What is a Public Service Announcement Notes Purpose

What is a Public Service Announcement? Notes

Purpose n n 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? n PSAs are aired on television and radio and printed in newspapers and magazines.

How are PSAs beneficial? n n n 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? n n n 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 n n n 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.