San Jose touts digital billboards as revenue boost, but opponents fear visual blight

DOWNTOWN SAN JOSE’S most recognizable landmarks could soon be home to an array of digital billboards for the next 20 years.

The councilmembers are expected to approve new contracts with digital billboard advertising company Orange Barrel Media on Tuesday. The city would receive 15% of the advertising time and Orange Barrel Media would be responsible for upkeep and operational costs. The billboards are projected to bring San Jose tens of millions of dollars, but an opposing group of residents say the potential benefits aren’t worth the visual blight and reputational damage to downtown. If approved, illumination of the signs would be prohibited between midnight and 6 a.m.