ESPN

Over 33 years, ESPN has established itself as the authority on sports coverage around the world with OOH ads that mirror its reputation for innovation. For example, ESPN has covered billboards and bus shelters with synthetic turf similar to what is found on actual football fields. The sports media company was also one of the first brands to embrace digital OOH, providing live score and schedule updates to keep fans in the know while away from the home.

“ESPN, no matter what the medium, has always been a gold standard in advertising,” said Jim Elliott, chief creative officer, Young & Rubicam New York, and this year’s OBIE Chief Judge. “The work is always based on a real, powerful insight based on a truth in sports. The writing is always great, the art direction is always simple, and it’s always a bull’s eye right in the heart of a sports fan.”