction department begins use of motor-driven mechanical posthole diggers.
• Caladobe Brick department sold to J.E.Dietrich in Fresno.
• 1946
• Ad Andy adopted as F&K company trademark character.
• Loewy poster panel adopted as new 24-sheet structure.
• Power-driven boom trucks developed to lift posting and paint sections into position on location.
• 1945
• By end of World War II, total of 144 F&K employees deployed, with four killed in action.
• Caladobe Department begins, producing and selling bricks for residential and commercial buildings.
• LA Times bulletin wins top national award for beat media promotion. The board featured daily headlines swapped out as war news broke.
• 1944
• Walter Foster dies.
• Time Magazine features F&K wartime effort activities.
• New posting procedure implemented, applying paste onto posters directly from the truck.
• 1943
• Wartime activities expand to include manufacturing of boxes and containers for military shipments overseas.
• Adobe brick production also begins at military request.
• 1942
• Company World War II activities include recruiting, civilian defense and war bond promotions. Camouflage production for civilian and military projects begins.
• Wartime coverage allotments in effect. Plans provide additional poster panels for each showing.
• American inventor Lee de Forest helps develop device for powering down board illumination during air raid blackouts.
• 1941
• F&K hosts OAAA’s Golden Anniversary Convention in Los Angeles
• 1939
• F&K-produced model of the new San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge displayed at Worlds Fair in San Francisco
• 1938
• Experimental 9-sheet units displayed in Los Angeles
• 1936
• First traffic origin study completed at 9th & Alameda in Los Angeles
• 1935
• Streamliners introduced—art deco bulletin structures with rounded molding
• 1934
• F&K painters make hourly changes to the Dow on Montgomery St. in San Francisco
• 1933
• F&K leads formation of Traffic Audit Bureau (TAB)
• 1932
• Pontiac poster designed by F&K artist Otis Shepard judged Best Poster of 1932 by Chicago Art Directors.
• Paramount Pictures unveils board on Wilshire Blvd. replete with live models, trumpet players and high-profile celebrities, including Harpo Marx and Marlene Dietrich.
• 1931
• F&K plays decisive role in forming OAI national sales organization. Company extends complete recognition to general advertising agencies.
• 1930
• Kleiser elected President of OAAA (serving 5 years).
• Bulletin rotate service begins in Portland.
• F&K “Garden Clubs of The Air” begin broadcasting on Sunday mornings over Don Lee-Columbia network radio.
• Oxydol poster designed by F&K artist Marshall Reid nabs Best Poster honors by Chicago Art Directors.
• Foster and Kleiser “Garden Clubs of The Air” begin broadcasting on Sunday mornings over Don Lee Columbia Pacific Coast Network radio.
• Oxydol poster designed by F&K artist Marshall Reid judged Best Poster of 1930 by Chicago Art Directors.
• 1929
• Traffic flow maps created, showing vehicular volume patterns in all major cities
• 1928
• First tri-vision displayed, using triangular sections to display three different designs on single unit.
• 1927
• Chicago sales office established.
• Begin zone system with equalized poster showings and guaranteed net advertising circulation values in all markets.
• 1926
• F&K now operating in 600 cities and towns in California, Oregon, Washington and Arizona
• 1925
• New York sales office opens.
• First 12×25 poster panels with green lattice installed.
• Poster Advertising Association and Outdoor Advertising Associations merge. The two national trade organizations become Outdoor Advertising Association of America (OAAA).
• 1924
• Acquire San Diego and Arizona territory from McClintock.
• Billposting methods shift from long-handle posting to short handle.
• 1919
• F&K service now covers six key markets in California, Oregon and Washington.
• Company cited by President Woodrow Wilson and US War Department for outstanding service during World War I.
• 1918
• Acquire Thomas H. B. Varney plants in Los Angeles and Bay Area
• 1917
• Classic campaign for United States Tires, depicting a giant open book and directionals to early historical landmarks, begins.
• Horticultural department created to maintain landscaping of deluxe bulletins.
• Inventory mobilized for war service recruiting; boards rationed for Liberty Bond sales.
• 1916
• “Illuminated” outdoor advertising begins on Market Street in San Francisco
• 1915
• Acquire J. Charles Green plant in San Francisco and establish new headquarters there
• 1914
• Kleiser elected vice president of Outdoor Advertising Association
• 1912
• Conversion of horse-drawn wagons to mobile trucks begins
• 1911
• Kleiser elected President of Associated Billposters and Distributors Association.
• Company erects first individualized 10×25 24-sheet poster structure in US.
• 1910
• F&K purchases first company motor vehicle.
• Kleiser lobbies for national standardization of outdoor structures at Poster Advertizing Convention.
• 1909
• Registered autos in the US: 400,000
• 1907
• U.S. Population hits 87,000,000
• 1906
• San Francisco earthquake and fire
• 1903
• Wright brothers make first airplane flight
• 1901
• Foster and Kleiser open for business in Portland, Oregon and Seattle
• 1900
• Registered automobiles in the US: 8,000
• 1898
• Walter Foster and George Kleiser meet in San Francisco. They become friends and soon consider idea of outdoor business partnership.
• 1897
• Walter Foster begins selling outdoor advertising for Thomas H. B. Varney in Oakland, Ca.
• 1874
• George Kleiser born June 25 in Cloverdale, California
• 1871
• Walter Foster born September 30 in Vallejo, California