To the editor:
We were disappointed to see a negative angle taken in your recent coverage (Is Times Square Leaking? BroadsheetDAILY October 30), and want to thank you for the opportunity to properly introduce ourselves. Ballyhoo Media has had its boat in the Hudson for the last few weeks, advertising some of the hottest entertainment properties, beloved by New Yorkers.
The NYC waterways, as you know, are no stranger to outdoor advertising. In fact, the NY Waterway ferries have been wrapped with ads for years. So, while Ballyhoo Media is a new addition to these waters, it certainly isn’t alone.
But we didn’t come to NYC from Miami to simply offer a palette for ads. While we began our first few weeks with static visuals, the goal is to be even bigger and bolder. Our platform has the unique ability to generate energy, excitement and cohesion.
Whether it is a showcase for art, a sporting event (see World Cup activation link below), movie or concert, we will be using the boat to add value to the waterways, not take away from it. In fact, just as we do in Miami, we are working closely with Surfrider Foundation, an organization that protects the environment and the world’s waterways. Together we will share important eco-friendly messages to raise awareness of keeping plastic out of the water. (And hopefully your readers also saw our message for Pittsburgh).
We are excited to be here. And we think you will like what we have in store for the Big Apple.
Sincerely,
Adam Shapiro, CEO & President Ballyhoo Media
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To the editor:
I’ve heard that some of your readers are a bit confused about freedom of speech. The government regulates commercial speech literally every second of every day, in every commercial you see, every print ad, every billboard you pass, every political ad you see, etc.
And in fact, things also get banned for being eyesores every day. If you don’t believe me, try painting your house neon pink and find out how quickly you’ll hear from the city. The law usually differentiates between things you can choose not to see (like publications) and things you can’t avoid seeing (like billboards).
Yes, I believe there is sometimes overreach on these things, which is why communities get together to set standards. I personally don’t want to see these crappy annoying billboards in the river, because I’d rather BPC not look like Blade Runner. I assume the community will decide at some point. (And I assume these billboards will be deep-sixed.)
J. Winters
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To the editor:
In support of the issues raised in “Is Times Square Leaking” (October 30) and the Letter to the Editor by Rob Barna (November 1), I wish to offer that there is an international movement, based in science, that addresses the negative affects of being confronted with “light pollution.” Light displays are particularly harmful to the environment and human health: Go to http://darksky.org/light-pollution/
Judy Isacoff
To the editor,
In my opinion your article did not provide the usual balance of either opinion and facts that Broadsheet gives to its articles. And I would like to present some of the reasons why the barges should not (or cannot) be eliminated.
I will start by saying that I have no interests whatsoever in the floating ads, and while I have seen them I dislike them thoroughly. However my feelings are beside the point.
Some thoughts to consider:
1. Freedom of speech should always be sacrosanct, even for commercial ads so long as they do not either cause personal or property injury, incite riots, have safety issues, or health related problems. Because we dislike something, that should not be sufficient reason to try to ban something. Other than being an eyesore, there are no real reasons to ban the barges. We stop this and it is a very slippery slope toward regulating printing/publications of many kinds.
2. The law as a fact.
New York City cannot regulate traffic on the water beyond its shores, and New York State cannot either beyond the State Line that runs through the middle of the Hudson River. The barges leave from NJ and perhaps NJ could stop them from dockage, but certainly it is beyond the ability of our State or City to regulate this.
3. Precedents.
a. What is the difference between ads on the River and airplanes flying advertising banners? What about boats/ships that have ads or promotions on their hulls?
b. For that matter what about the 4th of July shutdown of the river. It is a significant air and sound, and overall environmental polluter. Is it ok to allow it for patriotism but not for commerce?
I do believe that there is a lot in this subject that should be thoughtfully considered before we jump into the waters of censorship.
Henry Parsons
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To the editor,
re: Is Times Square Leaking?
(BroadsheetDAILY October 29)
 |
 |
Thank you for publishing this article.
While I work in midtown on weekdays and thus have not seen such an abomination, I would clearly be offended if I did.
I have lived in Gateway Plaza in Battery Park City for 14 years. My apartment overlooks the North Cove Marina. During a period of one week approximately 30 days ago, Brookfield Place installed a similar abomination on the side of the building which houses PJ Clarkes. This included obnoxious displays projected on the entire face of the building and strobe lights that flashed directly into my apartment. Hopefully this is similarly unlawful!
Rob Barna
I’ve heard that some of your readers are a bit confused about freedom of speech. The govt regulates commercial speech literally every second of every day, in every commercial you see, every print ad, every billboard you pass, every political ad you see, etc.
And in fact things also get banned for being eyesores every day. If you don’t believe me, try painting your house neon pink and find out how quickly you’ll hear from the city. The law usually differentiates between things you can choose not to see (like publications) and things you can’t avoid seeing (like billboards).
Yes, I believe there is sometimes overreach on these things, which is why communities get together to set standards. I personally don’t want to see these crappy annoying billboards in the river, because I’d rather BPC not look like Blade Runner. I assume the community will decide at some point. (And I assume these billboards will be deep-sixed.)