Showing papers on "Plurality opinion published in 1982"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that the decision will have substantial market effects quite unrelated to free-speech issues and that the prohibition of off-site signs will make it more difficult for entrant firms to compete with established firms and roadside locations.
Abstract: The Supreme Court, in Metromedia, Inc. v. City of San Diego, ruled on a billboard regulation prohibiting all outdoor advertising signs except those advertising goods or services available at a sign's location. The Court's plurality and two other justices concurring in the decision ruled that the ordinance was unconstitutional. But the plurality opinion permits regulations that eliminate off-premise signs as long as noncommercial on-site signs are allowed. This essay argues that the Court's decision will have substantial market effects quite unrelated to free-speech issues. Off-site sign owners, as compared with on-site owners, may confront substantial free-rider problems in capturing the value of their signs. Furthermore, the prohibition of off-site signs will make it more difficult for entrant firms to compete with established firms and roadside locations. The decision's effect is thus to create barriers to entry.
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