The Restrictions on Billboard Advertisement

I have lived in New York for the past seventeen years. This is a city where according to a report written by the Executive Office of the President of the US (2), about 9.82 % of all residents regularly use illicit drugs. This is a relatively high number. It is even higher than the national average which is 8.82 %. It is therefore the role of the entire society to identify ways it can combat drug abuse in New York City (2). One way to combat drug abuse is by the use of billboards to create awareness of the detriments of drug abuse and to offer alternatives and solutions. This is the most effective method as bill boards offer a lot of space to meet the needs of any advertiser and are usually located strategically to meet the needs of the bigger population.

Sadly, New York City has restrictions as to where such billboards should be placed. We cannot place bill-boards creating awareness on drug abuse along arterial highways and in certain zoning districts (New York City Law Department 1). This is something that is not considerate to the welfare of the common population or for the economy of the city. Preventing the erection of such billboards comes in the way of many ventures that would otherwise be profitable in the long-run to the state of New York.

The New York City restrictions that prevent the erection of billboards are inappropriate for the current economic times. The New York City should devise measures of taking advantage of the billboards economic value rather than try to eliminate them.  Billboards are a source of income for many, worth billions of dollars (Jonathan 5). They also provide employment opportunities for the city’s residents. The advertising entities on the other hand generate millions of dollars in profits from sales generated from the billboards.

Most importantly as mentioned earlier New York will be able to fight crime and illegal activities by the use of the billboards.  In the case of drug use which has common place in New York billboards can be used to foster education programs among the youth. These programs communicate with the youths about the impact of drug abuse. They could also offer information about where assistance can be sought in desperate situations. Billboards could also be employed to give information on youth programs that are more beneficial to the society.

Prohibiting the use of billboards is tantamount to supporting drug abuse and other illegal activities. The New York City should at least have a provision to allow billboards to be used in certain situations. The fight of drug abuse is one such situation.  By so doing the City will show its interest in fighting drug abuse while at the same time promoting the productiveness of the population.  As shown by a report by the Executive Office of the President of the US (3), drug use prevents the people from being productive.

In conclusion, the city of New York’s prohibition of billboard advertisements is absurd for the fight against drug abuse. There is an urgent need to allow the advertisement against drug abuse. This will help not only to end drug abuse, but also to incur revenue for the council, eliminate poverty and promote various industries. There are no sufficient reasons to oppose this form of advertising. In its place is the urgent need to eliminate drug abuse and promote various aspects of the city’s economy.

Works Cited

Executive Office of the President of the US. New York Drug Control Update. 2013: 1-8

New York City Law Department: Office Of The Corporation Counsel. City Regulation of Outdoor Advertising Deemed Constitutional. 2009: 1-2

Snyder, Jonathan. Beyond Aesthetics: How Billboards Affect Economic Prosperity. 2011: 1-16