Billboard is an American music and entertainment magazine owned by Penske Media Corporation. Originally founded in 1894 by William Donaldson and James Hennegan, it covered the advertising and bill-posting industry. Over time, Billboard expanded into the music industry.
The magazine provides music charts, news, video, opinion, reviews, events and information related to the music industry. Billboard also hosts interviews and publishes the successful artists featured on its cover each week.
Originally, billboards, posters and paper advertisements placed in public spaces were the primary means of advertising. The first Billboard issue was published in Cincinnati, Ohio in November 1894. The company has diversified over time. In addition to the magazine, Billboard now runs the Billboard Box Office, the Billboard Music Awards, and Billboard Latin Music Awards.
Prometheus Global Media previously owned Billboard. In 2020, Penske Media Corporation acquired Billboard and The Hollywood Reporter from MRC.
Both print and digital magazine subscriptions are sold on their website. Advertising space in the magazine is also sold. Billboard’s charts are powered by Luminate, providing music sales data.
Owning a billboard can generate significant cash flow for companies. Billboard advertising rates vary considerably from around $750 to $14,000+ per month depending on location, format and more. Digital billboards cost approximately $1,200 to over $15,000 monthly. Prime locations can generate over $100,000 per billboard. Small to medium sized billboards earn $300 to $2,000 monthly, while large ones earn $1,500 to $30,000.