Billboard 2019

Seldom do we get a glimpse into the mind of the one orchestrating a publicity stunt, or understand the motivation driving their actions. Inspired by true events, Billboard unveils the story of an inexperienced entrepreneur determined to make his mark in the world of broadcasting.

Casey Lindeweiler, played by John Robinson, unexpectedly finds himself back in Allentown, Pennsylvania, inheriting the struggling AM radio station, WTYT 960, from his father. Upon arriving, he quickly learns that his father had left behind a mountain of debt, and the station is barely staying afloat thanks to a dedicated group of DJs who are passionate about preserving the last independent radio outlet in town.

Faced with dwindling ratings and a desperate need for attention, Casey resorts to one of radio’s oldest tricks: the outrageous contest. He decides to launch a billboard-sitting contest, where four contestants will reside on a catwalk in front of a billboard, competing to see who can last the longest. The grand prize? A mobile home and a staggering “nine-sixty” thousand dollars.

However, as the contest kicks off, WTYT 960 quickly transforms from a local media station to the butt of community jokes. Initially a source of embarrassing fodder, Casey’s scheme unexpectedly ignites interest that reaches beyond the norm, drawing attention from a broader audience, much to the dismay of his competitors. Yet, as the days drag on and Casey realizes the gravity of his contestants’ plight, the fun and games begin to take a toll.

What he had envisioned as a brief event spirals into an exercise in endurance, pushing him to explore the depths of his own resolve to save the station. As challenges mount, including a smear campaign from rival stations and the unpredictable forces of nature, the pressure builds. Public outcry demands that Casey end the contest, forcing him to confront not just his determination, but also the media’s portrayal of him.

With standout performances from Heather Matarazzo, Leo Fitzpatrick, and Oscar nominee Eric Roberts, Billboard presents a captivating tale of a maverick entrepreneur navigating the tumultuous waters of media influence and public perception as he fights to preserve his father’s legacy and the independence of WTYT 960. Will his determination to succeed be enough, or will he ultimately succumb to the mounting pressures around him?