Big screen adverts get a break

Cricket fans watched the big screen during this year's World Cup. Picture: GARY SISSONS

COMMERCIAL advertising is set to hit Dandenong Civic Square’s big screen.
Greater Dandenong councillors approved a report on Monday last week for the big screen to feature advertisements for up to 5 per cent of the time – or 24 minutes a day – during business hours.
Under the policy, content can’t be derogatory, discriminatory or offensive and must be suitable for a general audience.
The council will charge up to $2000 a month for six to eight daily screenings, but offer free advertising for what it considers top be community services.
The report suggested the council could use the revenue to develop its own video content library.
The 32 square metre screen has been airing content 24/7 for a “sense of movement and activity as well as light during the night hours” since the square’s opening in March 2014.
Content has included free-to-air news, sport events and weather, council-made programs, arts, and promotion of upcoming events.