What is a Public Service Announcement? Notes

Purpose PSAs are broadcasts in the public interest. PSAs are broadcasts in the public interest. They are educational messages designed to focus the public on serious issues. They are educational messages designed to focus the public on serious issues. PSAs are non-commercial, non- denominational, and non-political. PSAs are non-commercial, non- denominational, and non-political. They may be used to convey general information, announce a public event, or seek new resources or clients. They may be used to convey general information, announce a public event, or seek new resources or clients.

Where are PSAs found? PSAs are aired on television and radio and printed in newspapers and magazines. PSAs are aired on television and radio and printed in newspapers and magazines.

How are PSAs beneficial? PSAs are intended to modify public attitudes by raising awareness of specific issues. PSAs are intended to modify public attitudes by raising awareness of specific issues. The most common topics of PSAs are health and safety. 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. 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? Often, a charitable organization enlists celebrities for support (e.g. Michael J. Fox- Parkinson’s Disease) 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) 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. The military produces PSAs to recruit enlistees.

PSAs: Past and Present PSAs came into being during World War II. Radio broadcasters and advertising agencies offered their skills to promote unity at home. 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. 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. Today, the Advertising Council (Ad Council) is the facilitating agency and clearing house for nationwide PSA campaigns.