Transcript What is a Public Service Announcement?

What is a Public Service
Announcement?
Notes
Purpose
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PSAs are broadcasts in the public
interest.
They are educational messages
designed to focus the public on
serious issues.
PSAs are non-commercial, nondenominational, and non-political.
They may be used to convey general
information, announce a public
event, or seek new resources or
clients.
Where are PSAs found?
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PSAs are aired on television
and radio and printed in
newspapers and magazines.
How are PSAs beneficial?
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PSAs are intended to modify public
attitudes by raising awareness of
specific issues.
The most common topics of PSAs
are health and safety.
A typical PSA is part of a public
awareness campaign to inform or
educate the public about an issue
such as gambling or smoking.
Who Uses PSAs?
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Often, a charitable organization
enlists celebrities for support (e.g.
Michael J. Fox- Parkinson’s Disease)
Some religious groups produce
PSAs on non-religious themes such
as family values (e.g. Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints)
The military produces PSAs to
recruit enlistees.
PSAs: Past and Present
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PSAs came into being during World
War II. Radio broadcasters and
advertising agencies offered their
skills to promote unity at home.
In the U.S., PSAs became effective
with the 1969 campaign against
smoking.
Today, the Advertising Council (Ad
Council) is the facilitating agency
and clearing house for nationwide
PSA campaigns.