Billboards are a reflection of American popular culture. From the old days of Burma Shave signs to today's wireless commnuications billboards, whatever is capturing American interests can be found on billboards. Just a comparison of the top 10 industries using outdoor advertising from 1996 to 2004 is instructive:


Top 10 Billboard Advertisers of 1996
Cigarettes, tobacco and accessories
Public transportation, hotels and resorts
Local services and amusements
Retails
Restaurants
Automotive dealers and services
Automotive, automotive accessories and equipment
Media and advertising
Insurance and real estate
Beer and wine

Top 10 Billboard Advertisers of 2004
Local services and amusements
Media and advertising
Public transportation, hotels and resorts
Retail
Insurance and real estate
Financial
Automotive dealers and services
Restaurants
Automotive, automotive accessories and equipment
Telecommunications