I don’t like reading obituaries in the newspaper. I try to skip over the section altogether. Even though death is as unavoidable as taxes, I try to think about it as little as possible. I suppose I’m much like everyone else in this regard.
Given my inclination to avoid thoughts of my life ticking away, I find it hard to support an outdoor advertising company that has chosen to highlight death announcements on its billboards. Thanks to digital out-of-home technology, Clear Channel Outdoor, and an enterprising funeral home manger, death notices are getting the Hollywood treatment.
Care to have your obituary in lights?
John Wild, the General Manger for iles Funeral Home in Des Moines, Iowa, was approached by Clear Channel Outdoor to advertise on the media company’s digital billboards. Instead, Wild decided to use the billboards to let the public know about visitations and funeral services.
“I thought it was forward thinking and innovative,” said Tim Jameson, president of the Des Moines division of Clear Channel Outdoor.
The digital announcements, which have appeared on five billboards around Des Moines for a few months, last about 8 seconds. Announcements can flash the person’s name, picture and service details as well as the funeral home’s Web site.
The announcement rotates with other ads and there is no additional cost to the family.
Koth acknowledged concerns that the billboards could be a distraction, particularly if someone spots the name of a friend or acquaintance without knowing about it beforehand.
But Jameson said he doesn’t think the billboards have been a problem.
“The ad is for people who normally wouldn’t be reached,” he said. “It’s no different that getting a text message or e-mail on your phone while you’re driving down the road that somebody has died.” (via the Eagle Tribune)