Public Service Announcements

1. Public Service Announcements

2. What is a PSA? Public service announcements (PSA) are typically broadcast or printed free of charge and are created to inform the public about health and safety issues, social causes, nonprofit organizations, community services, or government programs.

3. History of PSAs Soon after the United States entered into World War II, the War Advertising Council was created by a group of advertising and media professionals.

4. The War Advertising Council • The council provided print ads, outdoor signage, and radio messages for campaigns in the U.S., including: • “Loose Lips Sink Ships.” • “Keep ‘em Rolling.” • “Rosie the Riveter.” • “Buy War Bonds.”

5. Post-War Ad Council The “War Advertising Council” became “The Advertising Council.” Campaigns immediately following the war included blood donation, forest fire prevention, and safe driving.

6. Delivery of PSAs • Public service announcements are presented using donated media: • Radio air time. • Television spots. • Print ads. • Internet exposure.

7. Recent Campaigns • “A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste.” • Campaign for college education funding raised billions for the United Negro College Fund. • “Buckle Up.” • Campaign for vehicle safety. • “Just Say No.” • Campaign against drug use. The success led to the creation of Partnership for a Drug-Free America.

8. Recent Campaigns • “Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk.” • Part of the Drunk Driving Prevention campaign which resulted in a marked reduction in alcohol-related fatalities. • “Take a Bite Out of Crime.” • Campaign raising awareness of crime prevention and safety topics. • “I Am an American.” • Campaign emphasizing the diversity in the USA, created after September 11, 2001.

9. Online Resources Ad Council • www.adcouncil.org PSA Research Center • www.psaresearch.com