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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1



                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement of
Lamar Advertising Company on Form S-8 (File No. 333-10337) of our report dated
October 17, 1997 on our audit of the National Advertising Company -- Lamar
Acquisition statement of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of August
14, 1997 and the related statement of revenues and expenses for the years ended
December 31, 1996 and 1995, which report is included in this Current Report on
Form 8-K/A dated October 27, 1997.




                                         /s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.



Chicago, Illinois
October 27, 1997