US out-of-home advertising spending grew by 7% in 2007, reaching $7.3 billion, according to the Outdoor Advertising Association of America.
“Out-of-home was one of the strongest performing media segments last
year, growing at a pace higher than the overall ad industry,” said
Stephen Freitas, chief marketing officer for the trade group.
Spending rose in seven of the top 10 outdoor advertising categories in 2007.
Communications was the fastest-growing categroy, rising 35.7% over 2006 to $483 million.
Other fast-growing categories included automotive, which gained 11.8%
for the year, and insurance and real estate, which grew by 9.2%.
Media and advertising, retail and financial services all posted declines in outdoor advertising spending in 2007 (0.3%, 4.7% and 3% respectively).