Ad Council News/Press Releases

Americans for the Arts, Ad Council and NAMM Foundation Launch New Print PSAs Encouraging Parents to "Feed Your Kids" the Arts

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:53:19 GMT

New print PSAs emphasize the importance of the arts and arts education

In an effort to promote the need for more music and arts education opportunities for children the Ad Council has teamed up with Americans for the Arts and the NAMM Foundation to announce the launch of new newspaper and magazine public service advertisements (PSAs) from The Arts. Ask for More. campaign. The PSAs are an extension of an ongoing national PSA campaign launched in 2001 and designed to increase parental involvement in championing music and arts education both in and out of school, including through community programs. The national multimedia public service advertising campaign targets parents and caregivers of children pre-K to 8th grade.

The benefits of an arts education are well-documented and far-reaching, but many children simply don't get enough on a regular basis. According to a 2005 Harris Poll, 40 percent of parents say they do not know how to get involved with encouraging arts education for their children, and 62 percent of parents today still believe that other people or organizations are better suited to take action towards increasing their children's involvement in arts education.

Studies show that kids actively engaged in music and arts education are likely to have higher SAT scores than those with little to no arts involvement. Further research indicates that the arts:

Allow kids to express themselves creatively and bolster their self-confidence;

Teach kids to be more tolerant and open;

Improve kids' overall academic performance;

Keep students engaged in school and less likely to drop out.

The new print PSAs, created pro bono by Leo Burnett, emphasize the benefits of the arts and arts education. In the campaign ads, the arts and arts education are equated with a healthy diet. Just as kids need to have good nutrition on a daily basis, kids also need to have their daily serving of the arts. Parents are encouraged to "feed your kids the arts." The campaign also stresses that some art is not enough and reinforces this with the tagline: The Arts. Ask for More.

"Our partnership with Americans for the Arts has encouraged parents and children to experience and participate in all forms of the arts during the last eight years," said Peggy Conlon, President and CEO of the Advertising Council. "These new PSAs will continue to communicate the important role parents play in encouraging arts education and the many benefits in children's lives."

The PSAs direct parents to visit www.AmericansForTheArts.org where they will find 10 simple ways on how to include the arts in their children's lives, including registering their children for school and community programs, reinforcing the benefits of the arts in their conversations, and communicating the importance of arts education with teachers, principals and elected officials. All creative ads for the campaign are available for viewing on the websites of both Americans for the Arts (www.AmericansForTheArts.org/public_awareness) and the Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org).

"We believe that a child's education is not complete unless it includes the arts. Americans for the Arts works to ensure that the arts are a proven integral part of every child's development, preparing them for school, work, and life. Parents are key to making this happen. This PSA campaign gives parents the tips and tools for providing more arts education opportunities for their children in both school and their communities," said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts.

"We hear from parents and community members from all over the country that there is great concern about narrowing the school curriculum for children in school, " said Mary Luehrsen, executive director of the NAMM Foundation. "Parents want their kids involved in music and the arts as part of a complete education and this campaign encourages community engagement to achieve the best for kids - both now and in the future."

The Arts Education campaign has more than 350 grassroots partners in all 50 states and major media markets, featuring localized television advertisements, as well as localizable radio and print advertisements. Per the Ad Council's model, all of the PSAs will run in advertising space that is entirely donated by the media.

Leo Burnett USA (www.leoburnett.com)
Leo Burnett USA helps build many of the world's most valuable brands, including McDonald's, Disney, P&G, Kellogg and Nintendo. As the most awarded agency at the Effie Awards for five straight years, Leo Burnett USA is the "Most Effective Agency in America." Leo Burnett holds people at the center of its strategic thinking, technological innovation and creative ideas, focusing first and foremost on human behavior before attempting to tell a brand's story. The country's second largest agency brand, as ranked by Advertising Age, Leo Burnett USA is the flagship of Leo Burnett Worldwide, a global network of over 200 operating units, including a variety of specialty marketing services and over 90 full-service advertising agencies in 82 countries.

Americans for the Arts
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Americans for the Arts is the leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts in America. With offices in Washington, DC, and New York City, Americans for the Arts is dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts. Visit us online at www.AmericansForTheArts.org.

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

The NAMM Foundation (www.nammfoundation.org)
The NAMM Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs from the international music products industry. NAMM is an official partner and sponsor of the campaign.

Contacts:
AFTA
Liz Bartolomeo
press@artsusa.org
202-371-2830

Ad Council Press Office
news@adcouncil.org
212-984-1964

President Bill Clinton and President George W. Bush Launch Television PSA to Encourage Continued Support for the Haiti Earthquake Victims

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 11:44:38 GMT

PSA Encourages all Americans to donate to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund

NEW YORK and WASHINGTON, D.C., February 24, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -�In an effort to continue to encourage Americans to support the relief efforts in Haiti, Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush appear in a new television PSA released by the Ad Council today. In the new spot, the Presidents acknowledge the generosity of Americans following the tragedy and communicate the immediate and long-term needs in Haiti. Viewers are directed to donate to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund (CBHF), which will help those who are most in need of food, water, shelter, medical care and support.

In the aftermath of the earthquake, President Obama asked Presidents Clinton and Bush to help raise funds for the immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts in Haiti. As a result, the two Presidents established CBHF to respond to unmet needs in the country, foster economic opportunity, improve the quality of life over the long-term for those affected, and assist the people of Haiti as they rebuild their lives and "build back better." To date, CBHF has received more than 200,000 contributions.

The TV spot directs viewers to visit�www.ClintonBushHaitiFund.org�where they can donate to CBHF through a secure online donation page. Americans can also donate by text messaging the word "QUAKE" to 20222, which will charge $10 to their cell phone bill. The PSA is available in :15, :30 and :60 formats and was filmed on February 4, 2010.

"In the month following the earthquake, the outpouring of donations from generous individuals all over the world has enabled organizations on the ground in Haiti to deliver much needed supplies and save countless lives," President Clinton said. "But the road to recovery in Haiti has just begun, and the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund will continue to work with organizations and the people of Haiti to build back better. We hope this PSA will encourage people to give, not just today, but over the months and years to come."

"President Clinton and I are grateful to all those who have made donations, large and small, to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund," President Bush said. "In the months and years ahead, we will work hard to spend the money on sound rebuilding plans that will ensure a better future for the Haitian people. We believe this PSA will encourage Americans to continue to give what they can."

The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund is working with and supporting the efforts of reputable 501(c)(3) non-governmental and non-profit organizations, and Presidents Clinton and Bush oversee the CBHF through their respective nonprofit organizations, the William J. Clinton Foundation and Communities Foundation of Texas. One hundred percent of donations made to the Clinton Foundation and the Communities Foundation of Texas go directly to relief efforts.

The Ad Council is distributing the PSA to television stations nationwide. Per the Ad Council's model, the PSA will air in advertising time that is donated by the media.

The Ad Council distributed a television PSA featuring the Presidents shortly after the earthquake to encourage support for CBHF. Additionally, the Ad Council joined with the American Red Cross and First Lady Michelle Obama to launch television and radio PSAs featuring Mrs. Obama in support of the Red Cross' relief efforts. Furthermore, the Ad Council helped produce and distribute PSAs in partnership with Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton following the Tsunami in Southeast Asia in 2004 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

The following companies have donated production and digital distribution services for the new PSA: GSD&M Idea City, 1080, Magno Sound & Video, DG-FastChannel Network and The AdSpot. Furthermore, the National Captioning Institute has donated their closed captioning services.

Additionally, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA) have offered their support by engaging their members and helping with PSA distribution.

For more information about CBHF, visit�www.ClintonBushHaitiFund.org, become a fan on Facebook at�www.facebook.com/clintonbushhaitifund�or follow the Fund on Twitter at�http://twitter.com/cbhaitifund.

The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization with a rich history of marshalling volunteer efforts from the advertising and media industries to deliver critical messages to the American public.

Media Contact:>/b>
Ad Council Press Office
212-984-1964
news@adcouncil.org

Legacy and the Ad Council Team Up to Help Smokers "Re-Learn Life Without Cigarettes"

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 11:28:50 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y., February 24, 2010 /PRNewswire/ - Tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable death in the United States and a staggering six million people worldwide will lose their lives to tobacco next year. Today, LegacySM and the Ad Council have partnered to help smokers "re-learn" life without cigarettes with EX�, a national quit smoking campaign sponsored by the National Alliance for Tobacco Cessation (NATC), in order to help the 43 million Americans who smoke to finally quit. The campaign is being unveiled this morning in conjunction with New York State's recently renewed membership to the NATC.
"We are delighted to be one of a number of organizations in several states and at the national level in this timely effort to focus on reducing smoking rates in New York and across the country," said Commissioner Richard F. Daines.
The partnership will begin airing this month and uses a number of approaches to engage smokers through different mediums and venues including television and radio spots, poster placement, giveaways and social media.
"This year, there have been several historic changes in public policy related to tobacco prevention and cessation. From the passage of the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act increasing the Federal excise tax on tobacco to the Family Smoking Prevention and Control Act securing authority for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to regulate tobacco. The movement to reduce the number of smokers in America is evolving," said Cheryl G. Healton, DrPH, President and CEO of Legacy. "What has yet to change are the financial resources available to help smokers quit, so we have had to become even more creative with our public education strategy and are confident that our PSA partnership with the Ad Council will effectively supplement our traditional paid media efforts in this campaign."
Quitting smoking is one of the most difficult and important lifestyle changes a person can make. Seventy percent of smokers in America want to quit, but in 2000, only about five percent of smokers were successful in quitting long-term. Therefore, it is essential that smokers have access to all the necessary tools and resources to not only help them take the steps towards quitting, but to ultimately help them quit for good.
"EX is a wonderful campaign that provides smokers with the motivation, resources and peer-to-peer support that will give them the best chance for success in quitting," said Peggy Conlon, President and CEO of the Ad Council. "We are proud to join Legacy, and leverage our pro bono resources, to help further the reach and impact of this life-saving effort."
With the help of clinical partner Mayo Clinic, EX provides evidence-based tools to help smokers quit, including information that can help them prepare for a quit attempt by 1) "Re-learning" their thinking on the behavioral aspects of smoking and how different smoking triggers can be overcome with practice and preparation; 2) "Re-learning" their knowledge of addiction and how medications can increase their chances for quitting success; and 3) "Re-learning" their ideas of how support from friends and family members can play a critical role in quitting.
EX uses an innovative Web site (www.BecomeAnEX.org) as a convening point for smokers who want to quit and collaborate on their successes and challenges in the difficult quit process. The new public service elements from Legacy and the Ad Council partnership will enhance and supplement the current campaign which includes an iPhone application that helps smokers quit on the go and will be available through iTunes this March. The public service ads were created by GSD&M Idea City and will run and air in donated advertising time and space.
"This latest round of EX creative work gets to the heart of helping people save their own lives," said Duff Stewart, president and CEO of GSD&M Idea City. "Our partnership with Legacy is a great example of what we like to do best -- make a difference."
PARTNERSHIP ELEMENTS

Friends and Forklift TV PSA Spots

The goal of these spots is to make smokers think about the triggers that make them want to smoke. The PSA's tell smokers that re-learning those behaviors without cigarettes will make it easier to quit. In the spots, the characters struggle to re-learn the triggers without cigarettes and are ultimately successful. The spots empathize with smokers and give them a sense of hope that, while the quitting process is never easy, it's much more manageable with the right approach.
Man on the Street Radio PSA Spots

The spot sends a regular guy out to talk to real smokers about what makes them smoke. Based on the unscripted insights, the man on the street helps the smokers discover what it will take to re-learn life without cigarettes.
Posters

To make bar and restaurant smokers aware of their habits, the campaign is filling bathroom posters with bad pick-up lines, highlighting an important insight: Bad pick-up lines can make you want to smoke. In gyms, the partnership reaches smokers in a different way, by using type to convey the emotion of triggers. For example, one poster is filled with the words "tick, tock," ultimately driving smokers to BecomeAnEX.org to re-learn boredom without cigarettes.
Air Fresheners

EX-branded car air fresheners will help giver smokers looking to quit a fresh start when they re-learn driving without cigarettes.
In 2006-07, Legacy, the national public health foundation best known for its truth� youth-smoking prevention campaign pilot tested EX in four markets throughout the country: Buffalo, N.Y.; San Antonio, Texas; Grand Rapids, Mich.; and Baltimore, Md. A new study released in the September 2009 issue of Social Marketing Quarterly found that EX was a trusted and empathetic brand and that smokers who were thinking more about quitting or were more motivated to quit were significantly more receptive to the EX brand than those who had not yet reached that point in their quit process. As a result of the successful pilot program, in 2007, Legacy brought together several national organizations and several states to form the NATC and launch EX nationally. The NATC is a group of states, non-profit organizations, foundations and corporations, all dedicated to helping people quit smoking.
Founding members of the NATC include:

The American Cancer Society

The American Heart Association

National Cancer Institute

C-Change

Legacy

Mayo Clinic

The Rapides Foundation

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

The Association of State and Health Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO)

Arkansas Department of Health

Arizona Department of Health Services Bureau of Tobacco Education and Prevention

Connecticut Department of Public Health

D.C. Tobacco Free Families, a partnership of D.C. Department of Health, American Lung Association of D.C., and the American Cancer Society

Indiana Tobacco Prevention and Cessation

Kentucky Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Program

The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living

Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Bureau of Primary Care and Rural Health Tobacco Control Program

Missouri Foundation for Health

New York Department of Health

North Carolina Division of Public Health

North Dakota Department of Health Division of Tobacco Prevention & Control

Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Center for Health Promotions

Oregon Public Health Division Department of Human Services Tobacco Prevention and Education Program

Rhode Island Department of Health

Vermont Department of Health

Washington State Department of Health Tobacco Prevention and Control Program

Wyoming Department of Health

EX�

EX� is a collaborative public health campaign presented by the National Alliance for Tobacco Cessation, a partnership of the nation's leading public health organizations and states. The campaign helps smokers prepare to quit and guides them to useful resources that foster successful quit attempts including theEX plan, a free personalized quit plan available on the campaign's Web site www.BecomeAnEX.org. EX is the culmination of several years of research and testing, combining an understanding of the power of nicotine addiction with messages that resonate with and motivate smokers toward behavior change. TheEX approach is peer to peer and focuses on "re-learning life without cigarettes" by encouraging smokers to think differently about the process of quitting. The campaign, which began airing nationwide in March 2008, includes television, radio, online and out-of-home advertising. The EX Web site helps smokers create their own individual plan to quit and connects them to a virtual community of other smokers where they can share stories and strategies about quitting. Founding members of the NATC include numerous states and the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, the National Cancer Institute, the American Legacy Foundation, C-Change, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) and clinical partner, the Mayo Clinic.
The Advertising Council

The Ad Council (www.AdCouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote national public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and federal government agencies. The Ad Council's campaigns focus on improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.
CONTACT:
Julia Cartwright
202-454-5596
jcartwright@legacyforhealth.org

Ellyn Fisher
212-984-1964
efisher@adcouncil.org

Visit the campaign page

SAMHSA and Ad Council to Launch Mental Health Campaign for the African American Community

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 13:01:11 GMT
PSAs debut at Howard University and Colleges and Universities Nationwide as part of First Annual HBCU National Mental Health Awareness Day
Washington, D.C., February 23, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -�The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), working in collaboration with the Ad Council and the Stay Strong Foundation, announced today the launch of a national public service advertising (PSA) campaign designed to raise awareness of mental health problems among young adults in the African American community. The new PSAs were unveiled at a Black History Month event at Howard University this morning to coincide with the first annual HBCU National Mental Health Awareness Day. The launch was telecast to colleges and universities nationwide.

Mental illnesses, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, are widespread in the U.S. and often misunderstood. According to SAMHSA, in 2008 there were an estimated 9.8 million adults aged 18 or older living with serious mental illness. Among adults, the prevalence of serious mental illness is highest in the 18 to 25 age group, yet this age group is also the least likely to receive services or counseling. In 2008, 6.0 percent of African Americans ages 18-25 had serious mental illness in the past year. Overall, only 58.7 percent of Americans with serious mental illness received care within the past 12 months and the percentage of African Americans receiving services is only 44.8 percent.

"Raising understanding and attention to these issues within the African American community will provide greater opportunities for those needing help to receive effective mental health services," said Kathryn A. Power, Director of SAMHSA's Center for Mental Health Services.

Created�pro bono�by Grey New York through the Ad Council, the campaign aims to promote acceptance of mental health problems within the African American community by encouraging, educating and inspiring young adults to step up and talk openly about mental health problems. The television, radio, print and Web ads feature real personal stories of African Americans dealing with mental health problems, and they aim to engage those in the community to support young adults who need help. The PSAs direct audiences to visit a new website, www.storiesthatheal.samhsa.gov, where they can learn more about mental health problems and how to get involved.

"According to our research and the leading mental health experts, young adults with mental health problems are more likely to seek help if social acceptance is broadened and they receive support and services early on," said Peggy Conlon, president & CEO of the Ad Council. "We are proud to continue our partnership with SAMHSA to address these issues in the African American community and help create the necessary societal change that will decrease the negative attitudes that surround mental illness, and ultimately inspire those who want help to get it."

Terrie M. Williams, MSW, co-founder of The Stay Strong Foundation, collaborated on the development of the Web videos and PSA materials and serves as a campaign spokesperson. The Stay Strong Foundation works to support, educate and inspire African American youth through a series of programs and events that are designed to raise awareness of teen issues, promote the personal well-being of young people and enhance their educational and professional development.

"It is the work of the Stay Strong Foundation and my personal mission to educate everyone, and in particular the African American community, about depression and its impact on our communities," said Williams. "Every day so many of us wear the "mask" of wellness that hides our pain from the world. Now is the time to identify and name our pain-minus the myths and the stigmas-and seek the help so many of us need."

SAMHSA's Campaign for Mental Health Recovery partners include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institute of Mental Health, state mental health agencies, leading researchers on stigma and a broad coalition of stakeholders, including organizations that represent provider organizations and consumer and family member groups. The Campaign held a series of regional meetings to develop a grassroots network to support the Campaign and provide assistance with anti-stigma efforts to states and local communities.

A resource guide entitled, "Developing a Stigma Reduction Initiative," is also a part of the campaign and is based on the evaluation and lessons learned from the Elimination of Barriers Initiative. The guide provides information on how to mount a statewide anti-stigma campaign, examples of outreach materials, reports on the best practices for stigma reduction, and lists important resources for technical assistance. Copies of the guide can be downloaded at www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publication/allpubs/sma06-4176�or by calling SAMHSA's Health Information Network at 1-877-SAMHSA7. SAMHSA also maintains a national technical assistance center called the ADS Center (Resource Center to Promote Acceptance, Dignity, and Social Inclusion) to help States, communities, and individuals get the necessary information and resources to counter misperceptions, prejudice and discrimination associated with mental illnesses. The ADS Center can be accessed by calling 1-800-540-0320 or visiting www.promoteacceptance.samhsa.gov.

"In general, mental health problems are difficult to talk about," said Rob Baiocco, EVP/Executive Creative Director and managing partner of Grey New York. "But the second someone opens up and tells their specific personal story you instantly realize what they are dealing with. It's such an immediate, intuitive and emotional understanding. And from that understanding comes the healing."

Historically Black Colleges and Universities' Center for Excellence in Substance Abuse and Mental Health at Morehouse School of Medicine, a grant funded through (SAMHSA), created National HBCU Mental Health Awareness Day. The HBCU Mental Health Awareness Day is the first national effort to promote behavioral health on HBCUs. The all-day event is being co-hosted by three additional HBCU institutions, Howard, Elizabeth City State University and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. The purpose is to increase public knowledge and student awareness about mental health issues and to foster a more supportive and informed environment on HBCU campuses and in the community. For more information, visit�www.hbcucfe.net.

The Ad Council and SAMHSA first launched the Campaign for Mental Health Recovery nationwide in December 2006. Additional public service efforts designed to reach Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans and Native Americans will also be launched this spring. To view the ads, please visit�www.adcouncil.org. The PSAs will air in advertising time that will be entirely donated by the media.

SAMHSA is a public health agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The agency is responsible for improving the accountability, capacity and effectiveness of the nation's substance abuse prevention, addictions, treatment and mental health services delivery system.�SAMHSA can be reached at�www.samhsa.gov.

The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies. The Ad Council addresses issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

The Stay Strong Foundation (SSF) is a 501(c)(3) organization founded by Terrie M. Williams and Xavier Artis in 2001 to empower America's youth. The Foundation encourages corporate and individual responsibility; develops educational resources for youth and youth organizations; provides and coordinates internships; sets up mentoring opportunities; and facilitates visits by prominent individuals and business professionals to schools, libraries, youth organizations and group homes.

Media Contacts:
SAMHSA Press Office
240-276-2130

Ad Council Press Office
212-984-1964
news@adcouncil.org

Learn more about the campaign

New Public Service Ads are part of the First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! Initiative to Combat Childhood Obesity

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:21:14 GMT

PSAs Featuring Scholastic Media's Maya & Miguel and Warner Bros.' Looney Tunes' Legendary Characters, along with Top Athletes, Encourage Children to Play Every Day

WASHINGTON, D.C., February 9, 2010 - As part of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative, she has partnered with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Ad Council today to launch a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs) designed to address childhood obesity.

Earlier today, the First Lady Michelle Obama kicked off the national campaign Let's Move!, building on effective strategies at all levels and in all sectors, to engage families and communities and mobilize both public and private sector resources to solve the childhood obesity challenge within one generation.

Created pro bono by Warner Bros. Consumer Products and Scholastic Media, the PSAs leverage the fun aspects and family appeal of each partner's characters to reach children with important messages about being healthy.

One series of ads features the Looney Tunes characters as they are paired up with professional athletes to deliver an active lifestyle message that tells kids you don't have to be a pro to "Be A Player." The Looney Tunes' beloved characters appear alongside New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant. These ads were developed in collaboration with the NFL PLAY 60 and NBA FIT initiatives. In addition, pro skateboarder Tony Hawk and Olympic Gold Medalist Misty May-Treanor are featured in PSAs aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle and increasing physical fitness for kids.

Another series of PSAs guided by the creative expertise of ad agency Casanova Pendrill, features Maya & Miguel (commonly seen on PBS KIDS GO!) and encourages children to the "Take the Maya & Miguel Challenge" as a way to get more physically active and eat healthy. The Maya & Miguel materials produced by Scholastic were created in both English and Spanish to leverage the characters' strong appeal to all Hispanic families, as well as general audiences.

"We are delighted to join Michelle Obama and the Department of Health & Human Services in their efforts to encourage children throughout the country to lead healthier lifestyles," said Peggy Conlon, president and CEO of the Ad Council. "These new PSAs are a wonderful extension of our ongoing campaign, and Mrs. Obama's new Let's Move! initiative, and I believe children will be encouraged by the characters and athletes that they admire, and ultimately, motivated to get healthy."

According to HHS' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the percentage of young people who are overweight has more than tripled since 1980, with more than 9 million school age children over the age of 6 in the U.S. considered overweight. In addition to the psychological and social issues of stigmatization, overweight children are at far greater risk of growing into adults who have cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and other chronic diseases that may reduce the length and quality of their lives. A CDC report found that the health cost of obesity in the U.S. is as high as $147 billion annually.

The full PSA campaign will be distributed to media outlets nationwide in March. The PSAs are an extension of HHS' and the Ad Council's "Get Up and Play" campaign. The TV, radio, print, outdoor and Web PSAs encourage children to participate in activities that they enjoy in an effort to be more physically active. The overall campaign reminds kids and their families that playing an hour each day is an important part of being healthy and demonstrates the fun they can have doing it. Each series of PSAs directs audiences to the First Lady's new website www.letsmove.gov, where they will find links to the HHS and Ad Council-sponsored www.SmallStep.gov, a fun interactive destination that provides helpful information on healthy eating and physical activity.

"We are honored that the Looney Tunes characters are supporting Michelle Obama, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Ad Council in this campaign to combat the problem of childhood obesity in the United States," said Brad Globe, president, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. "Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Tweety and Taz uniquely deliver this important message in an entertaining way, and are the perfect ambassadors of fun and active lifestyles for families across the country."

The PSAs are a continuation of the Ad Council and HHS' successful Childhood Obesity Prevention campaign that first launched in 2005 and the Ad Council's Coalition for Healthy Children initiative, which encourages marketers and the media to adopt consistent healthy lifestyle messages. Previous PSAs for the campaign and Coalition have featured characters from DreamWorks' Shrek, Warner Bros. Pictures' Where the Wild Things Are film, NFL players, LPGA athletes and U.S. Olympic Gold Medalists. The NFL, NBA, Warner Bros. Entertainment and Scholastic are each participants in the Ad Council's Coalition.

Per the Ad Council's model, all of the new PSAs will run and air in advertising time and space that is donated by the media. To date, the Childhood Obesity Prevention campaign has received more than $179 million in donated media support and more than 1 in every 3 children between the ages of 6 to 12 yrs. has reported recognizing the campaign. Furthermore, in 2009, children said they cared more about getting enough physical activity than they did prior to launching the campaign's first round of PSAs in 2005 (68 percent in 2009 vs. 55 percent in 2005).

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
The Department of Health and Human Services is the United States government's principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves. The department includes more than 300 programs, covering a wide spectrum of activities, including medical and social science research, preventing outbreak of infectious disease, including immunization services, assuring food and drug safety, welfare, and Medicare and Medicaid.

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies. The Ad Council addresses issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

The goal of the Ad Council's Coalition for Healthy Children is to help address the obesity crisis that confronts our nation and its children. Its mission is to provide clear, consistent, research-based messages to children and parents on the importance of practicing a healthier lifestyle and offer them the means to do it. This can be achieved by harnessing the combined strengths of marketers, media companies, non-profit groups and government agencies. The Coalition's members have made a commitment to the promotion of healthy living to our nation's families and have agreed to incorporate the Coalition's messages into their own communications programs. For more information about the Coalition, please visit www.HealthyChildrenCoalition.org.

LOONEY TUNES and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and � Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
(s09)

Contacts:
The Ad Council
212-984-1964
news@adcouncil.org

HHS Press Office
202-690-6343

CDC, Arthritis Foundation Issue Call to Action to Reduce Growing Burden of Osteoarthritis

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 09:36:30 GMT

National Public Awareness Campaign with Arthritis Foundation and Ad Council to Communicate that "Moving is the Best Medicine"

Washington, DC --The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Arthritis Foundation today announced a major initiative to dramatically reduce the impact of osteoarthritis on Americans. In conjunction with the announcement, the Arthritis Foundation and the Ad Council are unveiling a national public awareness campaign today in response to the recommendations outlined in the action plan, A National Public Health Agenda for Osteoarthritis.

Already the nation's most common cause of disability, the impact of arthritis is slated to increase in the decades to come. One in five adults in the United States (46 million people) has arthritis and an estimated 67 million people will be affected by 2030.

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is a serious and painful joint disease that currently affects nearly 27 million people in the United States and costs an estimated $5,700 annually per person living with the disease. With the combination of inactivity, obesity, injury and the aging of Americans, the rising prevalence of osteoarthritis is expected to escalate the severe health and economic effects of this disease.

"Now is the time that we as a nation must invest our resources in the prevention of osteoarthritis," said John H. Klippel, MD, president and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation. "This National Public Health Agenda with the CDC and the new public awareness campaign with the Ad Council will dispel the myth that osteoarthritis is an inevitable part of aging and will call on the nation and individuals to take proven steps to prevent and decrease the pain and disability of arthritis."

A National Public Health Agenda for Osteoarthritis
A National Public Health Agenda for Osteoarthritis is the first comprehensive national action plan that calls on health care providers, insurers, policymakers, public health agencies and the public to collectively take the steps necessary to reduce the burden of osteoarthritis. The blueprint includes four intervention strategies including:
o Self-management Education
o Physical Activity
o Injury Prevention
o Weight Management

The Agenda is the result of an 18-month effort by the CDC and the Arthritis Foundation that included the development of two working groups, one focusing on research interventions and the other on policy/communications efforts, and a major summit that brought together more than 75 stakeholders to determine the best strategies for reducing the impact of osteoarthritis.

"This important report will help the public health community speak with a unified voice and focus our collective efforts on actions that we know will make a difference in the lives of people suffering from osteoarthritis," said Dr. Ursula Bauer, director of CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.

Fight Arthritis Pain Campaign
One recommended strategy and the first step is the launch of a national awareness campaign. The new multimedia public service advertising campaign launched today by the Arthritis Foundation, the Ad Council and the American College of Rheumatology aims to empower people with (or at risk for) osteoarthritis to take simple steps to reduce pain, increase their mobility and help prevent disability caused by osteoarthritis. Created pro bono by the ad agency Y&R in New York, the Fight Arthritis Pain campaign demonstrates that "moving is the best medicine" and features messages about the important role that physical activity and weight reduction play in preventing and managing the pain associated with osteoarthritis.

The campaign includes television, radio, print, outdoor and Web ads that will run in donated advertising time and space and will direct Americans to visit a new website, www.fightarthritispain.org. The site features a risk assessment tool for osteoarthritis, movement tracker, live news feed, community forums and blogs, program and event locator, as well as campaign materials. A social media program will further engage Americans online and direct them to visit the website to access resources.

"Physical activity for those living with osteoarthritis can be daunting because of the pain and discomfort they live with every day," said Peggy Conlon, president and CEO of The Advertising Council. "Through this wonderful campaign with the Arthritis Foundation, those with or at risk for osteoarthritis will be empowered to increase their movement and ultimately reduce the pain and disability associated with the disease."

Numerous stakeholder groups across the country will be working with the Arthritis Foundation and its chapters to implement the goals outlined in this groundbreaking, multi-year effort.

For more information on fighting osteoarthritis, including a tool for assessing risk of osteoarthritis and simple steps you can take to reduce pain, increase mobility and slow progression of the disease, visit: www.fightarthritispain.org

The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing the needs of some 46 million Americans living with arthritis, the nation's most common cause of disability. Founded in 1948, with headquarters in Atlanta, the Arthritis Foundation has multiple service points located throughout the country and offers programs that can decrease the pain and disability associated with arthritis.

The Arthritis Foundation is the largest private, not-for-profit contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $415 million in research grants since 1948. The foundation helps individuals take control of their arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis. Information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-283-7800 or www.arthritis.org.

The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies. The Ad Council addresses issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

Contacts:
Sharon Reis
(202) 745-5103
sreis@gymr.com

Morgan Freeman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Tim McGraw, Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep and Reese Witherspoon Join Ad Council and American Red Cross to Launch PSA to Support Victims of Earthquake in Haiti

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:53:37 GMT

PSA directs viewers to visit www.redcross.org to support those in need

NEW YORK and LOS ANGELES, January 22, 2010 - In response to the destruction and devastation caused by the earthquake in Haiti, The Advertising Council and the American Red Cross today launched a national television public service advertisement (PSA) featuring Morgan Freeman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Tim McGraw, Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep and Reese Witherspoon.

In the television PSA, the celebrities encourage all Americans to support relief efforts for the Haitian citizens impacted by the earthquake by donating to the American Red Cross. Viewers are directed to visit www.redcross.org, call 1-800-HELP-NOW or text "HAITI" to 9-0-9-9-9 and $10 will be given automatically to the American Red Cross.

Created pro bono by GSD&M Idea City, with the Creative Artists Agency Foundation helping to coordinate the talent, the PSA is available in :30 format. A Spanish-language TV spot, featuring actress Eva Longoria, will also be available to the media next week. Per the Ad Council's model, the PSAs will air in advertising time that will be donated by the media.

"Since last week's devastating earthquake, we have seen an outpouring of generosity from Americans, who have given their money, their time and their talent to help the victims in Haiti recover," said Peggy Conlon, president & CEO of the Ad Council. "We are so grateful to the many celebrities who immediately agreed to lend their support and voice to this PSA, and we thank the CAA Foundation for their help. We will continue to do what we can to support the Red Cross and others who are helping the victims rebuild their lives during this long-term relief effort."

The Ad Council and the American Red Cross produced and distributed television and radio PSAs featuring First Lady Michelle Obama within days of the earthquake in Haiti. All of the major broadcast and cable networks offered their support for the PSAs prior to their launch. Additionally, earlier this week, the Ad Council joined with the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund to distribute a PSA featuring the former Presidents to encourage all Americans to support the immediate and long-term relief efforts.

"It is clear that what took minutes to destroy will take many years and the collective support from governments and relief agencies across the world to help mend," said Gail McGovern, president and CEO of the American Red Cross, who was in Haiti earlier this week. "Terrible times like these bring out the best in people, and we are grateful for the support being given to the American Red Cross. We are going to do everything we can to help the people of Haiti, and this generosity will help thousands of survivors cope with and recover from their losses."

Magno Sound & Video donated their services for the PSA production and DG-FastChannel Network and The AdSpot have donated their services for the digital distribution. Furthermore, the National Captioning Institute has donated their closed captioning services.

Additionally, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA) have offered their support by engaging their members and helping with PSA distribution.

About the Ad Council
The Ad Council is a private, non-profit organization with a rich history of marshalling volunteer efforts from the advertising and media industries to deliver critical messages to the American public. For further information about the Ad Council, visit www.adcouncil.org.

About the CAA Foundation
The CAA Foundation (http://foundation.caa.com/) was founded in 1996 by CAA's managing partners and it is the philanthropic arm of the agency. Entirely underwritten by CAA, the Foundation is able to tap into the agency's most plentiful and defining resource - popular culture - to create positive social change. They do this by encouraging volunteerism, facilitating strategic partnerships, granting financial contributions and providing in-kind donations. The Foundation empowers employees, artists and athletes to contribute their time, talent and resources to make a difference, to be of service and to improve conditions worldwide.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization - not a government agency - and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

Contacts:
Ad Council Press Office
news@adcouncil.org

American Red Cross
Public Affairs Desk
media@usa.redcross.org
(202) 303-5551

Former President Bill Clinton and Former President George W. Bush Launch Television PSA to Support Victims of Earthquake in Haiti

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:40:15 GMT

PSA Encourages all Americans to donate to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund

NEW YORK and WASHINGTON, D.C., January 19, 2010 - In the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti, President Obama asked former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush to help raise funds for the immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts in Haiti. In a television PSA released by the Ad Council today, the two Presidents encourage all Americans to donate to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund (CBHF), which will help those who are most in need of food, water, shelter, medical care and support.

The TV spot directs viewers to visit www.ClintonBushHaitiFund.org where they can donate to CBHF through a secure online donation page. Americans can also donate by text messaging the word "QUAKE" to 20222, which will charge $10 to their cell phone bill. The PSA is available in :30 format and was filmed in the Roosevelt Room in the White House on Saturday, January 16.

"I still believe that Haiti can move beyond its troubled history and this lethal earthquake to emerge a stronger, more secure nation," President Bill Clinton said. "But we can't do it with government support alone: ordinary citizens must fill in the gaps. Little donations make a big difference."

"American citizens and businesses have a tradition of responding to natural disasters with extraordinary generosity," President George W. Bush said. "President Clinton and I are working to tap that spirit of giving to help our neighbors in need in Haiti. I thank the Ad Council for distributing this PSA so that we can get the word out about how to help."

CBHF is designed to identify and fulfill unmet needs, foster economic opportunity, improve the quality of life of those affected over the long term and assist the people of Haiti as they rebuild their lives and country. Presidents Clinton and Bush oversee the Fund through their respective non-profit organizations, the William J. Clinton Foundation and Communities Foundation of Texas. One hundred percent of the donations made to the Clinton Foundation and the Communities Foundation of Texas will go directly to relief efforts.

"We are proud to join with former Presidents Clinton and Bush to raise awareness of their critical relief efforts, which will help the people in Haiti rebuild their lives," according to Peggy Conlon, President & CEO of the Ad Council. "We are confident that just as when we partnered with the former Presidents after the Tsunami and Katrina tragedies, the American media will generously support this PSA and it will motivate Americans throughout the country to donate to the relief effort."

The Ad Council is distributing the PSA to television stations nationwide. Per the Ad Council's model, the PSA will air in advertising time that is donated by the media.

Immediately following last week's earthquake, the Ad Council joined with the American Red Cross and First Lady Michelle Obama to launch television and radio PSAs featuring Mrs. Obama in support of the Red Cross's relief efforts. Additionally, the Ad Council helped produce and distribute PSAs in partnership with Former Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton following the Tsunami in Southeast Asia in 2004 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

The following companies have donated production and digital distribution services for the new PSA: GSD&M Idea City, Magno Sound & Video, DG-FastChannel Network and The AdSpot. Furthermore, the National Captioning Institute has donated their closed captioning services.

Additionally, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA) have offered their support by engaging their members and helping with PSA distribution.

For more information about CBHF, visit www.ClintonBushHaitiFund.org, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/clintonbushhaitifund or follow the Fund on Twitter at http://twitter.com/cbhaitifund.

The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization with a rich history of marshalling volunteer efforts from the advertising and media industries to deliver critical messages to the American public.

First Lady Michelle Obama Joins Ad Council and American Red Cross to Launch PSA to Support Victims of Earthquake in Haiti

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 09:36:16 GMT

New PSA directs viewers to visit www.redcross.org to support those in need

NEW YORK and WASHINGTON, DC, January 15, 2010 - In response to the destruction and devastation caused by the earthquake in Haiti, First Lady Michelle Obama has joined The Advertising Council and the American Red Cross to launch a series of national public service advertisements (PSAs). The television and radio PSAs are designed to encourage all Americans to support relief efforts for the Haitian citizens impacted by the earthquake.

"I was eager to join the Ad Council and the Red Cross to launch this call to action in the wake of this week's devastating earthquake," said First Lady Michelle Obama. "The people of Haiti are struggling just to survive. And every one of us has the power to help."

The PSAs encourage audiences to go to www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. On cell phones, viewers can text "HAITI" to 9-0-9-9-9 and $10 will be given automatically to the American Red Cross.

The PSAs are available in :30 formats and were filmed and recorded in the White House Vermeil Room on Thursday, January 14, and produced and released by the Ad Council immediately. The Ad Council and the American Red Cross have also developed digital outdoor and Web PSAs, which are being distributed to digital boards, networks and sites. These additional PSAs do not feature Mrs. Obama.

"The American Red Cross is rushing supplies and disaster management staff to Haiti in the aftermath of this earthquake, and we are so grateful for the financial support that allows us to provide help and hope for people during their time of need," said Gail McGovern, President and CEO of the American Red Cross. "We are truly thankful for these efforts to support our humanitarian mission."

"We know that in times of tragedy and crisis, when our global neighbors need us the most, the American media steps up and offers their immediate and unconditional support. And with the unimaginable crisis in Haiti-it's no different," said Peggy Conlon, President & CEO of the Ad Council. "We salute Mrs. Obama and the Administration for their leadership during this difficult time and we're proud to partner with the Red Cross to help raise awareness and encourage support for their critical relief efforts."

The television and radio spots are being distributed to stations nationwide today. Per the Ad Council's model, the PSAs will air in advertising time that is donated by the media.

The following media companies have stated that they will be supporting the PSAs with donated media and distribution assistance: ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC Television Networks, Clear Channel Communications, Comcast, CNN, Headline News, TBS, TNT, TruTV, Cartoon Network, Sundance Channel, IFC, Tribune Television Stations, Discovery Networks, Hallmark Channel, Lifetime Networks, Fox Networks Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group. Lamar Advertising will also be donating space on their digital boards.

Additionally, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA) and Outdoor Advertising Association of America (OAAA) have offered their support by engaging their members and helping with PSA distribution.

Home Front Communications and Magno Sound & Video donated their services for the PSA production and DG-FastChannel Network, Firtspin and The AdSpot have donated their services for the digital distribution. Furthermore, the National Captioning Institute has donated their closed captioning services.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization - not a government agency - and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

The Ad Council is a private, non-profit organization with a rich history of marshalling volunteer efforts from the advertising and media industries to deliver critical messages to the American public. For further information about the Ad Council, visit www.adcouncil.org.

Ad Council Names Charlie Rutman to Oversee Media Department

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 12:04:17 GMT
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, January 6, 2010 - The Ad Council announced today that it has retained Charlie Rutman through his consulting firm, End Zone Communications, to manage media efforts on behalf of the non-profit organization. Rutman was formerly chief executive officer of MPG North America. He was also president of Carat USA and has held top media positions at DMB&B and Bates.

In this new role, Rutman will direct the Ad Council's Media department, which works to secure donated media support for the organization's national public service advertising (PSA) campaigns. Last year, media outlets donated more than $1.8 billion in advertising time and space for the Ad Council's fifty PSA campaigns.

Rutman will lead national and local media outreach initiatives designed to encourage national and local support of the PSAs in television, radio, magazine, newspaper, outdoor and alternative outlets nationwide. He will help the organization continue to secure high-level partnerships and donated support from major media companies such as Comcast, Time Warner, Clear Channel and Meredith Corporation. Rutman will also provide strategic direction and operational guidance of the Ad Council's regional managing directors in an effort to increase the organization's presence on the local level in the top 50 media markets.

"Charlie has been a leader in the media industry for over 30 years and his significant experience in the areas of strategic planning and marketing will be an invaluable asset to the Ad Council and the critically important issues that we address," said Peggy Conlon, president & CEO of the Ad Council. "Charlie has also been a longtime supporter of the Ad Council and we're thrilled to have him join us."

Rutman first became involved with the Ad Council while chairing its Television Steering Committee, a group of TV executives that meets quarterly to review campaigns and offer strategic direction to increase the industry's support of the Ad Council's TV PSAs.

"I'm looking forward to expanding my efforts on behalf of the Ad Council, which is one of the greatest philanthropic entities that our country has to offer," said Rutman. "The media industry has always been a terrific partner of the Ad Council's and I'm delighted to have the opportunity to develop new media strategies for these many worthwhile causes."

The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals volunteer talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to deliver critical messages to the American public. The Ad Council has produced, distributed and promoted thousands of public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas of health & safety, community and education.

Significantly More Teens Think 'That's So Gay' is Wrong as GLSEN's Ad Council Campaign Enters Second Phase

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:48:12 GMT

New Internet Ads and Online Materials to Feature Sirdeaner Walker's Story

NEW YORK, Dec. 10, 2009 - After a remarkably successful first year of the "Think Before You Speak" campaign that accompanied significant shifts in teenage attitude toward the phrase 'that's so gay,' the Ad Council and GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, today launched a much harder-hitting second phase that will focus more directly on the consequences of anti-gay language.

The second phase of the campaign features a variety of provocative banner ads as well as other new thought-provoking online materials. All are made available to download and share at ThinkB4YouSpeak.com. While in the same vein as the campaign's award-winning TV PSAs starring Hilary Duff and Wanda Sykes, the new web-based materials challenge teens to think about the impact their language has on others. One of the banner ads recalls the story of Carl Walker-Hoover, an 11-year-old from Springfield, Mass., who took his life in April after enduring constant bullying at school.

Sirdeaner Walker, who has become a GLSEN spokesperson in the wake of her son Carl's death in April, said, "I am proud to work with GLSEN to raise awareness about an issue that has had such a profound impact on me and my family." Classmates bullied and harassed Carl, calling him "gay" and "fag," among other slurs, despite the fact Carl did not identify as gay. One of the new banner ads displays the phrase "Who are you calling a fag?" When users scroll over the ad, they are confronted with Carl's story.

"I hope Carl's story will help young people realize the impact their hurtful words can have on their peers so that no child will ever feel like the only choice they have is to take their own life," said Walker, who has also testified on Capitol Hill in favor of the Safe Schools Improvement Act, a federal anti-bullying bill.

"Research shows that a significantly higher percentage of young people are choosing to think before they speak," GLSEN Executive Director Eliza Byard said. "Now we're going to challenge teenagers once again by asking them not just to think about what they are saying, but to consider the effects anti-gay language has on young people like Carl Walker-Hoover."

This new phase of work seeks to capitalize on the campaign's viral success by allowing Internet users to embed "Think Before You Speak" materials on their web and social media sites. In addition to banner ads, materials include a badge that tracks the occurrence of common LGBT slurs - in real time - on the popular micro-blogging site Twitter. A polling tool has also been developed for bloggers to easily feature on their sites. Poll questions use timely events to encourage thought and discussion on the subject of how anti-gay language is used.

According to the Ad Council, high recognition of the "Think Before You Speak" campaign among teens (41% of teens aged 13-16 nationwide reporting that they have seen or heard at least one PSA) has translated into significant shifts in key attitudes and behaviors regarding the use of anti-LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) slurs like "that's so gay." For instance, findings from a recent survey conducted by the Ad Council in 2008 and 2009 of teens aged 13-16 suggest that a higher percentage of teens in 2009 think that people should not say "that's so gay" for any reason (38% in 2009 vs. 28% in 2008) and a higher percentage also report "never" saying "that's so gay" when something is stupid or uncool (28% in 2009 vs. 18% in 2008).

These are significant gains in one year given how entrenched the phrase is in teen vernacular. Nearly every LGBT youth surveyed in GLSEN's 2007 National School Climate Survey (99.2%) had heard the phrase used at least rarely, and 90.2% had heard the phrased used frequently or often.

"In the Ad Council's nearly 70-year history of creating campaigns to raise awareness and change public opinion and attitudes, we don't often see shifts of this magnitude in just over a year," said Peggy Conlon, president and CEO of the Ad Council. "We're looking forward to building on this success with a new series of PSAs and online tools that will help to further raise awareness and engage teens online."

To date, the "Think Before You Speak" campaign, the Ad Council's first-ever LGBT-themed campaign, has received significant PSA placement and media coverage, combining for more than $9 million worth of media exposure for the campaign's message since its launch in October 2008.

GLSEN's 2007 National School Climate Survey, released in conjunction with the campaign, showed how prevalent the problem of anti-LGBT behavior is in schools. The survey found that nearly 9 out of 10 LGBT students (86.2%) experienced harassment at school in the past year based on their sexual orientation.

"The 'Think Before You Speak' campaign has started an important conversation among young people," Byard said. "While we still have a long way to go before widespread use of anti-LGBT language becomes a thing of the past, hopefully this campaign will force more and more people to confront the real consequences of the words they use."

About the Campaign Research
Research findings reported in this article are based on two national online surveys of teens aged 13-17. The benchmark survey of 1,035 teens was conducted in October 2008 and the follow up survey of 1,047 teens was conducted in September 2009. Both surveys were fielded by Greenfield Research; respondents were recruited through their large national opt-in panel or via their Real-time SamplingT.

About GLSEN
GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. Established in 1990, GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. GLSEN seeks to develop school climates where difference is valued for the positive contribution it makes to creating a more vibrant and diverse community. For information on GLSEN's research, educational resources, public policy advocacy, student organizing programs and educator training initiatives, visit www.glsen.org

About the Ad Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

Contacts:

Daryl Presgraves
GLSEN
646-388-6577
dpresgraves@glsen.org

Ellyn Fisher
The Ad Council
212-984-1964
efisher@adcouncil.org

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Ad Council Launch New Nationwide PSA Campaign Urging Vaccination against the H1N1 Flu Virus

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:59:56 GMT
Washington, D.C., December 07, 2009 - HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced today that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is joining with the Ad Council to launch a new nationwide public service advertising (PSA) campaign called "Together We Can All Fight the Flu." The campaign features television, radio, online banner, and outdoor public service advertisements that encourage Americans to get vaccinated against the 2009 H1N1 flu virus.

"Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and your family against the H1N1 flu virus," said Secretary Sebelius. "Fighting the flu is a shared responsibility, and it is up to all of us to help prevent the spread of the flu in your community. Right now, Americans have a window of opportunity to get vaccinated. These new PSAs will encourage pregnant women, children, young adults, and other priority groups to protect themselves by getting the H1N1 vaccine."

Created pro bono by ad agency Merkley + Partners in New York City, the new PSA campaign is designed specifically to reach children, parents, pregnant women, young adults, people with underlying conditions, and Spanish-speakers. The campaign builds on an HHS PSA campaign that was launched earlier this year to promote ways to protect against the flu.

"All across the country, Americans are working together to prevent the spread of the H1N1 flu," said Peggy Conlon, president and CEO of the Ad Council. "We are proud to continue our efforts with Secretary Sebelius and HHS to educate Americans about the vaccine and how to protect themselves this flu season."

The new PSAs are available at www.flu.gov, the government's one-stop Web site for all the latest information on both seasonal and H1N1 flu. The Ad Council is distributing the following radio and television PSAs today and the ads will be supported in airtime donated by stations nationwide:

TELEVISION
There are five new television PSA spots available:
"Anthem" focuses on the importance of pregnant women, children, young adults, and other priority groups getting the H1N1 flu vaccine. It is 30 seconds long.

"Parents" focuses on parents of young children and is available in 3 formats: a 25-second format in English with 5 seconds for states to add a customized message; a 30 second version in Spanish and English; and a 10 second version in English.

"Pregnant Women" focuses on the importance of pregnant women getting the H1N1 vaccine. A 30 second version is available in both Spanish and English. A 10 second English version is also available.

"Beat Poetry" focuses on why the H1N1 vaccine is critical for young people. It is 30 seconds long.

"Young Adults" encourages young people to get vaccinated. It is available in 30 second and 10 second formats.

RADIO
There are three new 30-second radio spots available:

"Fight the Flu - Parents." Available in English and Spanish in 30 second and 60 second formats.

"Fight the Flu - Pregnant Women." Available in English and Spanish in 30 second and 60 second formats.

"Fight the Flu - Young Adults." Available in 30 second and 60 second formats.

Children, young adults under 25, pregnant women and adults 25-64 with underlying health conditions, like asthma, are more susceptible to falling ill to the H1N1 flu and are at higher risk for serious medical complications, including hospitalization and death.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that between April and October 17, 2009, 22 million people were infected with the 2009 H1N1 flu, 98,000 H1N1-related hospitalizations occurred, and there were 3,900 H1N1-related deaths.

The Ad Council has been partnering with HHS to develop PSA campaigns that address critical health issues since the 1950s. Their successful collaborations have included public service messages about the polio epidemic, drug abuse and, more recently, obesity prevention.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
The Department of Health and Human Services (www.hhs.gov) is the United States government's principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves. HHS is leading the medical response for the federal government for the H1N1 flu pandemic. The department includes more than 300 programs, covering a wide spectrum of activities, including medical and social science research, preventing outbreak of infectious disease, including immunization services, assuring food and drug safety, welfare, and Medicare and Medicaid.

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

Contacts:

HHS Press Office
(202) 690-6343

Ellyn Fisher
The Ad Council
212-984-1964
efisher@adcouncil.org

Ad Council Honors The Coca-Cola Company CEO Muhtar Kent with 56th Annual Public Service Award

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:13:46 GMT

Tina Fey Serves as Emcee of the Ad Council's Annual Dinner

NEW YORK, November 19, 2009 - The Advertising Council honored Muhtar Kent, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Coca-Cola Company, with its 56th Annual Public Service Award at the Ad Council's Annual Dinner held last night at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. Actress and comedienne Tina Fey served as emcee of the dinner.

Attended by prominent members of the media, advertising and corporate communities, the dinner serves as a tribute to the industries and individuals who support the Ad Council and its public service advertising (PSA) campaigns. Chaired by Brian Perkins, Corporate Vice President, Johnson & Johnson, and Chair of the Ad Council, the dinner is the Ad Council's largest fundraising event, raising $2.5 million this year. Platinum sponsors included Time Warner Inc. and Yahoo! Inc.
The Coca-Cola Company, Diageo North America and Printech served as Chairman Circle sponsors.

The Ad Council has been honoring corporate leaders for their commitment to public service since 1953. Previous honorees include Dick Parsons (Time Warner), Bill Weldon (Johnson & Johnson), Ken Chenault (American Express), Bob Wright (GE/NBC), Ted Turner, Katharine Graham and A.G. Lafley (Procter & Gamble). In keeping with tradition, this year's award was presented by last year's recipient, Jeffrey Immelt, Chairman and CEO, GE.

As Chairman & CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, Muhtar Kent has continued and expanded the global company's commitment to public service, providing significant contributions to areas including improving healthy lifestyles, preserving the environment and providing educational opportunities for students around the globe. The Coca-Cola Company has been supporting the Ad Council since 1947.
"The Ad Council and the advertising industry have been promoting community sustainability for nearly 70 years," said Kent. "This makes tonight's honor so meaningful to The Coca-Cola Company and to our men and women around the world who give back to their local communities we are privileged to serve each day."

"Muhtar Kent has continued and strengthened The Coca-Cola Company's philanthropic programs, and his work has had a significant impact in many areas that are consistent with our public service campaigns," said Peggy Conlon, President & CEO of the Ad Council., President & CEO of the Ad Council. "Muhtar is highly deserving of our most distinguished public service award and it was wonderful to bestow this honor."

The Ad Council is a non-profit organization with a rich history of marshalling volunteer talent from the advertising and media industries to deliver critical messages to the American public. Having produced literally thousands of PSA campaigns addressing the most pressing social issues of the day, the Ad Council has effected, and continues to effect, tremendous positive change by raising awareness, inspiring action and saving lives. To learn more about the Ad Council and its campaigns, visit www.adcouncil.org.

Ad Council Unveils New Website to Further the Reach of PSA Campaigns through Social Media

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:24:25 GMT

AOL Partners with Ad Council on "My Ad Council" Site for the Advertising Community

The Advertising Council, the leading producer of public service advertisements (PSAs) in the United States, announced today that they have developed a new website, My Ad Council (www.MyAdCouncil.org), which will encourage advertising agencies, media companies and advertisers to further the reach of the Ad Council's public service campaigns online. Brian Perkins, Corporate Vice President, Johnson & Johnson, and Chair of the Ad Council, unveiled the new site last night at the Ad Council's 56th Annual Public Service Award Dinner held in New York City.

Through My Ad Council, users can quickly and easily share the Ad Council's PSA videos and images via social media platforms. The site also provides the opportunity to comment on the PSAs through sites such as Facebook and Twitter and learn more about how the campaigns have been created through "behind the scenes" videos featuring ad agency individuals. Additionally, My Ad Council highlights the pro bono efforts of advertising agency partners, media supporters and other contributors. The site was developed by JESS3, a creative digital agency in Washington D.C., and it is based on insights gained through focus groups conducted at ad agencies, media companies and corporate advertisers. AOL provided strategic guidance on the design and functionality of the My Ad Council site, as well as financial resources to support the costs of the site.

"One of the most exciting and valuable uses of social media is for social good," said Brian Perkins, Corporate Vice President, Johnson & Johnson, and Chair of the Ad Council. "My Ad Council will give the Ad Council's dedicated and talented supporters a simple way to make a difference and further the Ad Council's mission."

The Ad Council's campaigns are targeted to Americans of all ages and each is sponsored by a national non-profit organization or federal government agency. My Ad Council currently features ten Ad Council campaigns, along with the ad agencies that created the PSAs pro bono: Autism Awareness (BBDO), Drunk Driving Prevention (Mullen and The Vidal Partnership), Hunger Prevention (Ogilvy and Mather), Adoption (kirshenbaum bond senecal + partners), High School Dropout Prevention (Publicis), Shelter Pet Adoption (Draftfcb), Gay and Lesbian Teen Bullying Prevention (ArnoldNYC), Re-connecting Kids with Nature (Euro RSCG Tonic), Teen Dating Abuse Prevention (R/GA) and Wildfire Prevention (Draftfcb). In the coming months, all of the Ad Council's 50 national public service campaigns will be featured on the site.

"This great tool will provide our supporters with a way to develop a deeper and more meaningful personal engagement with our campaigns and serve as another distribution channel for our PSAs," said Peggy Conlon, president and CEO of the Ad Council. "We are grateful to AOL for generously partnering with us on this initiative, which will broaden the reach of our messages and help showcase the pro bono support of our constituents."

"We are delighted to partner with the Ad Council on My Ad Council," said Tim Armstrong, Chairman and CEO of AOL and incoming Chairman of the Ad Council. "AOL has a proud history supporting the Ad Council and their critical work raising awareness of some of the most pressing issues facing our society. My Ad Council is a tremendous advancement for the Ad Council and our industry community in helping to extend the impact of their PSAs."

The Ad Council is working with New Media Strategies, a Washington, D.C.-based social media agency, to promote My Ad Council on blogs, message boards, discussion forums and social networking sites. The Ad Council will also produce and distribute a series of online ads to raise awareness of the effort.

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

Contact:
Ad Council Press Office
212-984-1964
efisher@adcouncil.org

IAVA and Ad Council Build on Success of Groundbreaking Veterans Campaign with a New Series of PSAs Launched for Veterans Day 2009

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:35:13 GMT

Outreach Campaign Directs Veterans to Social Networking Site Exclusively for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans

New York, New York November 11, 2009 - To coincide with Veterans Day, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) joined the Ad Council today to launch a new series of national public service advertisements (PSAs) for their Veteran Support Campaign. The national outreach campaign aims to ease the readjustment challenges facing Iraq and Afghanistan veterans as they transition from combat to civilian life. The PSAs encourage new veterans to join IAVA's online community at www.iava.org, a social network exclusively for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. In the community, veterans can connect with one another, share their experiences, receive advice and support and get access to critical resources and special offers. Launched on Veterans Day 2008, the campaign also includes a complementary series of ads and a website, www.supportyourvet.org, directed at the families and friends of these veterans.

Of the nearly two million veterans who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, 20 percent have screened positive for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or depression and 19 percent suffer from a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Additionally, according to the U.S. Department of Defense, more than 230 active soldiers, airmen and marines committed suicide last year, which is the highest military suicide statistic in nearly 30 years.

Research shows that many veterans avoid seeking help because of the stigma associated with treatment or fear of being diagnosed with a mental illness. By maintaining relationships and communicating regularly with others who have shared experiences, veterans are better able to reconnect with their friends, families and communities more broadly.

The new PSAs build on the success of the campaign and community over the past year. Since the launch on Veteran's Day 2008, IAVA's online community has become a robust social network helping thousands of veterans with their transition home. Since its inception, nearly 3,000 veterans have joined the community. The site has been visited over 700,000 times with more than 500,000 unique visitors. There are more than 200 groups in COV that range from Purple Heart recipients to PTSD Help to Veteran Video Gamers. These groups have formed the backbone of a critical support network for new veterans. With veterans from every state represented, the community has become a critical tool for connecting veterans who are often geographically dispersed, and might otherwise experience feelings of isolation and loneliness. IAVA and the Ad Council have heard from hundreds of veterans who have benefited from the community, proving the immediate and lasting potential for the campaign.

"This historic campaign is literally saving lives. By giving Iraq and Afghanistan veterans a community of their own they are able to connect and support one another in a way that wasn't possible before," IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff. "The first year was only the beginning. Over the next few years, we will continue to grow the community and make an even greater impact on returning veterans. IAVA thanks the Ad Council and Saatchi & Saatchi for being such committed partners."

"For the longest time I felt like I was the only one going through things, but through this community I found otherwise. No matter what our deployment jobs, service or experiences were, we still share the places we went. Whether I am having a good day or a bad day I know this is the place I can come to for encouragement and support," said Afghanistan veteran and IAVA community member Laurie Emmer.

Created pro bono by ad agency Saatchi & Saatchi, the new TV, radio, outdoor and Web PSAs launched today continue to encourage Iraq and Afghanistan veterans to join the community at www.iava.org. The ads communicate to veterans that they are not alone and their fellow veterans "have their back." In the TV spot, one veteran is seen logging in to the community from a coffee shop as other veterans, who are camouflaged with the neighborhood surroundings, emerge from all around him to support him. Saatchi & Saatchi cast real veterans for each of the roles in the TV spot, many with combat experience in either Iraq or Afghanistan. The new PSA builds on the campaign's first ad, which communicated that though veterans may feel like they are alone they are surrounded by their peers.

"We are proud to continue our partnership with IAVA with this new series of PSAs that will help Iraq and Afghanistan veterans receive the support and the resources they need in their transition home," said Peggy Conlon, President & CEO of the Ad Council. "Since the launch of our campaign, we have heard from many veterans about the transformative impact that they have experienced in the community. These new ads and online tools will continue to help those who have served our country."

"We were honored to be a part of such an important cause at a time when Vets need support the most," said Mark Rolland, SVP, Management Director at Saatchi & Saatchi NY. "IAVA has developed this tremendous online resource for Vets, so it was our goal with the 'We've got your back' campaign to illustrate the benefit of that resource in a simple and engaging way."

The PSA and the website have been researched extensively and tested with veterans, their families and the general market. The new ads are being distributed to approximately 33,000 media outlets nationwide. Per the Ad Council's model, all of the ads will air and run in advertising time and space donated by the media.

Funding for the campaign was made possible by the Iraq Afghanistan Deployment Impact Fund of the California Community Foundation.

IAVA
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is the nation's first and largest nonprofit, nonpartisan group for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Founded in 2004, IAVA has more than 150,000 active veteran members and civilian supporters in all 50 states. Its mission is to improve the lives of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families. For more information, visit www.iava.org.

Saatchi & Saatchi
Saatchi & Saatchi NY (www.saatchiny.com) is the largest agency in the 150-office Saatchi & Saatchi global network, part of Publicis Groupe. It handles the Miller High Life, I Love NY Tourism Board and JCPenney businesses as well as over 40 #1 brands in its client portfolio, including: Tide, Pampers and Olay (Procter & Gamble); Pillsbury and Cheerios (General Mills); Theraflu and Triaminic (Novartis). The agency represents clients with combined annual revenues of approximately $500 billion and market capitalization of approximately $650 billion.

Saatchi & Saatchi is known for its outstanding creative ideas that generate powerful emotional connections between consumers and products. This is a key element in Lovemarks, Saatchi & Saatchi's unique methodology for elevating the status of brands designed to create "loyalty beyond reason" and "inspirational consumers."

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

Contacts:

Chrissy Stevens
IAVA
212-982-9699
chrissy@iava.org

Ellyn Fisher
The Ad Council
212-984-1964
efisher@adcouncil.org

Lynne Collins
Saatchi & Saatchi
212-463-2734
Lynne.Collins@saatchiny.com

American Heart Association, Ad Council launch Hands-OnlyT CPR campaign

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:34:17 GMT
DALLAS, Oct. 28, 2009 /PRNewswire/ - The Ad Council and American Heart Association today launched a national multimedia public service advertising (PSA) campaign that encourages bystanders to use Hands-Only CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) when an adult collapses and is unresponsive.

The PSAs - distributed to about 33,000 media outlets nationwide this week - will air and run in advertising time and space donated by the media. An integrated social media program will extend the reach of the PSA campaign online with strategies designed to engage and educate adults throughout the country.

Hands-Only CPR, or CPR without mouth-to-mouth breathing, is a two-step technique that involves calling 9-1-1 and pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest until professional help arrives.

"Hands-Only CPR is an easy and effective technique that has the potential to save lives every day if we can educate more Americans about it and reduce their fears and hesitation," said Peggy Conlon, president and CEO of the Ad Council.

Forty-four percent of adults say they would not perform CPR because they're not confident in their ability, according to a national American Heart Association survey conducted in 2008. Consumer research also shows that people often hesitate because they're not comfortable with giving mouth-to-mouth CPR.

"This new campaign beautifully depicts the power of hands in helping to save a life," Conlon said. "I believe it will empower more bystanders to take action when they see someone in cardiac arrest."

Through the Hands-Only CPR campaign, the American Heart Association and Ad Council hope to reach all adults, particularly women age 55 years and older who are most likely to be the spouses of potential victims.

"For years the survival rate from sudden cardiac arrest has been abysmal," said Clyde Yancy, M.D., American Heart Association president. "Bystanders hold the key to increasing survival. We hope this campaign will break through the barriers people have when they see someone in cardiac arrest - so that anyone who hears this message can help save a life."

Created pro bono by Gotham Inc., an ad agency in New York, the campaign includes television, radio, print, outdoor and Web PSAs. The PSAs direct audiences to visit www.HandsOnlyCPR.org, where they can gain access to information and resources on the technique, including an instructional video.

The site also includes an online tool, "Hands Symphony," where visitors can use their "hands" to create original music. Users can choose from a host of sounds created by different filmed hands to create their own track, and send it to their friends, encouraging them to create their own tracks, or add on to other friends' tracks.

Visitors to the Web site can also download a free instructional application for their smartphone that teaches the technique. The application is available on the iPhone and iPod touch, Blackberry, Palm Pre and Android (Google) platforms.

"It's a rare occasion when advertising can help save lives," said Peter McGuinness, CEO of Gotham. "We hope that through this campaign, we can encourage all bystanders, trained or untrained, to do something when they see an adult suddenly collapse."

American Heart Association
Founded in 1924, we're the nation's oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of heart disease and stroke. To help prevent, treat and defeat these diseases - America's No. 1 and No. 3 killers - we fund cutting-edge research, conduct lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocate to protect public health. To learn more or join us in helping all Americans, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit americanheart.org.

The Ad Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

Gotham
Gotham's 160 employees service the integrated communication needs of clients in fashion and beauty, retail, healthcare, financial services, and packaged goods categories. Clients include: Lindt, Fresh Direct, Yellowbook.com, Sony Ericsson, Best Western, Maybelline, Remington, RSM McGladrey, Newman's Own and Wedgwood. For more information, visit www.gothaminc.com.

Editor's Note:
During a cardiac arrest, the heart suddenly stops beating normally and the victim collapse into unconsciousness. Oxygen-rich blood stops circulating. Without quick action, such as immediate CPR, a victim of cardiac arrest can die within four to six minutes.

Every day, nearly 800 Americans suffer sudden cardiac arrest outside of hospitals, according to the American Heart Association, and less than 10 percent will survive to hospital discharge. However, studies show providing CPR to an adult who has collapsed from a sudden cardiac arrest can more than double or triple that person's chance of survival. Unfortunately, less than one-third of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims receive that help.

Contacts:
The Ad Council
Press Office
(212) 984-1964
efisher@adcouncil.org

Gotham
Alyssa Siegel
(212) 396-9179
alyssa@aj-media.com
American Heart Association
Kate Lino
(214) 706-1325
kate.lino@heart.org

Ad Council Announces Partnership with Zinio and Hearst Magazines to Introduce First Digital Public Service Campaigns

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:10:33 GMT

Partnership Will Extend PSA Reach and Engagement Digitally to "Screenagers"

NEW YORK - October 27, 2009 -- The Advertising Council (www.adcouncil.org), America's leading provider of public service advertisements since 1942, announced today a first-of-its-kind partnership with Zinio (www.zinio.com), the world's leader in digital-content design and distribution, and Hearst Magazines, one of the world's largest publishers of monthly magazines. The collaboration with Zinio will enable the Ad Council to take its influence and innovation to a new level, creating a suite of digital, interactive PSAs and other products. The offering will allow Hearst Magazines to extend their reach to digital readers with the unprecedented freedom to place PSAs without concerns of exceeding advertising allocations.

"The Ad Council has a long history of inspiring the American public and effecting positive change," said Peggy Conlon, President & CEO, Ad Council. "Partnering with Zinio helps raise awareness of our campaigns and all of the work that we do by featuring our messages in an innovative way in the digital world."

Under the terms of the exclusive partnership, Zinio will create interactive digital editions of the Ad Council's PSAs that will interweave radio and video, using its proprietary format. As a result, the Ad Council can disseminate multi-layered public service messages that are more engaging, while enabling Zinio to utilize its technology to create digital PSA catalogues and annual reports for the council. All 10 of Hearst Magazines' digital publications, including Cosmopolitan, Seventeen and others, will be the first digital publications to deliver public service messaging to their readers in this groundbreaking manner.

"One of the greatest assets of digital publishing is its ability to reach the generation of 'screen-agers' -- young people who have spent their entire lives digesting information online," said Rich Maggiotto, President & CEO, Zinio. "By partnering with the Ad Council, Zinio helps play a critical role in communicating with America's youth in a language and medium that resonates best with them."

In addition to Zinio creating digital versions of Ad Council PSAs, they also will work together to promote awareness of digital publishing. Zinio will take steps to integrate digital PSAs into magazine titles currently available on its newsstand, and the Ad Council will include digital PSAs into publications with which it already has existing relationships.

About the Ad Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

About Zinio, LLC
Zinio is revolutionizing reading. Through digital products and services, the Company creates better ways for people to discover published content, get more of it and do more with it. Zinio works closely with publishers worldwide to reinvent reading. For consumers, Zinio enables the ability to shop for, search inside, read, share and save digital content in new ways and on many devices. With over 50,000 digital magazines and books, and e-stores localized in 15 languages, zinio.com is the largest online newsstand in the world. Founded in 2001 and privately held, Zinio is headquartered in San Francisco and has offices in New York, London, Paris, Barcelona and Taipei.

About Hearst Magazines
Hearst Magazines is a unit of Hearst Corporation (www.hearst.com), one of the nation's largest diversified communications companies with interests in magazines, newspapers, digital media, business media and television. As one of the world's largest publishers of monthly magazines, Hearst Magazines publishes more than 200 editions around the world, including 15 U.S. titles and 20 magazines in the United Kingdom, published through its wholly owned subsidiary, The National Magazine Company Limited. Hearst reaches more adults than any other publisher of monthly magazines (70.6 million total adults, according to MRI, Fall 2008).

Through its digital media unit, Hearst Magazines operates 25 Web sites and nine mobile sites for brands such as Cosmopolitan, Esquire, Good Housekeeping, Marie Claire and Seventeen, as well as non-magazine brand sites such as Delish.com, a food site in partnership with MSN; TheDailyGreen.com, MisQuinceMag.com and RealBeauty.com. Hearst Digital has also acquired Q&A platform Answerology.com; teen sites eCRUSH.com and eSPIN.com; social shopping site Kaboodle.com, and consumer health site RealAge.com.

Contacts:
Beth Shanley
AdCouncil
bshanley@adcouncil.org
212.984.1923

Lisa Hagendorf
Zinio
Lhagendorf@zinio.com
646.383.4050

The Advertising Council, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and AdoptUsKids Launch Campaign to Encourage the Adoption of African American Children in Foster Care

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:05:41 GMT
New York, October 27, 2009 -The Advertising Council, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Children's Bureau and AdoptUsKids, announced today the launch of a campaign designed to encourage the adoption of African American children from foster care.

According to the Administration for Children and Families, there are currently 496,000 children in the foster care system and, of these, 130,000 are available for adoption. Thirty-one percent of the children in foster care waiting to be adopted are African American; African American children are overrepresented in the foster care population relative to their percentage in the U.S. general population.

"We are optimistic that this campaign will result in a significant increase in inquiries to AdoptUsKids by families who are interested in adoption, specifically the adoption of older African American children and youth in foster care in the United States" said Kathy Ledesma, Project Director, AdoptUsKids. Created pro bono by kirshenbaum bond senecal + partners, the new multimedia campaign which includes television, radio, and print PSAs, is designed to help prospective parents realize that "You don't have to be perfect to be a perfect parent". It also aims to significantly increase awareness of the need to provide loving, permanent families for children in the foster care system. The new PSAs illustrate to potential parents that children in foster care don't need perfection, they need the commitment and love a "forever family" can provide. The PSAs direct audiences to visit www.adoptuskids.org, or call 1-888-200-4005 for more information on the adoption process.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with the Children's Bureau and AdoptUsKids on this humorous and heartwarming campaign that has inspired thousands of Americans to consider adopting a child from foster care," according to Peggy Conlon, President & CEO of The Advertising Council. "I am confident that these new PSAs will help increase the adoption of African American children."

The new PSAs are an extension of the previously successful campaign, launched in 2004, which focused on the adoption of children from foster care. The need for adoptive homes for older children, sibling groups, and children of color is especially great and the campaign has therefore targeted prospective homes for those populations. In the first 18 months following the launch, calls to the AdoptUsKids toll-free number increased by 236%. Additionally, more than 11,000 children whose pictures and biographies were featured on the AdoptUsKids website have been placed with a "forever family."

"The insight that you don't have to be perfect to be a perfect parent is a great platform that continues to allow us to create both meaningful and entertaining work across all channels. The campaign is a classic for the agency yet we continue to evolve and find fresh ways to inspire prospective parents to take action," said Izzy DeBellis ,Managing Partner and Network Creative Director, kirshenbaum bond senecal + partners.

The new television, radio, print and Web banner PSAs are being distributed to more than 33,000 media outlets nationwide this week. Per the Ad Council model, the PSAs will run and air in advertising time and space that is donated by the media.

The Administration for Children and Families/Children's Bureau
Within HHS, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is the agency that is responsible for Federal programs that promote the economic and social well-being of families, children, individuals, and communities. The Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) administers national programs for children and youth; works with States, Tribes, and local communities to develop services that support and strengthen family life; seeks joint ventures with the private sector to enhance the lives of children and their families; and provides information and other assistance to parents. Many of the programs administered by ACYF focus on children from low-income families; abused and neglected children; children and youth in need of foster care, independent living, adoption or other child welfare services; preschool children; children with disabilities; runaway and homeless youth; and children from Native American and migrant families.

Within ACYF, the Children's Bureau (CB) plans, manages, coordinates, and supports child abuse and neglect prevention and child welfare services programs. CB is the agency within the Federal Government that is responsible for assisting child welfare systems by promoting continuous improvement in the delivery of child welfare services. CB programs are designed to promote the safety, permanency, and well-being of all children, including those in foster care, available for adoption, recently adopted, abused, neglected, dependent, disabled, or homeless, and to prevent the neglect, abuse, and exploitation of children.

AdoptUsKids
AdoptUsKids is a multi-faceted, federally funded project whose mission is to recruit and connect foster and adoptive families with waiting children throughout the United States. The project is managed through a cooperative agreement with the Children's Bureau of the Administration of Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services.

About kirshenbaum bond senecal + partners
kirshenbaum bond senecal + partners is a leading integrated creative advertising and marketing services organization with $700 million in billings and 300 employees located in New York. Our dedication is to provide High Value Creativity that drives financial performance for our clients. The members of the kirshenbaum bond senecal+ partners group include kirshenbaum bond senecal advertising, Company C, Dotglu, LIME public relations + promotion, The Media Kitchen, Open Mind Strategy, and Varick Media Management. The Clients of the Group include BMW, Berkshire Hathaway/NetJets, Cablevision, Diageo, Delta, HomeGoods, Kao Brands Company (Jergens, Biore, Ban, John Frieda, Curel), Mohegan Sun, Panasonic, Starz Entertainment and Weight Watchers among others. kirshenbaum bond senecal + partners is a member of the MDC Partners network. For more information go to http://www.kbsp.com.

The Ad Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals volunteer talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to deliver critical messages to the American public. The Ad Council has produced, distributed and promoted thousands of public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas of health & safety, community and education.

Contacts:
Beth Shanley
The Ad Council
212-984-1923
bshanley@adcouncil.org

Debora Zdobinski
kbs+p
212-352-4664
dzdobinski@kbsp.com

DCSI Supports the Ad Council through its PSAcasting Initiative

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:54:36 GMT

Public service announcements from The Advertising Council are now playing across DCSI's growing national digital signage and advertising network.

New York, NY and Tempe, AZ, October 27, 2009 - The Advertising Council, the nation's leading producer of public service advertising campaigns, and Digital Consumer Solutions, Inc. (DCSI), a growing national network of digital signage and advertising solutions, today announced that DCSI will begin displaying public service announcements made available by the Ad Council in support of their PSAcasting.org initiative.

"We're thrilled to be able to support the Ad Council to deliver vital messages across our national network of digital screens as part of their PSAcasting.org effort," said Todd Hanle, Head of Global Marketing and Brand for DCSI. "This is an important initiative that helps generate greater reach to the important topics that tens of millions of people face every day and we're proud to be able to help deliver those messages across our digital network and through the country's top DMAs."

The Ad Council and DCSI have already begun displaying PSAs across the Phoenix, AZ and Portland, OR markets and are expected to expand into additional DMAs as part of a digital out of home strategic roll-out plan. Key PSA's running support: Teen Issues, Preventive Health Care, Veterans and the Environment.

About DCSI
Tempe, Arizona-based Digital Consumer Solutions, Inc. (DCSI) is a nationwide digital signage and advertising network with digital screens and extensive access in high traffic locations including convenience and grocery stores, quick service restaurants and shopping malls in major markets. At the cutting edge of product and technology innovation in the digital-out-of-home industry, DCSI offers a platform for advertisers to engage and inform today's fast-paced, constantly moving culture. By providing everything from the ground up, DCSI has created an end-to-end solution and is able to customize individual and network-wide content and advertisements for clients based on location and demographics to produce measurable results. For more information visit www.dcsimedia.com.

About the Ad Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health care, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

Contact:

Todd Hanle
Digital Consumer Solutions, Inc.
866-977-6334 :O
800-828-0471 :F
thanle@dcsimedia.com

Ad Council and Library of Congress Launch New PSAs to Promote the Joy of Reading and New Web Site www.read.gov

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:20:45 GMT

New spots feature characters and scenes from "Disney's A Christmas Carol"

New York, October 13, 2009 - The Advertising Council and the Library of Congress joined today to launch a national public service advertising (PSA) campaign designed to encourage children and adults to become engaged in reading and all other forms of literacy.

According to the National Institute for Literacy, success in school -- and life -- starts with literacy. When children become good readers in the early grades, they are more likely to become better learners throughout their school years and beyond. However, results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress reading test found that 37% of American fourth graders read below the "basic" level.

"The vision of the Library of Congress is to further the knowledge and wisdom needed for the sustenance of a free and informed citizenry, which is the very foundation of our democracy," according to Librarian of Congress James H. Billington. "Nothing is more important to this vision than the ability and desire to read and learn, and our efforts with organizations such as the Ad Council and Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures to promote lifelong literacy are critical to that end."

The new PSAs, aimed to reach children in the fourth, fifth and sixth grades and their parents, focus on engaging children in all forms of literacy, whether it is reading a book or magazine, studying history, visiting a museum or simply using their imagination. The TV, radio, online, and outdoor PSAs were developed in collaboration with the Ad Council and feature characters from the new film "Disney's A Christmas Carol." Additionally, a series of radio PSAs were created pro bono by BYU Ad Lab.

"We are excited to continue our partnership with the Library of Congress and to join with Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures on this engaging and important campaign," according to Peggy Conlon, President and CEO of The Advertising Council. "One of our missions is to ensure that all children have the opportunity to achieve their full potential in life. I am confident these PSAs will show children that literacy, in all its new and exciting forms, will enhance their lives in so many ways."

All of the PSAs direct children and parents to visit the Library of Congress' newly re-designed website, www.read.gov. The new website is designed to promote reading and literacy and includes links to a companion educational center at www.thenclba.org with resources and activities for teachers, parents and students. Also launching is "The Exquisite Corpse", an exclusive online storytelling journey written and illustrated by a cast of award winning authors and illustrators. Over the next year, a new chapter will be posted every two weeks.

Since its launch in 2003, the Ad Council's PSA campaign with the Library of Congress has received approximately $130 million in donated time and space from the media.

Per the Ad Council model, the PSAs will be distributed to media outlets nationwide this week and will run and air in advertising time and space that is donated by the media.

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
The Library of Congress is the nation's oldest federal cultural institution and the world's preeminent reservoir of knowledge, providing unparalleled collections and integrated resources to Congress and the American people. Many of the Library's rich resources and treasures may be accessed through the Library's website, www.loc.gov, and via interactive exhibitions on myLOC.gov.

THE ADVERTISING COUNCIL
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

ABOUT "DISNEY'S A CHRISTMAS CAROL"
DISNEY'S A CHRISTMAS CAROL, a multi-sensory thrill ride re-envisioned by Academy Award�-winning filmmaker Robert Zemeckis, captures the fantastical essence of the classic Dickens tale in a groundbreaking 3D motion picture event.

Ebenezer Scrooge (JIM CARREY) begins the Christmas holiday with his usual miserly contempt, barking at his faithful clerk (GARY OLDMAN) and his cheery nephew (COLIN FIRTH). But when the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come take him on an eye-opening journey revealing truths Old Scrooge is reluctant to face, he must open his heart to undo years of ill will before it's too late.

Contacts:
Beth Shanley
The Ad Council
212-984-1923
bcostiglio@adcouncil.org

John Sayers
Library of Congress
202-707-9216
jsay@loc.gov

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Ad Council Launch National Campaign to Help Prevent the Spread of the H1N1 Flu Virus

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:10:10 GMT
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced today that the Department of Health & Human Services is joining with the Ad Council to launch a series of national television public service advertisements (PSAs) designed to encourage Americans to take steps to protect themselves from the 2009 H1N1 flu virus. The ads are designed specifically to reach children, parents, pregnant women and young adults. A second series of PSAs, aimed at encouraging high-risk populations to get the H1N1 vaccination, is launching in late October.

Included in the public service advertisements being released today are new spots featuring characters from the popular Sesame Street and the winning spots from the recent 2009 Flu Prevention PSA Contest sponsored by the Department of Health and Human Services.

The Ad Council is distributing the following PSAs nationwide today and the ads will be supported in airtime donated by television stations nationwide. The spots will also be available at flu.gov, the government's one-stop website for all the latest information on both seasonal and H1N1 flu:

Young Adults: The winning PSA video from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services national 2009 Flu Prevention PSA Contest on YouTube (featuring the "hip hop doc"), along with four additional videos from the contest, will aim to reach those ages 17 to 24. More than 50,000 votes were cast for the contest. The PSAs are available in :30 and :60 lengths and include a Spanish-language spot.

Parents and Pregnant Women: Produced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, a new series of TV ads featuring Olympic Gold Medalist Jackie Joyner Kersee, singer Marc Anthony and actress Amy Ryan aim to reach parents and pregnant women. The PSA featuring Marc Anthony is also available in Spanish and the ads are in :30 length.

Parents and Children: Designed to reach children under the age of five and their parents, Sesame Workshop, the non-profit educational organization behind Sesame Street, produced two new television PSAs. Sesame Street's Elmo and Rosita have a new song teaching children the proper way to sneeze while Elmo and Luis talk to parents about the importance of creating a plan to keep their children home from school if they get sick. These messages build on a PSA Sesame Workshop released with HHS and the Ad Council earlier this year which explained the importance of practicing healthy habits this flu season. The PSAs are available in English and Spanish and are :30 lengths.

"While getting a flu vaccine is the best way for Americans to protect themselves and their families from the flu, right now as we wait for the H1N1 vaccine to get distributed out into local doctors offices and sites across the country, there are critically important things that Americans can be doing right now to keep their friends and family healthy and safe and to prevent the spread of flu," said Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. "These new prevention PSAs will help us get the word out about what to do about the flu. Fighting the flu is a shared responsibility between all of us and we are so grateful to all those who helped create these wonderful new messages. We are hopeful that Americans will spread these new PSAs virally and use to them help stop the spread of H1N1 and seasonal flu. "

The H1N1 flu virus is contagious and spreads person-to-person the same way that seasonal influenza does. The virus has quickly spread worldwide and in June 2009 the World Health Organization declared a global H1N1 flu pandemic.

After a summer of elevated influenza activity levels, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded as many flu cases in September as it does when flu season normally peaks later in the fall and winter.

Children, young adults under 24, pregnant women and adults 25-64 with underlying health conditions, like asthma, are more susceptible to falling ill to the H1N1 flu and are at higher risk for serious medical complications, including hospitalization and death.

To date millions of American people have gotten the H1N1 flu virus and more than 600 have died since the spring from HINI flu-related complications; including children and pregnant women.

The new PSAs focus on the importance of providing Americans with accurate information on the simple steps they can take to help prevent the flu. The PSAs encourage audiences to visit www.flu.gov to get more information on how to stay healthy.

"Since the outbreak of the H1N1 flu, many Americans have expressed concern about how they can protect themselves from being infected," said Peggy Conlon, president and CEO of the Ad Council. "We are proud to continue our longstanding partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services for these critical PSAs that will educate Americans about steps they can take to stay healthy."

The Ad Council has been partnering with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services to develop PSA campaigns that address critical health issues since the 1950s. Their successful collaborations have included public service messages about the polio epidemic, drug abuse and, more recently, obesity prevention.

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
The Department of Health and Human Services is the United States government's principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves. HHS is leading the medical response for the federal government for the H1N1 flu pandemic. The department includes more than 300 programs, covering a wide spectrum of activities, including medical and social science research, preventing outbreak of infectious disease, including immunization services, assuring food and drug safety, welfare, and Medicare and Medicaid.

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

Sesame Workshop
Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit educational organization that revolutionized children's television programming with the landmark Sesame Street. The Workshop produces local Sesame Street programs, seen in over 140 countries, and other acclaimed shows to help bridge the literacy gap including The Electric Company and Pinky Dinky Doo. Beyond television, the Workshop produces content for multiple media platforms on a wide range of issues including literacy, health and military deployment. Initiatives meet specific needs to help young children and families develop critical skills, acquire healthy habits and build emotional strength to prepare them for lifelong learning. Learn more at www.sesameworkshop.org.

Contacts:
HHS
Office of Public Health and Science
Public Affairs Office
202-205-0143

Sesame Workshop
Pam Hacker
212-875-6225
pam.hacker@sesameworkshop.org

The Ad Council
Ellyn Fisher
212-984-1964
efisher@adcouncil.org

Craig Morgan Voices New PSAs for Smokey Bear's Wildfire Prevention Campaign

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:33:49 GMT
Radio PSAs Available Today, in time for Fire Prevention Week

The Advertising Council, in partnership with the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters (NASF), announced today the launch of a new series of radio public service advertisements (PSAs) featuring country star and Grand Ole Opry member Craig Morgan, designed to provide critical information to Americans about their role in wildfire prevention as an extension of the Wildfire Prevention campaign featuring Smokey Bear. Morgan has recorded two 15- and one 30-second radio PSAs that are being distributed to radio stations across the nation this week to coincide with Fire Prevention Week. Radio stations can locate the PSAs on Ad Council's fulfillment website, http://psacentral.adcouncil.org.

Morgan, whose single "Bonfire," is in the Top 20 and rapidly climbing the Country Radio charts, felt it was important to pair a strong prevention message with the celebratory song and volunteered his time to the Ad Council. "When my buddies and I wrote this song, we were talking and laughing about fun times with family and friends, and that's what bonfires are all about," says Morgan. "But, anybody who knows me knows that I'm a big outdoors guy, and any time you build any sort of fire outside, safety has to be your number one concern. That's why I wanted to work with the Ad Council to get this message out. Wildfire Prevention remains one of the most critical issues affecting our country, and whether it's a bonfire after the big game, or a cookout when you're hunting or fishing, you need to contain your fire and be sure it is 100 percent extinguished before you leave."

Research shows that many Americans believe that lightning starts most wildfires. In fact, more than 88 percent of wildfires nationwide are started by humans and the majority of these fires are accidental. The principle causes are campfires left unattended, trash burning on windy days, careless discarding of smoking materials and BBQ coals and operating equipment without spark arrestors.

Morgan's PSAs provide valuable tips on fire extinguishing, and direct audiences to visit the campaign website, www.smokeybear.com, for more information about wildfire prevention. The website includes sections devoted to fire prevention tips, including how to build and extinguish safe fires and how to protect your home if you live near a fire prone area. Visitors can also take a pledge to practice fire safety.

Since his introduction on August 9, 1944, Smokey Bear has been a recognized symbol of protection of America's forests from fire. His message about forest fire prevention has helped to significantly reduce the number of acres burned annually by wildfires. Despite the campaign's success, during the past ten years, an average of 6.5 million acres of land in the U.S. was burned each year by wildfires. According to a recent Ad Council survey, Smokey Bear and his famous words of wisdom - "Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires" - are recalled by 3 out of 4 adults without prompting.

The Ad Council is distributing the new PSAs to radio stations nationwide this week. Per the Ad Council's model, the PSAs are airing in advertising time that is donated by the media. Since 1980, the Wildfire Prevention campaign has received more than $1 billion in donated advertising time and space. The campaign is the longest-running PSA campaign in U.S. history.

USDA Forest Service
Established in 1905, the Forest Service is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Forest Service manages 193 million acres of public lands in national forests and grasslands, which is an area equivalent to the size of Texas. The Forest Service is also the largest forestry research organization in the world, and provides technical and financial assistance to States, Tribes, communities, and non-industrial private forest landowners.

Gifford Pinchot, the first Chief of the Forest Service, summed up the mission of the Forest Service- "to provide the greatest amount of good for the greatest amount of people in the long run."

National Association of State Foresters
The National Association of State Foresters is comprised of the directors of state and territorial agencies and the District of Columbia. Through public-private partnership, NASF seeks to advance sustainable forestry, conservation, and protection of forestlands and their associated resources.

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

Craig Morgan
Craig Morgan is signed to Sony Entertainment Nashville's BNA Records label, and released his fifth studio album, That's Why, last fall. His current hit, the anthemic "Bonfire," is the fastest-rising of his career. Last year Morgan received one of country music's highest honors - he was inducted into the membership of the Grand Ole Opry. Morgan has made more than 150 appearances on The Grand Ole Opry, and plays over 200 sold-out concerts a year. He spent ten years on active duty in the U.S. Army before launching his music career, and makes a point to perform as often as possible at US military installations both in the US and abroad. He lives just outside of Nashville with his wife Karen and their four children.

CONTACT:
Ellyn Fisher, The Advertising Council - 212.984.1964, efisher@adcouncil.org
Paula Erickson, Erickson Public Relations - 615.665.5950, paula@ericksonpr.com
Wes Vause, BNA Records - 615.301.4373, wes.vause@sonymusic.com

HHS, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Family Assistance, and the Ad Council launch new PSAs to inspire a new commitment to responsible fatherhood

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:25:59 GMT
PSAs Emphasize to Fathers that "the smallest moments can have the biggest impact on a child's life."

October, 8, 2009 - In an effort to show fathers the unique and irreplaceable role they play in their children's lives, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Family Assistance (OFA) and the Ad Council joined today to announce the launch of new public service advertisements (PSAs).

"Fathers are crucial to the healthy development of their children," said Carmen Nazario, Assistant Secretary for Children and Families. "These moving public service ads will encourage fathers to be better providers, protectors, and mentors."

The effort is part of ACF's ongoing National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse Media Campaign, which is designed to promote and encourage responsible fatherhood and provide access to resources, parenting assistance, programs and education services for fathers and practitioners.

"These new PSAs continue the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse's tradition of delivering messages that inspire dads to give their children what they need to succeed: their time," said, Roland C. Warren, Media Campaign Director of the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse.

Created pro bono by Campbell-Ewald, the new TV, radio, print, outdoor and online PSAs emphasize to fathers that "the smallest moments can have the biggest impact on a child's life." The PSAs conclude with the tagline, "Take time to be a dad today" and direct fathers to visit www.fatherhood.gov or call 1-877-4DAD411 for parenting tips and additional resources for fathers. New Spanish radio PSAs were developed and translation of the new materials was provided by Hispanic Communications Network (HCN).

"This campaign continues to make a difference in the lives of dads and their kids," said Peggy Conlon, President & CEO of the Ad Council. "Thanks to the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse and Campbell Ewald these poignant PSAs will capture the hearts of Americans and inspire fathers to become more involved in their children's lives."

According to the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse (NRFC), an estimated
24 million children live absent their biological fathers, and they are at least two to three times more likely to be poor, to use drugs, to experience educational, health, emotional and behavioral problems, to be victims of child abuse, and to engage in criminal behavior than their peers who live with both of their parents. Children with involved, loving fathers are significantly more likely to do well in school, have healthy self-esteem, exhibit empathy and pro-social behavior and avoid high-risk behaviors.

"Since first partnering with the NRFC and the Ad Council in 1996, our goal has been to change the world, one father at a time," said Bill Ludwig, Vice Chairman, Chief Creative Officer at Campbell-Ewald. "We are honored to help highlight the vital role of being a father, and more importantly, to inspire dads to take an active role and make a difference in their children's lives."

Since its launch in 2008, the NRFC's Promoting Responsible Fatherhood campaign has received more than $46 million in donated media across television, radio, out-of-home, Internet and print. Per the Ad Council model, the PSAs will run and air in advertising time and space that is donated by the media.

HHS
Through HHS, the federal government supports responsible fatherhood in diverse ways. Because engaged fathers strengthen families and contribute to healthy outcomes for children, many HHS programs integrate support for fathers. These include Head Start, child support programs, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. HHS also supports programs that focus on responsible fatherhood, such as the Promoting Responsible Fatherhood grant program administered by the Office of Family Assistance.

National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse
The National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse (NRFC) is funded by Administration for Children and Families' Office of Family Assistance's (OFA) efforts to assist States and communities to promote and support Responsible Fatherhood. Primarily a tool for professionals operating Responsible Fatherhood programs, the NRFC provides access to print and electronic publications, timely information on fatherhood issues, and targeted resources that support OFA-funded Responsible Fatherhood grantees. The NRFC Web site also provides essential information for other audiences interested in fatherhood issues. www.fatherhood.gov.

Campbell-Ewald
Campbell-Ewald is one of the nation's largest advertising and digital communications agencies, with more than 1,100 employees and offices in Detroit, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, New York, and Washington, D.C. A part of The Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG), Campbell-Ewald partners with a score of national brands, including Alltel Wireless, ARAMARK, Buffalo Wild Wings, Carrier, Chevrolet, General Motors, Ghirardelli, Kaiser Permanente, Olympic Paints and Stains, OnStar, USAA, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Mint, the United States Navy and the United States Postal Service. For more information on Campbell-Ewald, visit www.campbell-ewald.com.

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council is a private, non-profit organization with a rich history of marshalling volunteer talent from the advertising and media industries to deliver critical messages to the American public. Having produced literally thousands of PSA campaigns addressing the most pressing social issues of the day, the Ad Council has effected, and continues to effect, tremendous positive change by raising awareness, inspiring action, and saving lives. To learn more about the Ad Council and its campaigns, visit www.adcouncil.org.

The Advertising Council and U.S. Department of Energy Launch New PSAs to Help Create an Energy Ethic for Future Generations

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 10:48:29 GMT
NEW YORK, October 2, 2009 - The Advertising Council and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today launched a series of new public service advertisements (PSAs) designed to educate tweens ages 8-10 about the importance of energy efficiency.

Energy use is on the rise around the world. By 2030, global energy demand is expected to increase 50 percent above 2005 levels, with electricity demand alone in the U.S. projected to rise 29 percent over the same period. This growing demand must be addressed in the context of global climate change. Consumers can make a significant difference on all these fronts by reducing demand through simple energy efficiency measures. For example, households that install energy-saving bulbs can cut energy used for lighting by more than 80 percent.

In a February 2008 national survey of kids ages 8-12, 85 percent of respondents believed that they could lead their family to do what is needed to consume less energy in the home.

As part of The Walt Disney Company's continued commitment to inspire environmentally-conscious behavior, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, in collaboration with the Ad Council, developed the new TV, outdoor and web advertising PSAs designed to educate 8-10 year olds on positive energy efficient habits and features Tinker Bell and other characters from the upcoming film "Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure." The PSAs direct viewers to a new interactive website www.energy.gov/kids where they can learn fun, simple tips on energy efficient behaviors, new technological advances to reduce energy consumption in the home and play fun games.

"We are delighted to continue our collaboration with DOE and Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment on this new round of PSAs," according to Peggy Conlon, President & CEO of The Advertising Council. "I'm confident that these PSAs, featuring Tinkerbell, who appeals to our target audiences, will continue to raise awareness and encourage tweens to practice good energy-saving activities."

Per the Ad Council model, the PSAs will be distributed to media outlets nationwide this week and will run and air in advertising time and space that is donated by the media.

THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
The U.S. Department of Energy stands at the forefront of the United States' effort to meet energy and environment, scientific, and national security goals. DOE works to meet growing energy demand with clean, safe, affordable, reliable and diverse supplies of energy through scientific discovery and investments with partners to push new technology rapidly into the marketplace. Among many other roles, the Department also supports American economic growth by promoting energy efficiency practices in homes, businesses and the nation's industrial complex. Since 2001, DOE and other federal agencies have provided nearly $18 billion in funding to research, develop, and promote alternative energy technologies that help to improve America's energy security.

WALT DISNEY STUDIOS HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, a recognized leader in the home entertainment industry, is the marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax and Buena Vista product, which includes DVD, Blu-ray DiscT and electronic distribution. Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment is a division of The Walt Disney Studios.

THE ADVERTISING COUNCIL
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

CONTACT:
Beth Shanley
The Ad Council
212-984-1923
bshanley@adcouncil.org

Kevin Brosnahan
Department of Energy
202-586-0462
Kevin.Brosnahan@ee.doe.gov

U.S. Forest Service and the Ad Council Launch a National Sweepstakes to Encourage Children to Re-Connect with Nature

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:29:58 GMT

Photo Sweepstakes to Encourage Tweens to Find Their "Other You"

In an effort to encourage tweens (ages 8-12) to spend more time in nature, the U.S. Forest Service is joining the Ad Council today to launch an interactive photo/art sweepstakes that will engage families in experiencing nature first hand. As an extension of their "Re-Connecting Kids with Nature" public service advertising (PSA) campaign, which first launched in June, the photo sweepstakes encourages tweens to head into the forest, explore and find their "other you." The sweepstakes is kicking off today and will continue through December 7, 2009.

"This photo sweepstakes is a wonderful way to extend the reach of our campaign with the Forest Service and engage children and their families in developing a love for nature," said Peggy Conlon, CEO and President of The Ad Council. "We are excited to see the submissions when they come in and are grateful to The North Face for generously donating the prizes."

Sweepstakes participants will provide a photo or an original piece of artwork that represents their journey in nature. By visiting sweeps.discovertheforest.com, parents can submit their children's picture or drawing depicting what they have discovered or experienced in nature. Each image will be reviewed by a third party vendor who will then post all approved entries to the public gallery. The North Face, the world's premier supplier of authentic, innovative and technically advanced outdoor apparel, equipment and footwear, has donated the prizes, which feature gift cards to its store.

"Connecting kids with nature is the key to creating the stewards of tomorrow," said USDA Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. "This sweepstakes builds on our 'Re-connecting Children with Nature' campaign and is a fun and creative way to encourage families to spend time together in the forest."

The sweepstakes winners will be chosen at random on a weekly basis from the pool of validated entries. Two winners will be selected on the Friday of each week during the sweepstakes period. The grand prize and ten (10) first prize winners will be drawn a week prior to the conclusion of the sweepstakes. The prizes will total $3,000, with the ten (10) first prizes being $100 gift cards, followed by 20 weekly prizes of $50 gift cards, and a grand prize of $1,000. Each winner will be notified individually. Visitors to the contest site can also view the public gallery to vote. Voters will only be allowed to give the picture a "thumbs up" and are encouraged to vote by being offered an additional chance to win a weekly prize.

"The North Face is committed to outdoor participation and education," said Aaron Carpenter, The North Face Vice President, Marketing. "US Forest Service and Ad Council's 'Re-Connecting Kids with Nature' campaign is a fun, authentic way to encourage tweens to embrace nature and the outdoors."

First launched on National Get Outdoors day (June 13, 2009), the goal of the Re-Connecting Kids with Nature PSA campaign is to encourage children to get outside and experience nature first-hand, instilling a life-long love for nature by fostering a connection with urban and national forests. The campaign's PSAs show the freeing aspects a nature experience can provide by depicting the various qualities -- the curious you, the creative you, the adventurous you -- that tweens can discover about themselves in nature. The TV spots depict children engaging with nature in various ways and encourage audiences to discover the forest, "where the other you lives."

The campaign directs children to visit www.DiscoverTheForest.org, which features a zip code search of forests and parks, powered by Nature FindT and Google Maps, as well as downloadable activities to take with them.

U.S. Forest Service
The U.S. Forest Service (www.fs.fed.us) manages 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands for the American Public. Its mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The U.S. Forest Service is the agency responsible for overseeing the use of Smokey Bear in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and The Advertising Council.

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

Contacts:
U.S. Forest Service
Press Office
202-205-1134

The Ad Council
Ellyn Fisher
212-984-1964
efisher@adcouncil.org

The North Face
Pamela Bennett
510-618-3654
pamela_bennett@vfc.com

Tina Fey to Host the Ad Council's 56th Annual Public Service Award Dinner

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 09:08:00 GMT

Coca-Cola's Muhtar Kent to Receive Distinguished Honor

NEW YORK, September 30, 2009 - The Advertising Council announced today that actress and comedienne Tina Fey will host its 56th Annual Public Service Award Dinner. The event, to be held on November 18th at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City, will honor Muhtar Kent, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Coca-Cola Company.

Tina Fey is the creator, writer, executive producer and star of the 3 time Emmy award-winning NBC comedy series 30 Rock. Fey's charity work includes activities on behalf of Autism Speaks, the Ad Council's partner on their national Autism Awareness PSA campaign. Fey is also the 2009 spokesperson for the 2009 Light the Night Walk, which benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

"We are thrilled to have Tina Fey host our Annual Public Service Award Dinner this year in honor of Muhtar Kent," said Peggy Conlon, President and CEO of the Ad Council. "Tina is a brilliant comedienne, actress and producer, and I know she will be a wonderful host."

Previous hosts of the Ad Council's dinner include Ellen DeGeneres, Brian Williams, Diane Sawyer and Anderson Cooper. Attended by prominent members of the media, advertising and corporate communities, the dinner serves as a tribute to the industries and individuals who support the Ad Council and its public service advertising (PSA) campaigns. In keeping with tradition, this year's award will be presented by last year's recipient, Jeffrey Immelt, Chairman and CEO, GE. The dinner is being chaired by Brian Perkins, Corporate Vice President, Johnson & Johnson, and Chair of the Ad Council.

The public service award dinner is the Ad Council's largest fundraising event for the Ad Council, raising $2.4 million last year. Platinum sponsors include Time Warner Inc. and Yahoo! Inc. who are underwriting the After-party and cocktail reception respectively.

Previous recipients of the Annual Public Service A ward include Dick Parsons (Time Warner), Bill Weldon (Johnson & Johnson), Ken Chenault (American Express), Bob Wright (GE/NBC), Ted Turner, Katharine Graham and A.G. Lafley (Procter & Gamble).

The Ad Council is a non-profit organization with a rich history of marshalling volunteer talent from the advertising and media industries to deliver critical messages to the American public. Having produced literally thousands of PSA campaigns addressing the most pressing social issues of the day, the Ad Council has effected, and continues to effect, tremendous positive change by raising awareness, inspiring action and saving lives. To learn more about the Ad Council and its campaigns, visit www.adcouncil.org.

American Diabetes Association and Ad Council Launch New Ads and Online Tools to Help Those with Diabetes Reduce their Risk for Serious Complications

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 10:28:00 GMT

2 out of 3 Americans with Diabetes Die of a Heart Attack or Stroke

The American Diabetes Association and the Ad Council, working with the National Council of La Raza and the American Association of Diabetes Educators, are joining today to launch a new series of national public service advertisements (PSAs) and online tools designed to raise awareness of the risks of uncontrolled diabetes and help those Americans with diabetes take the first steps toward staying healthy.

There are nearly 24 million children and adults in the U.S. currently living with diabetes and that population is growing at epidemic proportions, according to the American Diabetes Association. One new case is diagnosed every 20 seconds in our country, and the disease and its complications kill one American every seven minutes. While those with diabetes are generally aware of complications associated with the disease, many are not aware of their true risk for certain deadly diabetes-related complications, such as heart attack and stroke.

"These PSAs are what we need to further educate people with diabetes about the deadly complications that can occur if one does not properly manage his or her disease," said R. Paul Robertson MD, President, Medicine & Science, American Diabetes Association. "We are excited to once again continue our collaboration with the Ad Council to reach hundreds of communities in need of education. Education is a key component to changing the future of diabetes."

The campaign aims to reach all Americans who have diabetes with a particular emphasis on African Americans and Hispanic Americans. According to the Association, African Americans are 1.8 times more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than Caucasian Americans and Hispanic Americans are 1.6 times more likely to have diabetes. Created pro bono by ad agency McCann Erickson and its McCann HumanCare unit in New York, the campaign includes new English and Spanish-language television, radio and web PSAs, as well as Spanish print and English-language outdoor PSAs.

The PSAs illustrate how serious complications of diabetes can arise suddenly and without warning, and encourage those with diabetes to proactively engage their health care providers in a conversation about understanding and managing their risk factors.

The ads are an extension of the American Diabetes Association and Ad Council's national multimedia campaign, which first launched in 2007.

"We are delighted to continue our partnership with the American Diabetes Association which will further educate Americans with diabetes about how they can reduce their risk for serious life-threatening complications and improve the quality of their lives," said Peggy Conlon, president and CEO of the Ad Council. "The compelling PSAs and the wonderful new online resources will provide those with diabetes with the tools they need to take control of their diabetes."

The campaign drives audiences to visit two new websites, www.diabetesactnow.org and www.diabetesactuaya.org. The comprehensive websites give adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes friendly, supportive places to get simple answers and learn easy actions to help reduce and/or prevent complications like heart attack and stroke. Each site features a diabetes health care professional who explains why people with diabetes need to know their ABCs (A1C - a measure of average glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol), and includes a library of entertaining videos designed to help users make easy lifestyle changes to improve their diabetes numbers. The English-language site features a personal dashboard where users can track their progress and select action plans. In addition, a new interactive widget provides users with diabetes-related content and resources that can be accessed directly on their personal desktops.

The campaign's Spanish-language materials also include a toll-free number (800-533-9623) to learn more about how to effectively manage diabetes and a brochure that addresses the dangers of heart attack and stroke. The brochure describes the importance of controlling diabetes patients' ABCs and provides tips to help patients reach their goals, including a diabetes goals card, while encouraging those with diabetes to work with health care providers.

"We are proud to be able to work with the Ad Council and our sponsors to help people with diabetes get more directly involved with their treatment," said Andrew Schirmer, EVP and Managing Director of the HumanCare unit at McCann Erickson. "We found that we had to grab folks by the lapels a bit to make them aware that if diabetes is not controlled effectively it can lead to problems now, and not just down the road."

The new PSAs are being distributed to approximately 33,000 media outlets nationwide this week. Per the Ad Council's model, all of the ads will air and run in advertising time and space donated by the media. Beginning this week, an integrated social media program will extend the reach of the PSA campaign online with strategies designed to engage and educate those with diabetes throughout the country.

American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight against the deadly consequences of diabetes and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure, and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, its mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information, please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.

The Ad Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

McCann Erickson New York
McCann Erickson New York, the flagship and single largest office of McCann Erickson Worldwide, handles some of world's most successful and famous brands. McCann HumanCare is its consumer healthcare and wellness unit, with expertise in direct-to-consumer healthcare advertising and Spanish-language healthcare marketing through HumanCare Salud. The companies are part of McCann Worldgroup, one of the world's leading marketing communications companies.

Contacts:
The Ad Council
Press Office
212-984-1964
efisher@adcouncil.org

McCann Erickson
Ray Roel
646-865-3127

American Diabetes Association
CHristine Feheley
703-253-4374
cfeheley@diabetes.org

The Ad Council, the Humane Society of the United States and Maddie's Fund Launch First National PSA Campaign to Encourage Pet Adoption from Shelters

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:11:24 GMT
The Shelter Pet Project Marks First Ad Council Campaign to Focus on Pets
NEW YORK, September 24, 2009- The Advertising Council, in partnership with The Humane Society of the United States and Maddie's Fund, announced today the launch of The Shelter Pet Project, a national public service advertising (PSA) campaign, designed to encourage pet lovers throughout the country to make shelters their first choice for acquiring companion animals. The Shelter Pet Project is the first national PSA campaign to bring together the largest animal welfare organizations and many shelters across the country for one unified goal-to increase pet adoption.

There are approximately 75 million dogs and 88 million cats in American households. Presently, most people do not obtain their pets from shelters, but rather from pet stores, the Internet, friends, neighbors, breeders or other sources. According to The Humane Society of the United States and Maddie's Fund, eight million pets enter shelters and rescue groups every year, with three million of these healthy and treatable pets euthanized due to a lack of adoption.

The Shelter Pet Project aims to change the public's perception of shelter pets and encourage Americans to save a pet's life by adopting from an animal shelter or rescue group. The campaign is geared toward all Americans, including current, past and potential pet owners, but particularly those who are planning on acquiring a pet within the next year and who have not yet decided where they will get their pet from.

"By reaching a subset of the population uncertain about where they'll obtain their next dog or cat and convincing them that an animal shelter is the best source, we can end the euthanasia of homeless dogs and cats in this country," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States. "The animal welfare cause has never had an advertising campaign with this creativity."

"The death of animals in shelters is a national tragedy-one that we'll finally be able to end thanks to this historic campaign," said Rich Avanzino, Maddie's Fund President. "We are deeply indebted to the Ad Council and Draftfcb for turning national attention to the plight of shelter animals and inspiring people to adopt."

The humorous PSAs, created pro bono by Draftfcb Chicago, aim to break down the stereotypes associated with shelter pets and make shelters and rescue groups the desired place for people to find a pet. The ads feature stories of how pets come into shelters through no fault of their own, but due to owners' issues, such as divorce, financial difficulty and ill-prepared owners. The television, radio, print, outdoor and Web ads direct audiences to visit a new comprehensive Website, www.theshelterpetproject.org, to find out more information about how to adopt a pet from a shelter. The Website also includes a "Pet Personals" section, where users are asked questions about themselves and are then matched with potential pets from a local shelter or rescue group using the Petfinder.com database.

"We are proud to join with The HSUS and Maddie's Fund on this very important campaign, the first in our 67-year history that will benefit pets," said Peggy Conlon, President & CEO of the Ad Council. "This campaign will help change the conversation about pet shelters and help Americans understand that they are a wonderful place to adopt a pet. Ultimately, our efforts will provide loving homes for healthy shelter dogs and cats throughout the country."

"This is an excellent and overdue opportunity to put our expertise to work on behalf of perfectly healthy, wonderfully friendly animals desperate for someone to care for them," said Mark Modesto, president of Draftfcb Chicago. "When our Executive Chairman Howard Draft first approached Peggy Conlon with the idea, everyone recognized that this was an unprecedented opportunity to educate a national audience on this important issue."

In addition to the new PSAs and website, The Shelter Pet Project will engage the target audiences through a series of social media strategies, including blog and online outreach, as well as social networking initiatives. The campaign will encourage advocates, shelter workers, pet lovers and all Americans to become a "fan" and take a pledge to adopt a pet on Facebook. Audiences will also have the opportunity to sign up on Twitter to receive tweets about adoptable shelter pets, and view the new PSAs through YouTube.

Facebook

Twitter

MySpace

All of the new PSAs are being distributed to more than 33,000 media outlets nationwide this week. Per the Ad Council model, the PSAs will run and air in advertising time and space that is donated by the media. Initial partnerships include a commitment from Animal Planet to air the TV PSAs on their network over the next year beginning September 24 as part of their national campaign R.O.A.R., Reach Out. Act. Respond dedicated to helping animals in need, whose principal partners include The Humane Society of the United States and Petfinder.com.

A second series of PSAs, including TV, outdoor and Web banners, were developed in collaboration with Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment and will be distributed nationwide. The PSAs, which feature the lovable characters from Disney's Santa Buddies, aim to further elevate the issue of pet adoption by engaging parents as well as their children.

The Humane Society of the United States
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization - backed by 11 million Americans, or one of every 28. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty. To learn more about HSUS, please visit www.humanesociety.org.

Maddie's Fund
Maddie's Fund� The Pet Rescue Foundation, is a family foundation funded by Workday and PeopleSoft Founder Dave Duffield and his wife, Cheryl. Maddie's Fund is helping to create a no-kill nation where all healthy and treatable shelter dogs and cats are guaranteed a loving home. Maddie's Fund is named after the family's beloved Miniature Schnauzer.

Draftfcb
Draftfcb is the first global, behavior-based, holistic marketing communications organization to operate against a single P&L. In delivering its clients a high Return on IdeasSM,, the agency is driven by The 6.5 Seconds That MatterSM, a creative expression recognizing the brief period of time marketers have to capture consumers' attention and motivate them to act. With nearly 140 years of combined expertise, Draftfcb has roots in both consumer advertising and behavioral, data-driven direct marketing and firmly believes there is no way to separate creativity from accountability. Part of the Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG), the Draftfcb network spans 97 countries with more than 9,600 employees.

The Ad Council
The Ad Council is a private, non-profit organization that marshals volunteer talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to deliver critical messages to the American public. The Ad Council has produced, distributed and promoted thousands of public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas of health & safety, community and education.

CONTACT:
Beth Shanley
The Ad Council
212-984-1923
bshanley@adcouncil.org

Heather Sullivan
The Humane Society of the United States
301-548-7778
hsullivan@humanesociety.org

Lynn Spivak
Maddie's Fund
510-337-8979
spivak@maddiesfund.org

Michelle McGowan
Draftfcb
312-425-6013
michelle.mcgowan@draftfcb.com

Verizon Brings Ad Council PSAs on Teen Dating Abuse to Mobile, Internet and TV

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 09:23:37 GMT

First-of-its-kind Three-Screen Campaign Highlights Teen Dating Abuse and Provides Resources at ThatsNotCool.com

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and NEW YORK - Verizon has teamed with the Advertising Council to bring a public service advertising campaign to Americans across three screens: Verizon Wireless' Mobile Web service, and Verizon FiOS Internet and Verizon FiOS TV. The Ad Council's campaign, "That's Not Cool," features public service advertisements (PSAs) designed to help teens recognize digital dating abuse and take steps to prevent it.

While the Ad Council has always maintained a strong presence across the television, mobile, and Web platforms, the collaboration with Verizon signifies the first time a media partner has embraced an Ad Council campaign across all three outlets to ensure synergy and maximize impact.

"These important PSAs leverage the various Verizon services to bring maximum impact," said John Harrobin, senior vice president of digital media and marketing at Verizon. "We're extending the reach of this important work to the online and wireless communities, and we look forward to learning from this so we can continue to bring effective, multi-faceted public service campaigns to our customers."

"We are thrilled to collaborate with Verizon on this critical campaign to help prevent teen dating abuse," said Peggy Conlon, president and chief executive officer, Ad Council. "Partnering with Verizon will help raise awareness with teens and give them tools to avoid digital abuse that they may be experiencing by featuring our messages in an innovative way in the digital world."

"That's Not Cool" was developed by the Ad Council, in partnership with the Family Violence Prevention Fund and the Office on Violence Against Women at the U.S. Department of Justice. The campaign, which includes print, television, radio, online and mobile elements, is designed to help teens recognize digital dating abuse and empower them to initiate a conversation about it. The PSAs also direct audiences to visit www.ThatsNotCool.com, where teens can find tools to "draw their own digital line" and a "Talk it Out" forum to discuss this form of relationship abuse and seek help.

"The more people we can reach with practical, realistic messages about what's cool and what's not cool when it comes to relationships, the more we can help prevent the cycle of violence from recurring," said Esta Soler, president of the Family Violence Prevention Fund. "We thank Verizon, the Ad Council, and the Office on Violence Against Women for continuing to distribute this message and support this cause."

Verizon has a long history of supporting domestic violence prevention and awareness through its HopeLine� phone recycling program and through the Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the company. This campaign represents an extension of the company's work educating communities about domestic violence and provides additional opportunities to raise awareness of domestic violence among teenagers.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and data network, serving 87.7 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 87,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

About Verizon
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving more than 87 million customers nationwide. Verizon's Wireline operations provide converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network. Wireline also includes Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world. A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 235,000 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of more than $97 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

Contacts:
Debra Lewis
Verizon Wireless
917.848.0035 (mobile)
Debra.Lewis@verizonwireless.com

Beth Shanley
Ad Council
212.984.1923
bshanley@adcouncil.org

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Joins Ad Council and Warner Bros. Pictures to Combat Childhood Overweight and Obesity

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:04:22 GMT

PSAs Featuring Characters from "Where the Wild Things Are" Encourage Children to Play Every Day

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Ad Council today launched a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs) designed to address childhood overweight and obesity. Featuring characters from the upcoming film, Where the Wild Things Are, the PSAs are an extension of HHS' Childhood Obesity Prevention campaign with the Ad Council, which encourages children and families to lead healthy lifestyles. The ads are being distributed to media outlets nationwide this week.

According to HHS' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the percentage of young people who are overweight has more than tripled since 1980, with more than 9 million school age children over the age of 6 in the U.S. considered overweight. In addition to the psychological and social issues of stigmatization, overweight children are at far greater risk of growing into adults who have cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and other chronic diseases that may reduce the length and quality of their lives. A recent report also illustrated that the health cost of obesity in the United States is as high as $147 billion annually.

Created pro bono by Warner Bros. Pictures, the new TV, radio, print, outdoor and Internet PSAs feature characters and scenes from the film Where the Wild Things Are, adapted from Maurice Sendak's classic children's story. Directed by Spike Jonze, the feature adventure is scheduled to open nationwide October 16, 2009. The television ads feature the film's young star, Max Records, running, jumping and having fun in the wild with various creatures from the story.

The campaign encourages kids to start their own Wild Rumpus by finding time to play every day and touts the benefits of regular physical activity. All of the PSAs conclude with a call-to-action - "The Wild is Out There, Did You Play Today?" and urge families to visit www.smallstep.gov for great play ideas. The website provides fun, interactive and helpful information on physical activity and healthy eating.

"Childhood overweight and obesity are serious concerns for children and adolescents in the U.S.," said Howard Koh, M.D., M.P.H, HHS' assistant secretary for health. "Good health starts with healthy habits, and regular physical activity promotes long-term health benefits. I'm encouraged by our efforts with the Ad Council to promote physical activity among young people."

The new PSAs are a continuation of the Ad Council and HHS' successful Childhood Obesity Prevention campaign that first launched in 2005 and the Ad Council's Coalition for Healthy Children initiative, which encourages marketers to adopt consistent healthy lifestyle messages. Previous PSAs for the campaign and Coalition have featured characters from DreamWorks' Shrek and National Football League players urging children to "Be a Player" and engage in physical activity for an hour a day.

"This new series of PSAs is a wonderful extension of our efforts with HHS to address childhood obesity," said Peggy Conlon, president and CEO of the Ad Council. "Where the Wild Things Are is a classic and the film's beloved characters will help encourage children throughout the country to become more active and reduce their risk for obesity. We are grateful to Warner Bros. for donating their resources for these PSAs."

"Warner Bros. applauds the ongoing efforts of HHS and the Ad Council to protect the health of children with campaigns like this, designed to appeal to them on a personal level. As part of that effort, we're happy to offer images from Where The Wild Things Are, to remind kids that being a Wild Thing means going outside to play," says Gene Garlock, senior vice president of promotions for Warner Bros. Pictures Worldwide Marketing.

Per the Ad Council's model, all of the new PSAs will run and air in advertising time and space that is donated by the media. To date, the Childhood Obesity Prevention campaign has received more than $179 million in donated media support.

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
The Department of Health and Human Services is the United States government's principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves. The department includes more than 300 programs, covering a wide spectrum of activities, including medical and social science research, preventing outbreak of infectious disease, including immunization services, assuring food and drug safety, welfare, and Medicare and Medicaid.

About the Film
Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Legendary Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures, a Playtone/Wild Things Production of a Spike Jonze film: Where the Wild Things Are. Maurice Sendak's classic book comes to the big screen in an adventure tale for every generation, starring Catherine Keener, Max Records and Mark Ruffalo, Lauren Ambrose, Chris Cooper, James Gandolfini, Catherine O'Hara and Forest Whitaker. Where the Wild Things Are is directed by Spike Jonze from a screenplay by Spike Jonze & Dave Eggers, based on the book by Maurice Sendak. It is produced by Tom Hanks, Gary Goetzman, Maurice Sendak, John Carls and Vincent Landay, with Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni and Bruce Berman serving as executive producers. The creative team includes director of photography Lance Acord, production designer K. K. Barrett, editor Eric Zumbrunnen and costume designer Casey Storm. Music is by Karen O and Carter Burwell.

Where the Wild Things Are will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures. It is rated PG by the MPAA for mild thematic elements, some adventure action and brief language. Soundtrack Album is available on DGC/Interscope Records. www.wherethewildthingsare.com

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

The goal of the Ad Council's Coalition for Healthy Children is to help address the obesity crisis that confronts our nation and its children. Its mission is to provide clear, consistent, research-based messages to children and parents on the importance of practicing a healthier lifestyle and offer them the means to do it. This can be achieved by harnessing the combined strengths of marketers, media companies, non-profit groups and government agencies. The Coalition's members have made a commitment to the promotion of healthy living to our nation's families and have agreed to incorporate the Coalition's messages into their own communications programs. For more information about the Coalition, please visit www.HealthyChildrenCoalition.org.

Press Contacts:
The Ad Council
Ellyn Fisher
212-984-1964
efisher@adcouncil.org

Warner Bros. Pictures
Dennis Higgins
818-954-6649
dennis.higgins@warnerbros.com

HHS Press Office
202-690-6343

Ad Council and American Stroke Association Launch New PSAs to Encourage African Americans to Respond Early to Stroke Symptoms

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:11:40 GMT
NEW YORK, September 9, 2009 - The Advertising Council and the American Stroke Association announced today the launch of new public service advertisements (PSAs) intended to raise awareness among African Americans of the early symptoms of stroke and to increase immediate stroke recognition and response.

According to the American Stroke Association (ASA), stroke is the number three killer in the United States and a leading cause of long-term disability. Tragically, African Americans are almost twice as likely to suffer a first-ever stroke as compared with white Americans. Furthermore, 105,000 African Americans suffer a stroke each year, resulting in about 17,500 deaths. Immediate emergency medical treatment may greatly reduce long-term disability caused by stroke but African American men and women hesitate to call 9-1-1.

The campaign, which originally launched in 2003, aims to empower potential at-risk African Americans and bystanders to act immediately by calling 9-1-1 at the first possible sign of a stroke.

Created pro bono by ad agency Burrell Communications, the campaign includes new television, radio, web and outdoor public service advertisements emphasizing to African Americans that "Stroke's No Joke." The TV, radio and banner PSAs feature comedians Alonzo Bodden and George Wilborn performing stand-up routines juxtaposed with the campaign's compelling "Stroke's No Joke" messages to illustrate the seriousness of stroke. All of the PSAs direct audiences to visit the new campaign website, www.strokesnojoke.org, where they can learn more about the risk factors and warning signs of stroke.

"We are pleased with the new PSA concepts and are confident that our partnership with Burrell Communications and the Ad Council will be well received by the public and will bring more awareness to this serious issue that is affecting too many African Americans," says Rani Whitfield, MD, Family Practitioner and American Stroke Association volunteer.

"We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the American Stroke Association and Burrell on this critical campaign," according to Peggy Conlon, President and CEO of The Advertising Council. "I believe these messages will educate African Americans about the importance of early response to the warning signs of a stroke."

"Burrell has a 30-year legacy of developing insight-based marketing communications that resonate with the African-American community, " said McGhee Williams Osee, Burrell's Co-CEO. " We welcomed the opportunity to draw upon our extensive healthcare marketing experience to shine an important spotlight on this critical issue, and encourage a meaningful dialogue that can help save lives."

The Ad Council is distributing the new PSAs to media outlets nationwide. Per the Ad Council's model, all of the PSAs will run and air in advertising time and space that is donated by the media.

The American Stroke Association

Created in 1997 as a division of the American Heart Association, the American Stroke Association works to improve stroke prevention, diagnosis and treatment to save lives from stroke - America's No. 3 killer and a leading cause of serious disability. To do this, we fund scientific research, help people better understand and avoid stroke, encourage government support, guide healthcare professionals, and provide information to stroke survivors and their caregivers to enhance their quality of life. To learn more, call 1-888-4STROKE or visit strokeassociation.org.

Burrell Communications

Burrell Communications is a full-service marketing communications company with offices in Chicago, Atlanta and Los Angeles. In business for more than 30 years, Burrell is a leader in understanding and motivating consumer behavior in the African-American and Yurban(R) markets. The agency's client roster includes: McDonald's, Procter & Gamble, Toyota, General Mills, Weight Watchers, ShoreBank, American Airlines, Walt Disney World Resorts, Allstate, Eli Lilly and Zimmer. For more information, visit http://www.burrell.com.

The Advertising Council

The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

Contact:
Beth Shanley
The Ad Council
212-984-1923
bshanley@adcouncil.org

Elisa Ramirez Johnson
American Stroke Association
(214) 706-1508
Elisa-ramirez.johnson@heart.org

President Obama Joins the U.S. Army and the Ad Council to Communicate the Importance of Education for America's Youth

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 10:39:25 GMT
New PSAs Feature President Obama Encouraging Americans to Support Students as part of a National High School Dropout Prevention Campaign (www.boostup.org)

In time for the first day of school for many children across the U.S., President Obama is joining the Ad Council and the U.S. Army to launch a new series of television and radio public service advertisements (PSAs) designed to encourage Americans to take responsibility and support high school students on their path to graduation. The new ads, which feature the President, are a part of the Ad Council and the U.S. Army's High School Dropout Prevention "Boost" campaign. They are being distributed to media outlets nationwide to coincide with a special address President Obama will deliver directly to students in grades K-12 on Tuesday, September 8th on the importance of taking responsibility for their education. The speech will be broadcast live at 12:00 pm EST on www.whitehouse.gov/live and C-SPAN.

Nearly 30 percent of high school students in the U.S. drop out, according to a report released by the America's Promise Alliance (Cities in Crisis: A Special Analytic Report on High School Graduation). In the new TV and radio PSAs, President Obama communicates that he couldn't have achieved his success without first graduating from high school. The President points to his high school graduation photo and describes how it paved the way for his inauguration photo. President Obama then urges all parents, friends, educators and neighbors to do whatever it takes to help support and encourage high school students in their education.

"We need all students to develop their talents, skills and intellect so they can help solve our most difficult problems," said President Obama. "If students don't do that - if they quit on school - they're not just quitting on themselves, they're quitting on their country."

During the speech, the President will challenge students to work hard, set educational goals, and take responsibility for their learning. In advance of the address, the Department of Education is providing teachers with resources to help engage students and stimulate discussion on the importance of education.

"We are delighted to have President Obama join our Boost campaign designed to encourage students to stay in school and graduate. Research shows that the decision to drop out doesn't happen overnight and it isn't due to lack of motivation for many students. Through the President's words, these wonderful PSAs highlight the importance of motivating and challenging students and they help continue our campaign's goal to develop a community of support for students who need it," said Peggy Conlon, President and CEO of the Ad Council.

The Ad Council and the U.S. Army kicked off their High School Dropout Prevention initiative in 2000. Now called "Boost" and created pro bono by ad agency Publicis New York, the campaign portrays the real stories of potential graduates who are at risk of dropping out. The PSAs encourage teens, parents and adults to give these students and students in their communities the "boost" of encouragement they need to stay in school and graduate. The ads direct audiences to visit www.boostup.org, where they can send "boosts" to either students in their own communities or the profiled students. There are also sections on the website for parents and teens, which provide resources and guidance on issues relating to school, crisis and community.

The "Boost" campaign leverages the leading social networking websites (YouTube, Facebook, and MySpace) to provide opportunities to support teens. In addition to the PSAs, the campaign features a series of wake-up calls and alarm ringtones recorded by professional athletes that teens can share with friends and peers to provide the motivation to get up and go to school in the morning. New York Knicks' Nate Robinson, Chicago Bears' Lance Briggs, Phoenix Suns' Amare Stoudemire and Baltimore Ravens' Willis McGahee donated their time to record the messages, which can be downloaded at www.BoostUp.org/WakeUp. Furthermore, students can download an interactive "Countdown to Graduation" widget to help them stay on track to graduation.

"Nearly thirty percent of American high school students aren't graduating. Not because they don't want to graduate, but because of outside, personal situations including having to support family income, teen pregnancy and other issues," said Rob Feakins, President and Chief Creative Officer of Publicis New York. "These students need all of our support. And we welcome the support of President Obama."

Since its launch in November 2000, the Ad Council and the U.S. Army's High School Dropout initiative has received over $400 million in donated time and space from the media and is frequently ranked among the top ten supported Ad Council campaigns.

U.S. Army
Education is a top-priority public service issue for the U.S. Army. In 2000, they partnered with the Ad Council to start "Operation Graduation." This was a national campaign to motivate and encourage students to graduate high school. In 2006, the Ad Council and the US Army launched Boost, a new approach to this dropout prevention campaign. Boost encourages teens to talk to their friends about staying in school, while providing their parents with tools and advice. All in an effort to give our teens the community of support they need to tackle one of the most important obstacles of their lives: graduation. To find out more about the US Army go to www.goarmy.com.

Publicis New York
Publicis New York is part of Publicis in the USA, the North American regional operating unit of Paris-based Publicis Worldwide, the largest global advertising network within the Publicis Groupe holding company. Among Publicis New York's clients are P&G, Beck's, Citi, L'Oreal, The Coca-Cola Company, T.G.I. Friday's, Whirlpool, Inc., and the Ad Council. For more information, please visit www.publicis-usa.com.

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

Contact:
U.S. Army: LTC Nathan Banks, 703-697-7550

Ad Council Press Office: 212-984-1964

Publicis New York: Christie Giera, 212-279-5748

Deputy Mayor Skyler, Secretary Napolitano, OEM Commissioner Bruno, and American Red Cross in Greater NY CEO Terry Bischoff Kick Off National Preparedness Month with Launch of Ready NYC Campaign

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 10:22:48 GMT
Partnership with The Advertising Council Furthers City's Preparedness Efforts

Deputy Mayor Edward Skyler today joined Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano, Office of Emergency Management (OEM) Commissioner Joseph F. Bruno, American Red Cross in Greater New York (ARC/GNY) CEO Theresa Bischoff and The Advertising Council President and CEO Peggy Conlon to launch Ready New York City, a new public service advertising campaign designed to encourage New Yorkers to prepare for emergencies. The announcement was made in Times Square, at one of five National Preparedness Month kick-off events taking place across the city.

"New Yorkers know from experience how important it is to be prepared for the unexpected," Deputy Mayor for Operations Edward Skyler said. "National Preparedness Month provides an important opportunity for all New Yorkers to re-assess and re- adjust their preparedness plans, for themselves and for their families. Through efforts like the Ready New York City campaign, and with the support of partners like the American Red Cross, we are making great strides toward our ultimate goal: for every New Yorker to be as prepared as he or she can be."

"Preparedness is a shared responsibility that begins with the American people," said Secretary Napolitano. "These public service advertisements highlight the simple steps New Yorkers can take to prepare for disasters, enhancing the safety and security of the city. This new campaign is a great example of how local government and non-profit organizations are providing relevant resources for their communities."

"This marks the sixth year we are joining our Citizen Corps Council partners during National Preparedness Month to remind New Yorkers about the steps they should take to prepare for emergencies - get a kit, make a plan, get informed," said Commissioner Bruno. "This September is particularly special because we are also partnering with the American Red Cross in Greater New York and the Ad Council to bolster our outreach efforts through "Ready New York City," our new advertising campaign, which will carry our message of personal and family preparedness to New Yorkers we haven't reached so far."

"Every day the American Red Cross in Greater New York responds to disasters and emergencies where we see the added suffering that results when people are not ready," said American Red Cross in Greater New York CEO Theresa Bischoff. "It is for this reason that we are thrilled to be a part of this very necessary and compelling campaign that serves as a call to action for all New Yorkers to be prepared before a disaster strikes."

The Ready New York City campaign uses the metaphor "a disaster can turn your world (or your family's world) upside down." The campaign will include a television ad, two radio spots and four print designs that will be placed in newspapers, online, and in outdoor advertising spaces such as bus shelters, phone kiosks, and billboards. Ready New York City also features a website that hosts information to help New Yorkers follow up on the campaign's three central recommendations: 1) get a kit, 2) make a plan, and 3) be informed. Ready New York City's online content is available in English at www.readynyc.org or in Spanish at www.listonyc.org.

"Our research has found that New Yorkers often believe they are adequately prepared for an emergency, but many do not understand what it truly takes to be ready," said Peggy Conlon, president and CEO of the Ad Council. "We are proud to partner with Deputy Mayor Skyler, OEM, and the American Red Cross in Greater New York on this new campaign that will provide the necessary motivation and resources for New York City to increase the level of public preparedness."

According to a 2009 OEM survey, 40 percent of New Yorkers say they do not feel prepared for an emergency. Additionally, 40 percent say they do not have any form of a household emergency plan and 73 percent do not have all of the recommended emergency supplies in their homes.

National Preparedness Month is a month-long nationwide campaign, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, to promote emergency preparedness and encourage volunteerism. Each September, the New York City Citizen Corps Council organizes National Preparedness Month activities throughout the city by bringing together disaster relief and other volunteer organizations to distribute information at fairs, host demonstrations, and lead preparedness presentations.

This year's National Preparedness Month focuses on changing perceptions about emergency preparedness and helping Americans understand what it means to be "ready." National Preparedness Month Coalition members will distribute emergency preparedness information and sponsor activities across the country that will promote preparedness. To see a list of Coalition members who have pledged their support and joined the 2009 National Preparedness Month Coalition, please visit http://www.ready.gov/america/npm09/members.htm.

Emergency Preparedness is one of the six strategic impact areas towards which NYC Service is dedicated to driving essential volunteer support. NYC Service was launched by Mayor Bloomberg in April to meet his State of the City pledge for New York City to lead the nation in answering President Obama's national call to service.

Ready New York City is an extension of a national campaign sponsored by the US Department of Homeland Security and developed by the Ad Council. Information on DHS's Ready Campaign is available at www.ready.gov.

In honor of National Preparedness Month, Clear Channel Spectacolor will run the 30-second Ready New York City television PSA on its digital billboard in Duffy Square once each hour during the month September, pro bono. Clear Channel Spectacolor has also donated a large (45 feet x 65 feet) vinyl billboard that will be displayed in Times Square during the month of September.

NYC & Company has garnered space from Cemusa and Vector Media on 25 telephone kiosks and 25 bus shelter panels. Ready New York City advertisements will be placed in the telephone kiosks for 12 weeks beginning in October. The ads will run in the bus shelter panels for four weeks beginning the first week of November.

Several additional media companies have made commitments to donate time and space to support the PSAs. These media companies include Clear Channel Outdoor, Clear Channel Radio NYC, Emmis Radio NYC, Lamar Outdoor, Van Wagner Outdoor, WABC-AM, WABC-TV, WCBS Radio, WCBS-TV, WFUT-TV (Telefutura), WNYW-TV (Fox 5), WPLJ-FM, WWOR-TV (My 9) and WXTV-TV (Univision).

For more information on the Ready New York City campaign, visit www.readynyc.org or call 311.

CONTACT:
OEM: Chris Gilbride (718) 422-4888
Ad Council Press Office (212) 984-1964
ARC/GNY Marianne Darlak (212) 875-2132
Cramer-Krasselt Kristin Fletcher (312) 616-2371

Secretary Napolitano and Fema Administrator Fugate Unveil New Ads to Encourage Emergency Preparedness

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 10:02:06 GMT
Debut of Public Service Advertisements Helps Launch National Preparedness Month

WASHINGTON-Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today joined with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate and the Ad Council to launch a new series of Ready Campaign public service advertisements (PSAs) designed to encourage all Americans to take steps to prepare for emergencies, kicking off September's National Preparedness Month.

"Preparedness is a shared responsibility that begins with the American people," said Secretary Napolitano. "These public service advertisements highlight the simple steps everyone can take to prepare for disasters, enhancing the safety and security of our country."

"Emergency response is a team effort, and the most important member of that team is the public," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "The truth is, the more the public does now to prepare, the better we can respond in the future. That's why we are launching PSAs, encouraging Americans to visit Ready.gov and learn how they can do their part to prepare."

Produced pro bono by advertising agency Cramer-Krasselt in conjunction with the Ad Council, the new Ready PSAs-produced for television, radio, print, outdoor and the Web-direct audiences to visit www.ready.gov to find national and local preparedness information and resources.

The Ready Campaign encourages Americans to take three simple steps to prepare for emergencies: (1) Put together an emergency supply kit; (2) Make a family emergency plan; and (3) Get informed about the types of emergencies that could take place in their communities and appropriate responses.

Secretary Napolitano unveiled the new PSAs at an event in New York City's Times Square, joined by New York City Office of Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Bruno, American Red Cross President and CEO Gail McGovern, American Red Cross in Greater New York CEO Theresa Bischoff and Ad Council President and CEO Peggy Conlon.

"Ready has made significant progress, but the farther we get from a major disaster, the more difficult the challenge in motivating Americans to prepare," said Ad Council President and CEO Peggy Conlon, "Our new PSAs, developed in partnership with DHS, are engaging and motivating and will go a long way in increasing our country's level of preparedness."

In addition to the national Ready PSAs launched today, New York City's new public service campaign-Ready New York-was also announced to encourage all New Yorkers to prepare for emergencies. The national Ready ads have also been localized for a number of other cities, including Austin, Texas, Atlanta, Chicago, Eugene, Ore., Houston, Kansas City, Mo., Los Angeles, and San Francisco-as well as the states of Utah and Virginia and the U.S. Navy and U.S. Virgin Islands.

Initiated in 2003, the Ready Campaign is a national public service advertising campaign designed to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to all emergencies in order to raise the level of basic preparedness across the nation.

In addition to outreach via traditional media, Ready also provides a series of social media tools to help Americans prepare for emergencies, including a downloadable family emergency plan, an interactive widget that provides users with updates on emergency situations, emergency kit checklists, and preparedness guidelines.

To view the PSAs and for more information on the Ready Campaign, visit www.ready.gov or follow "ReadydotGov" on Twitter.

CONTACT:
DHS Press Office, (202) 282-8010

Atmosphere Proximity launches The Big Ad Gig

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 10:22:24 GMT

In conjunction with The New York Times, The Advertising Council and Advertising Week 2009, this
Inaugural Event aims to Award Four Contestants, Jobs at Top Advertising Agencies around the Country

NEW YORK, Aug. 11, 2009 -- The Big Ad Gig (http://www.thebigadgig.com), a first ever event will be held at The New York Times Building on Thursday, September 24 in conjunction with Advertising Week 09. The premise of the event takes a page from the American Idol format: A panel of Creative Directors, CEOs and marketing leaders from Atmosphere Proximity, Ogilvy, Crispin, Saatchi & Saatchi Wellness, the Ad Council and Microsoft Advertising, will be judging presentations from eight contestants, all vying for the chance to work a 30-day paid freelance gig at one of these top ad agencies. The New York Times advertising columnist Stuart Elliot will be moderating this event.

At the end of this summer-long contest, a final eight aspiring advertising creatives will be selected, and will compete for jobs at the country's top agencies. Judges will offer jobs at their ad shops to the top contestants based on their portfolio, a video submission and, ultimately, their ability to present their pitch from an Ad Council brief live in front of an audience during Advertising Week.

One winning campaign will be produced on behalf of the Ad Council and run across multiple screens and donated inventory from Microsoft Advertising's media properties including gaming, online and mobile.

"The Big Ad Gig's focus is on awarding upcoming and deserving talent with top ad gigs at leading agencies. One of our initial ideas with this event was to find partners to help discover and award jobs to future ad stars, and we are thrilled with the caliber of judges, agencies and marketing outlets that have enthusiastically embraced our idea," said Andreas Combuechen, chairman, CEO and chief creative officer, Atmosphere Proximity.

"The Times is pleased to collaborate with top advertising agencies for this exciting event," said Denise Warren, chief advertising officer, The New York Times Media Group and general manager, NYTimes.com. "The Big Ad Gig event is just one way we can help foster promising creative talent."

"This is a wonderful opportunity to engage our industry's best and brightest new talent in developing creative that makes a real difference," said Priscilla Natkins, executive vice president and director of client services at the Ad Council. "Our hope is that this contest will instill a lifelong commitment to using the power of advertising to creative positive social change."

"We are delighted to be part of The Big Ad Gig," said Tham Khai Meng, Worldwide creative director, Ogilvy & Mather, "Participating in this program allows us to support the industry's growth as well as young talent."

"I hope to be known as the Paula Abdul of advertising after this," Rob Reilly Partner/Co-executive creative director, Crispin Porter + Bogusky.

"It's a pleasure to work on an innovative project such as this," said Spots And Content executive producer Steven J. Levy.

"We are excited to help foster a new generation of advertising alent, and look forward to bringing the winning concept to life across all of Microsoft's multi-screen media properties, such as mobile, online and gaming," said Charles Johnson, general manager of mobile media, for Microsoft Advertising.

"Talent is the lifeblood of our industry and we need constant transfusions of fresh creative ideas, and fresh young creative people to keep it flowing," said Helayne Spivak, executive vice president and chief creative officer, of Saatchi & Saatchi Wellness.

"Kudos to The Times and all the Big Gig supporters . . . We're delighted to welcome this initiative into the mix for Advertising Week 2009," stated Advertising Week Executive Director Matt Scheckner.

To learn more about this exciting event, please log on to visit www.thebiggig.com.

Atmosphere Proximity is a full service digital marketing company whose core focus is building brand preference through the digital channel. Atmosphere is a member of the Omnicom Group of Companies. Omnicom Group (NYSE: OMC). For press inquiries, please contact Michelle Parks McCourt at (212) 827-2446, or email: michelle@atmosphereproximity.com

Ando Media to Serve Ad Council Radio PSAs via New PSAWire Platform

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 13:09:55 GMT
NEW YORK, August 12, 2009 - The Ad Council, the nation's leading producer of public service advertisements (PSAs), and Ando Media, the leading provider of real-time audience measurement and ad management solutions for the Internet audio market, announced today that Ando Media will offer Ad Council radio spots to streaming radio stations via a new web portal platform available to Ando Media's clients through their Ando console. PSAWire will be available starting today.

Similar to Ando Media's AdWire portal, PSAWire will provide broadcasters the opportunity to preview and insert Ad Council radio PSAs into their audio stream. The airtime and impressions donated for the spots will then be tracked and reported by Ando Media using their Webcast Metrics� Real Time Audience Measurement service.

"We are looking forward to our partnership with Ando Media, which will help further the reach of our radio PSAs online, and provide the data necessary to track the support received from streaming radio stations for the first time," said Tim Davis, Executive Vice President of Media at the Ad Council.

All of the Ad Council's 50 current national PSA campaigns have produced radio spots and the majority of the ads are cleared for Internet use. Across all forms of media, the Ad Council receives the largest support from the radio industry.
"We are pleased to have developed a system in conjunction with the Ad Council which provides an automated way for stations to opt into PSA campaigns and have them automatically run, saving time, energy and manual distribution of these campaigns to stations," stated Robert J. Maccini, President and CEO of Ando Media, LLC.

Per the Ad Council's model, the organization's PSAs are run and aired in advertising time and space donated by the media. Last year, the media industry's donated support was valued at more than $1.8 billion across all Ad Council campaigns.

About Ando Media LLC
Ando Media is the leading provider of real-time audience measurement and ads management solutions for the Internet audio market. Founded in 2004, Ando Media is committed to enabling its clients to monetize their digital assets: audio, online, video and mobile. www.andomedia.com

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council is a private, non-profit organization with a rich history of marshalling volunteer talent from the advertising and media industries to deliver critical messages to the American public. Having produced literally thousands of PSA campaigns addressing the most pressing social issues of the day, the Ad Council has effected, and continues to effect, tremendous positive change by raising awareness, inspiring action, and saving lives. To learn more about the Ad Council and its campaigns, visit www.adcouncil.org.

Contacts:
Ellyn Fisher
The Ad Council
212-984-1964
efisher@adcouncil.org
Robert J. Maccini
Ando Media, LLC
401-454-5717
info@andomedia.com

Smokey Bear Celebrates His 65th Birthday and Returns to Remind Americans... "Only You Can Prevent Wildfires"

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:27:27 GMT

Smokey Bear stars in new CG-animated PSAs and appears on Facebook, MySpace and YouTube in time for July 4th

Washington, D.C., June 29, 2009 - The Advertising Council joined today with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters to launch a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs) designed to celebrate Smokey Bear's 65th birthday and provide critical information to Americans about wildfire prevention. The television, radio, print and online PSAs are being distributed prior to the July 4th holiday, a time when many people go camping, have outdoor BBQs and light fireworks.

Since his "birth" on August 9, 1944, Smokey Bear has been a recognized symbol of conservation and protection of America's forests. His message about wildfire prevention has helped to reduce the number of acres burned annually by wildfires, from about 22 million (1944) to an average of 7 million today. However, wildfire prevention remains one of the most critical environmental issues affecting our country. Many Americans believe that lightning starts most wildfires. In fact, on average, 9 out of 10 wildfires nationwide are caused by people. The principle causes are campfires left unattended, trash burning on windy days, arson, careless discarding of smoking materials or BBQ coals, and operating equipment without spark arrestors.

Created pro bono by ad agency Draftfcb, the same volunteer agency that has created work for the campaign since 1944, the new PSAs specifically target young adults who live in the wildland/urban interface-people who are likely to be casual campers, hikers, or mountain bikers -to remind them that Smokey is counting on them to prevent human-caused wildfires. The new PSAs seek to continue to decrease the number of human-caused wildfires and one new TV spot is designed specifically to celebrate Smokey's birthday. The ads feature CG-animation and encourage young adults to "Get Your Smokey On" - that is, to become like Smokey and speak up when others are acting carelessly.

"Smokey Bear is the nation's symbol for wildfire prevention and his important message has been communicated to generations of Americans during the past sixty five years," said Helene Cleveland, Fire Prevention Program Manager, U.S. Forest Service. "Smokey's enduring message is as critical today as it was when he was introduced in 1944 and I am confident that our new PSAs will continue to raise awareness about wildfire prevention issues."

The PSAs direct audiences to visit the campaign's website, www.smokeybear.com, where they can take a pledge and learn more about wildfire prevention. Sections of the website, including the historical overview of the campaign, or "Smokey's Journey," and the kids section of the site "Smokey Kids" have recently been re-designed by Cannery Agency. In addition to the new PSAs and website, Smokey Bear now has profile pages on Facebook, MySpace and YouTube to further the reach of his messages to young adults:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/smokeybear

MySpace: www.myspace.com/wildfireprevention

YouTube: www.youtube.com/smokeybear

"Smokey Bear is the center of the longest-running and one of the most successful public service campaigns in U.S. history," said Peggy Conlon, President and CEO of the Ad Council. "Our Wildfire Prevention campaign has helped children and adults throughout the country understand their role in preventing wildfires and these new PSAs and online components will continue to have a significant impact."

Since 1944, Smokey Bear has been communicating his well-known message, "Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires." In 2001, the term 'Wildfires' was introduced to include all unwanted, unplanned fires in natural areas such as grass fires or brush fires. Smokey has been rated one of the most recognizable figures in America, ranking alongside Mickey Mouse and Santa Claus. Smokey is recognized by 97 percent of adults and 3 out of 4 adults are able to recall "Only You Can Prevent Wildfires" without prompting, according to an Ad Council tracking survey.

"Smokey is an American icon and we are honored to be part of continuing his legacy and furthering his message. Thanks to advances in technology and CG-animation, we were able to bring Smokey Bear to life in a realistic way, starting with launch of the "Get your Smokey on" campaign last year," said Hilary Hamer, SVP, Group Management Director at Draftfcb Orange County. "We're always looking to ensure that Smokey's message is not only still current, but relevant to our target audience."

The Ad Council will be distributing the new PSAs to media outlets nationwide this week. Per the organization's model, the PSAs are airing and running in advertising time that is donated by the media. Over the last 65 years, media outlets have donated more than $1 billion in time and space for the Wildfire Prevention campaign.

USDA FOREST SERVICE
The USDA Forest Service is the agency responsible for overseeing the use of Smokey Bear in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the Advertising Council. The U.S. Forest Service manages 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands for the American Public. Its mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STATE FORESTERS
The National Association of State Foresters is comprised of the directors of forestry agencies from the fifty states, eight U.S. territories and associated states, and the District of Columbia. Through public-private partnership, NASF seeks to advance sustainable forestry, conservation, and protection of forest lands and their associated resources. As a partner with the USDA Forest Service, State Foresters are committed to the continued delivery of Smokey Bear's message of personal responsibility in wildfire protection.

DRAFTFCB
Draftfcb is a modern agency model for clients seeking creative, accountable marketing programs that build business and deliver a high Return on IdeasTM. With more than 136 years of combined expertise, the company has its roots in both consumer advertising and behavioral, data-driven direct marketing. The agency is the first global, behavior-based, holistic marketing communications organization to operate against a single P&L, and it places equal emphasis on creativity and accountability. The Draftfcb network spans 97 countries, with more than 9,600 employees worldwide, and is part of the Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE: IPG). The agency's global corporate leadership team includes Howard Draft, executive chairman; Laurence Boschetto, CEO and president; Jonathan Harries, vice-chairman and worldwide chief creative officer; and Neil Miller, CFO. For more information, visit www.draftfcb.com.

THE ADVERTISING COUNCIL
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

Ad Council to Honor The Coca-Cola Company CEO Muhtar Kent with 56th Annual Public Service Award

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:59:55 GMT
NEW YORK, June 24, 2009 - The Advertising Council will honor Muhtar Kent, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Coca-Cola Company, with its 56th Annual Public Service Award at the Ad Council's annual dinner to be held on November 18 at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City.

Attended by prominent members of the media, advertising and corporate communities, the dinner serves as a tribute to the industries and individuals who support the Ad Council and its public service advertising (PSA) campaigns. Chaired by Brian Perkins, Corporate Vice President, Johnson & Johnson, and Chair of the Ad Council, the dinner is the Ad Council's largest fundraising event, raising $2.4 million last year. Platinum sponsors will include Time Warner Inc. and Yahoo! Inc. and Printech, Inc. will serve as the silver sponsor.

The Ad Council has been honoring corporate leaders for their commitment to public service since 1953. Previous honorees include Dick Parsons, Bill Weldon, Ken Chenault, Bob Wright, Frank Bennack, Ted Turner, Katharine Graham and A.G. Lafley. In keeping with tradition, this year's award will be presented by last year's recipient, Jeffrey Immelt, Chairman and CEO, GE.

As Chairman & CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, Muhtar Kent has continued and expanded the global company's commitment to public service, providing significant contributions to many social issues addressed by the Ad Council's campaigns, including improving healthy lifestyles, preserving the environment and providing educational opportunities for students around the globe. The Coca-Cola Company has been supporting the Ad Council since 1947.

The Ad Council is a non-profit organization with a rich history of marshalling volunteer talent from the advertising and media industries to deliver critical messages to the American public. Having produced literally thousands of PSA campaigns addressing the most pressing social issues of the day, the Ad Council has effected, and continues to effect, tremendous positive change by raising awareness, inspiring action and saving lives. To learn more about the Ad Council and its campaigns, visit www.adcouncil.org.

The Department of Health and Human Services Teams Up with The White House and The Ad Council to Launch New Fatherhood Public Service Campaign

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:46:05 GMT

PSA Features President Obama Encouraging Fathers to "Take time to be a dad today"

June 19, 2009 - Just in time for Father's Day weekend, the Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius announced a new public service campaign today promoting fatherhood that features a PSA by President Obama. The campaign, sponsored by the Department's Administration for Children and Families and the Advertising Council, can be found at www.fatherhood.gov. The public service announcements and supporting campaign materials are designed to remind fathers of the critical role they play in their children's lives.

In the opening PSA of the campaign, President Obama calls fatherhood "the most important job in a man's life." "Things can get busy, and sometimes we all fall short," he says, "but even the smallest moments can have the biggest impact on a child's life. Take time to be a dad today."

"Sometimes the simplest, smallest things can make a huge difference in a child's life," said Secretary Sebelius. "As the country gets ready to celebrate Father's Day, the President and the Administration are committed to encouraging and supporting efforts by parents and mentors to reach and connect with kids. The Department has a multitude of resources available at fatherhood.gov and we will be working closely with the White House to support their Fatherhood events and outreach in the coming days and weeks."

The announcements, scheduled to begin airing across the country on Father's Day weekend, are part of a media campaign to promote and encourage responsible fatherhood sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families.

They are the work of the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse, the Ad Council and the Campbell-Ewald agency of Detroit. To date, three television and six radio PSAs have been produced, in addition to multiple print, web and viral ads.

The PSAs encourage fathers to visit www.fatherhood.gov or call 1-877-4DAD411 for parenting tips and additional resources for fathers. To view the ads, visit www.fatherhood.gov or www.adcouncil.org.

"President Obama's involvement in the campaign is a continuation of the commitment he has shown to strengthening fatherhood. As our nation's 'First Dad,' President Obama's words are sure to be an inspiration this Father's Day and beyond," said Roland C. Warren, Media Campaign Director for the NRFC.

"We are delighted to join President Obama and Secretary Sebelius for this poignant campaign as we recognize all fathers nationwide this Sunday," said Peggy Conlon, President & CEO of the Ad Council. "I believe these PSAs will encourage more fathers this weekend and throughout the year to take an active role in their children's lives."

According to the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse (NRFC), an estimated 25 million children live without their biological fathers and are on average at least two to three times more likely to be poor, to use drugs, to experience educational, health and emotional and behavioral problems, to be victims of child abuse and to engage in criminal behavior than their peers who live with their married, biological (or adoptive) parents. Children with involved, loving fathers are significantly more likely to do well in school, have healthy self-esteem, exhibit empathy and pro-social behavior and avoid high-risk behaviors.

"We consider it an honor to work on behalf of the NRFC," said Bill Ludwig, Vice Chairman, Chief Creative Officer of Campbell-Ewald. "We are very proud that our work informs so many American families about the impact of a father's presence in a child's life and has inspired fathers to simply spend time with their kids. Having the support of President Obama magnifies the attention and the inspiration of this critical message."

Since its launch in 2008, the NRFC's Father Involvement campaign has received more than $38 million in donated media across television, radio, out-of-home, Internet and print.

HHS
Through the Department of Health and Human Services, the federal government supports responsible fatherhood in diverse ways. Because engaged fathers strengthen families and contribute to healthy outcomes for children, many of our programs integrate support for fathers. These include Head Start, child support programs, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. HHS also supports programs that focus on responsible fatherhood, such as the Promoting Responsible Fatherhood discretionary grant program administered by the Office of Family Assistance.

National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse
The National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse (NRFC) is funded by Administration for Children and Families' Office of Family Assistance's (OFA) efforts to assist States and communities to promote and support Responsible Fatherhood. Primarily a tool for professionals operating Responsible Fatherhood programs, the NRFC provides access to print and electronic publications, timely information on fatherhood issues, and targeted resources that support OFA-funded Responsible Fatherhood grantees. The NRFC Web site also provides essential information for other audiences interested in fatherhood issues. www.fatherhood.gov

Campbell-Ewald
Campbell-Ewald is the nation's eighth largest advertising and digital communications agency, with more than 1,300 employees and offices in Detroit, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, New York and Washington, D.C. A part of The Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG), Campbell-Ewald partners with a score of national brands, including Alltel Wireless, Carhartt, Chevrolet, Farmers Insurance, Kaiser Permanente, Olympic Paints and Stains, OnStar, the United States Navy and the United States Postal Service. For more information on Campbell-Ewald, visit www.campbell-ewald.com.

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council is a private, non-profit organization with a rich history of marshalling volunteer talent from the advertising and media industries to deliver critical messages to the American public. Having produced literally thousands of PSA campaigns addressing the most pressing social issues of the day, the Ad Council has effected, and continues to effect, tremendous positive change by raising awareness, inspiring action, and saving lives. To learn more about the Ad Council and its campaigns, visit www.adcouncil.org.

The Advertising Council, HHS' AdoptUsKids Launch New PSAs to Encourage Adoption of Children from Foster Care

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 09:21:37 GMT
New PSAs Feature Characters from Twentieth Century Fox's Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs

NEW YORK, June 17, 2009- The Advertising Council, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and AdoptUsKids, announced today the launch of a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs) designed to encourage prospective parents to consider adoption from foster care and raise awareness about the children who are currently waiting for a "forever family."

According to the Administration for Children and Families, approximately 293,000 children in the United States enter the U.S. foster care system each year through no fault of their own. There are currently 496,000 children living in foster care in the United States. Approximately 130,000 of the children are unable to return safely to their birth families and are eligible and waiting for adoption. The need for families for older youth and teens, children of color, and sibling groups is especially great. Approximately 42% of waiting children are ages 9 or older.

Since 2002, more than twenty thousand prospective families, representing all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, registered on the AdoptUsKids website to begin the process of adopting from foster care. Now more than ten thousand children who have been photo listed on the AdoptUsKids' website have been placed with permanent families.

The new PSAs are an extension of the previously successful campaign, launched in 2004, which aims to significantly increase awareness of the need for families who can provide loving, permanent homes for children of all ages in the foster care system.

The campaign communicates to prospective parents that "You don't have to be perfect to be a perfect parent." These new PSAs feature characters from Twentieth Century Fox's Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs. The characters add animated humor and fun and encourage prospective parents to consider adoption from foster care. Sid, an adoptive parent of three, demonstrates the challenges of parenthood as well as the rewards that accompany being a parent.

"AdoptUsKids is excited about this partnership with Fox. We are confident that using characters from Fox's Ice Age films will raise public awareness of the tremendous need for foster care and adoptive families for children in the U.S. Public child welfare system, said Kathy Ledesma, Project Director, AdoptUsKids."

"We are proud to continue this wonderful campaign with a new series of PSAs designed to encourage the adoption of children from the U.S. foster care system," according to Peggy Conlon, President & CEO of the Ad Council. "This campaign has had extraordinary success and I am confident the new ads will continue the momentum we have developed during the last few years."

The PSAs direct audiences to visit AdoptUsKids' comprehensive website, www.adoptuskids.org or call 1-888-200-4005 for more information on adoption from foster care.

Per the Ad Council model, the PSAs will run and air in advertising time and space that is donated by the media.

The Administration for Children and Families
Within the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is the agency that is responsible for Federal programs that promote the economic and social well-being of families, children, individuals, and communities. The Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) administers national programs for children and youth; works with States, Tribes, and local communities to develop services that support and strengthen family life; seeks joint ventures with the private sector to enhance the lives of children and their families; and provides information and other assistance to parents. Many of the programs administered by ACYF focus on children from low-income families; abused and neglected children; children and youth in need of foster care, independent living, adoption or other child welfare services; preschool children; children with disabilities; runaway and homeless youth; and children from Native American and migrant families.

AdoptUsKids
AdoptUsKids is a multi-faceted, federally funded project whose mission is to recruit and connect foster and adoptive families with waiting children throughout the United States. The project is managed through a cooperative agreement with the Children's Bureau of the Administration of Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services.

"Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs"
The sub-zero heroes from the worldwide blockbusters "Ice Age" and "Ice Age: The Meltdown" are back, on an incredible adventure...for the ages.in ICE AGE: DAWN OF THE DINOSAURS. Scrat is still trying to nab the ever-elusive nut (while, maybe, finding true love); Manny and Ellie await the birth of their mini-mammoth, Sid the sloth gets into trouble when he creates his own makeshift family after finding some dinosaur eggs; and Diego the saber-toothed tiger wonders if he's growing too "soft" hanging with his pals. On a mission to rescue the hapless Sid, the gang ventures into a mysterious underground world, where they have some close encounters with dinosaurs, battle flora and fauna run amok - and meet a relentless, one-eyed, dino-hunting weasel named Buck. ICE AGE: DAWN OF THE DINOSAURS, in theaters everywhere July 1, has everything audiences loved about the first two films, adding even more comedy, action, spectacular visuals - plus the movie magic of 3-D.

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

Contacts:

Beth Shanley
The Ad Council
212-984-1923
bshanley@adcouncil.org

Kathy Ledesma
AdoptUsKids
410-933-5700
kledesma@adoptuskids.org

U.S. Forest Service and Ad Council Launch National Campaign to Re-connect Children with Nature

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 09:58:22 GMT

PSA Campaign Debut Coincides with National Get Outdoors Day

Children in the U.S. spend fifty percent less time outdoors than they did twenty years ago, according to the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan.

In an effort to encourage children and their parents to re-connect with nature, the U.S. Forest Service is joining the Ad Council today to launch a national multimedia public service advertising (PSA) campaign. U.S. Forest Service Chief Gail Kimbell will unveil the campaign on June 13 at Denver City Park to coincide with National Get Outdoors Day. The PSAs will be distributed to media outlets nationwide this week.

The campaign primarily aims to reach "tweens" (children aged 8-12) and their parents. The goal is to encourage children to get outside and experience nature first-hand, instilling a life-long love for nature by fostering a connection with urban and national forests.

Children spend less time outdoors due to safety concerns, an increase in the number of working parents and the development of new technologies that capture free time indoors. As a result of this limited interaction with the outdoors, many children are unaware of the benefits that nature provides, including improving their physical and mental health and emotional well-being. Research shows that children who play outside have lower stress levels and more active imaginations, become fitter and leaner, develop stronger immune systems and have greater respect for themselves and for others. Furthermore, those who spend their childhood in nature are more likely to become environmentally conscious in the future.

"People, especially kids, need a direct connection to both forests and nature for their health and personal growth-and for the future of conservation," said Chief Kimbell. "It's wonderful to expand our efforts to reach kids through this partnership. The Ad Council has been helping us accomplish the Forest Service mission for over 60 years."

Created pro bono by ad agency Euro RSCG, the campaign includes television, radio, outdoor and Web PSAs, which show the freeing aspects a nature experience can provide by depicting the various qualities -- the curious you, the creative you, the adventurous you -- that tweens can discover about themselves in nature. The TV spots depict children engaging with nature in various ways and encourage audiences to discover the forest, "where the other you lives." Additionally, the Brigham Young University Ad Lab developed two radio spots pro bono to further engage tweens in the message. All of the PSAs direct parents and children to visit a new website, www.DiscoverTheForest.org, where they can find ideas for outdoor activities, as well as educational and conservation information. Additionally, families can access a new interactive tool, powered by Nature FindT and Google Maps, where they can search for nearby forests and parks.

"According to our research, the vast majority of children have positive associations with nature and wish they could spend more time outdoors. However, there is a need for greater motivation, guidance and awareness about the many benefits of experiencing nature first-hand," said Peggy Conlon, president and CEO of the Ad Council. "We are proud to join with our longtime partners at the Forest Service to launch this wonderful campaign that will encourage children to spend more time outdoors in our nation's forests and parks."

The U.S. Forest Service and the Ad Council have been partnering on the Wildfire Prevention PSA campaign, featuring Smokey Bear, since 1944. The campaign is the longest running PSA campaign in U.S. history.

"We are excited to partner with the U.S. Forest Service and the Ad Council, two stellar and highly respected organizations, for a campaign that communicates the benefits of spending time outdoors to children and their parents," said Phil Silvestri, Executive Creative Director and Managing Director, Euro RSCG Tonic, part of the Euro RSCG Worldwide network. "Our agency is committed to finding ways to educate consumers about today's health issues, such as the rise in childhood obesity and juvenile-onset diabetes, and we feel it is important to stress the benefits of outdoor play to today's youth so that they lead healthy lifestyles and don't miss out on one of the basic joys of being a kid - playing outside!"

Beginning this week, an integrated social media program will extend the reach of the PSA campaign online with strategies designed to engage both parents and children. Additionally, the U.S. Forest Service and the Ad Council are engaging a series of campaign partners in the federal government and nonprofit sectors to share the messages with their groups and members.

Campaign launch activities will continue throughout the next several months. As an extension of the campaign, the U.S. Forest Service and the Ad Council will kick off a national photo and art contest in September. Children will be invited to submit a photo or other form of art, which illustrates the creative ways that they are interacting with nature to find "the other you" outdoors. The winner will receive a prize that will promote increased outdoor activity.

The new PSAs and Web sites have been researched extensively and tested with children in the target audiences. The ads are being distributed to approximately 33,000 media outlets nationwide. Per the Ad Council's model, all of the ads will air and run in advertising time and space donated by the media.

In addition to the campaign website, www.DiscoverTheForest.org, parents and children can visit www.NationalGetOutdoorsDay.org for more information on the National Get Outdoors Day events nearest to them.

U.S. Forest Service
The U.S. Forest Service (www.fs.fed.us) manages 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands for the American Public. Its mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The U.S. Forest Service is the agency responsible for overseeing the use of Smokey Bear in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and The Advertising Council.

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

Euro RSCG Tonic
Euro RSCG Tonic is a leading integrated marketing communications agency specializing in health and wellness brands. The agency provides advertising, marketing services, corporate communications and interactive solutions to global, regional and local clients. The agency's client roster includes GlaxoSmithKline, Schering Plough, Roche, Astellas, Stryker and Shire Pharmaceuticals.

The agency is part of Euro RSCG Worldwide, Advertising Age's and Campaign's 2006 Global Agency of the Year, which is made up of 233 offices located in 75 countries throughout Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific and Middle East. Headquartered in New York, Euro RSCG Worldwide is the largest unit of Havas, a world leader in communications.

Contact:

U.S. Forest Service
Press Office
202-205-1134

Euro RSCG Tonic
Theresa Tepper
212-475-6303
ttepper@powellny.com

The Ad Council
Ellyn Fisher
212-984-1964
efisher@adcouncil.org

Ad Council, and the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse Join ESPN to Encourage Fathers to "Take time to be a dad today"

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 09:34:17 GMT

New PSAs Feature Sports Anchors from "NFL Live" and "SportsCenter"

NEW YORK, June 1, 2009 - The Advertising Council and the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse join ESPN today to launch a new series of national public service advertisements designed to show dads the critical role they play in their children's lives. The ads will debut this week on ESPN media in advance of Father's Day.

According to the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse (NRFC), an estimated 25 million children live without their biological fathers and are on average at least two to three times more likely to be poor, to use drugs, to experience educational, health and emotional and behavioral problems, to be victims of child abuse and to engage in criminal behavior than their peers who live with their married, biological (or adoptive) parents. Children with involved, loving fathers are significantly more likely to do well in school, have healthy self-esteem, exhibit empathy and pro-social behavior and avoid high-risk behaviors.

"Given the importance of sports in the lives of so many dads and children, we are excited that ESPN is taking part in our campaign to inspire men to be the best dads they can be," said Roland C. Warren, Media Campaign Director for the NRFC. "ESPN is a credible messenger to dads and will help us encourage a new commitment to involved fatherhood this Father's Day."

The new television, radio, and Web public service advertisements, available in English and Spanish, emphasize to fathers that "the best highlights happen at home." The TV and radio ads begin airing and running this week through June 28 in donated media on ESPN properties including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNEWS, ESPN Classic, ESPN Deportes, ESPNU, ESPN Radio and ESPN.com. The online executions will be live on ESPN.com from June 1 to July 11, 2009.

"We are delighted to join ESPN and NRFC for this new series of public service ads to encourage men to take an active role in their children's lives," said Peggy Conlon, President & CEO of the Ad Council. "The sports talent featured in the ads are well-known and appealing to our target audience, and I believe they will help strike a chord with fathers to become more involved with their children."

Created pro bono for the Ad Council by ESPN and Wieden & Kennedy, the TV and radio ads feature ESPN anchors Trey Wingo (NFL Live) and Robert Flores (SportsCenter) as well as David Faitelson and Fernando Palomo of ESPN Deportes for the Spanish spots. The PSAs encourage fathers to visit www.fatherhood.gov for parenting tips and additional resources for fathers. To view the ads, visit www.adcouncil.org.

"ESPN's ability to reach millions of fathers allows for swift and high-impact advertising communications for this important cause," said Seth Ader, ESPN senior director sports marketing. "Our collaboration with the Ad Council has yielded a uniquely ESPN-branded PSA that we hope inspires dads to engage with their children in creating every day highlights."

National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse
The National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse (NRFC) supports the Administration for Children and Families' Office of Family Assistance's (OFA) efforts to assist States and communities to promote and support Responsible Fatherhood. Primarily a tool for professionals operating Responsible Fatherhood programs, the NRFC provides access to print and electronic publications, timely information on fatherhood issues, and targeted resources that support OFA-funded Responsible Fatherhood grantees. The NRFC Web site also provides essential information for other audiences interested in fatherhood issues. www.fatherhood.gov

ESPN, Inc.
ESPN, Inc. is the world's leading multinational, multimedia sports entertainment company featuring a portfolio of over 50 multimedia sports assets. The company is comprised of six domestic television networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Classic, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, ESPNU), ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNEWS and ESPNU HD simulcast services, ESPN Regional Television, ESPN International (45 networks, syndication, radio, web sites), ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, ESPN The Magazine, ESPN Enterprises, ESPN PPV, ESPN Zones (sports-themed restaurants), and other growing new businesses including ESPN360.com (Broadband), ESPN Mobile Properties, ESPN on Demand and ESPN Interactive. Based in Bristol, Ct., ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc., which is an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. The Hearst Corporation holds a 20 percent interest in ESPN.

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

Contacts:

Beth Shanley
The Ad Council
212-984-1923
bshanley@adcouncil.org
ESPN Contact

Vincent DiCaro
National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse
240-912-1270
vdicaro@fatherhood.org

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Sesame Workshop and the Ad Council Launch National Campaign to Protect Families from H1N1 Virus and Stay Healthy

Fri, 22 May 2009 11:02:30 GMT
New PSA Campaign Unveiled at the HHS/Department of Education Childcare Center

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced today that the Department of Health & Human Services is joining the Ad Council and Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street, to launch a national public service advertising campaign designed to encourage American families and children to take steps to protect themselves from the 2009 H1N1 flu virus and continue to practice healthy habits. As part of HHS and the Ad Council's campaign, Sesame Workshop produced a television PSA featuring Sesame Street's Elmo and Gordon explaining the importance of healthy habits such as washing your hands, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth and sneezing into the bend of your arm.

The campaign was unveiled this morning by HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius at the HHS/Department of Education Childcare Center in Washington, D.C. The PSAs will be distributed nationwide today and will be supported in airtime donated by television stations.

"We are doing everything we can to protect public health and teach children how they can stay healthy and safe," said Sebelius. "Elmo, Gordon, Sesame Workshop, and the Ad Council are delivering an important message to our kids."

The 2009 H1N1 flu virus is a new flu virus of swine origin that was first detected in April 2009. The virus is spreading from person-to-person, sparking a growing outbreak of illness in the U.S. and internationally. To date, over 5,700 cases have been reported in the United States and there are nine deaths associated with the novel H1N1 infection. Experts believe that the 2009 H1N1 flu spreads in the same way that seasonal influenza viruses spread - primarily through the coughs and sneezes of people who are sick with the virus.

The new PSA campaign focuses on the importance of providing parents, teachers and children with accurate information about how to practice healthy habits, highlighting proper hand-washing and simple everyday actions that lead to staying healthy and keeping germs away. Created by Sesame Workshop, the television PSAs encourage audiences to visit www.cdc.gov to get more information on how to stay healthy. The PSAs are an extension of Sesame's Healthy Habits for Life initiative, which helps young children and their caregivers establish an early foundation of healthy habits.

The PSAs are part of an initiative to provide practical steps recommended by CDC to help prevent the spread of the flu virus and other infectious disease, including:

. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
. Keep your distance from others if you are sick.
. When possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick, and don't send your children to childcare or school if they are sick.
. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing and sneezing.
. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

"Since the outbreak of the H1N1 flu, many Americans have expressed concern about how they can protect themselves from being infected," said Peggy Conlon, president and CEO of the Ad Council. "We are proud to continue our longstanding partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services for this critical campaign that will educate parents and children about how to stay healthy. We are also grateful to Sesame Workshop for providing their resources and talent for the PSAs."

The Ad Council will be distributing the PSAs via satellite to television stations nationwide.

"Whether you are learning to read or count, facing natural disasters, or practicing healthy habits, Sesame Workshop combines our expert research with the power of Muppets to provide children and their families with the tools they need to cope with what is going on in their communities," said Melvin Ming, Chief Operating Officer, Sesame Workshop. "As part of our Healthy Habits for Life Initiative and in partnership with HHS and Ad Council, we are servicing a PSA and supplemental materials to generate awareness on how kids and families can lead healthier lives."

The Ad Council has been partnering with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services to develop PSA campaigns that address critical health issues since the 1950s. Their successful collaborations have included public service messages about the polio epidemic, drug abuse and, more recently, obesity prevention.

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
The Department of Health and Human Services is the United States government's principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves. The department includes more than 300 programs, covering a wide spectrum of activities, including medical and social science research, preventing outbreak of infectious disease, including immunization services, assuring food and drug safety, welfare, and Medicare and Medicaid.

Sesame Workshop
Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit educational organization that changed television forever with the legendary Sesame Street. As the single largest informal educator of young children, local Sesame Street programs produced in countries as diverse as South Africa, Bangladesh and India are making a difference in over 120 nations. Using proprietary research to create engaging and enriching content, Sesame Workshop produces programs such as Dragon Tales and Pinky Dinky Doo. In addition, multimedia needs-driven initiatives provide families tools for addressing such issues as children's health, military deployment and emergency preparedness. As a nonprofit, product proceeds and philanthropic donations support Sesame Workshop's educational research and creative content for children around the world. Learn more at www.sesameworkshop.org.

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

Contacts:
HHS
Office of Public Health and Science
Public Affairs Office
202-205-0143

Sesame Workshop
Pam Hacker
212-875-6225
pam.hacker@sesameworkshop.org

The Ad Council
Ellyn Fisher
212-984-1964
efisher@adcouncil.org

Brian Perkins Elected as Chair of the Ad Council

Thu, 21 May 2009 15:20:55 GMT
Perkins joined by seventeen new board members

New York May 21, 2009 - The Advertising Council announced today that Brian Perkins, Corporate Vice President, Johnson & Johnson, has been elected as Chair of the Board of Directors of The Advertising Council. Mr. Perkins was installed at the Ad Council's Board meeting held this afternoon in New York City.

Mr. Perkins has been a member of the Ad Council Board of Directors since 2005, most recently serving as Vice Chair. As Chair, he succeeds Susan Gianinno, Chairman and CEO, Publicis Worldwide in the USA, and will serve in this position for one year.

During Mr. Perkins' tenure on the Ad Council board he has demonstrated his commitment to the organization through his involvement with its Executive Committee as well as its Nominating and Dinner Committee. The Ad Council's Public Service Award Dinner is the organization's largest fundraising event.

"Brian has been an integral part of our Board during the past four years and we are thrilled to have him as our new Chair," said Peggy Conlon, President & CEO of The Advertising Council. "His expertise in the areas of branding and marketing, as well as his ongoing commitment to the Ad Council, will help us expand the reach of our campaigns."

Brian Perkins has served as Corporate Vice President of Johnson & Johnson since 2004. In his position, Brian oversees Johnson & Johnson's Global Marketing Group as well as Corporate Contributions. Perkins' career at Johnson & Johnson includes President of McNeil Consumer Products, the world's largest OTC drug company; Company Group Chairman for the worldwide OTC business and most recently, Worldwide Chairman of Consumer Pharmaceuticals & Nutritionals.

The Ad Council also elected seventeen new members to its Board of Directors. The new directors are:

. Frances Allen, Brand Marketing Officer, Dunkin' Brands
. Tim Armstrong, Chairman & CEO, AOL
. Mark Baynes, Global CMO, Kellogg Company
. Kathy Behrens, EVP, Social Responsibility & Player Programs, NBA
. Laura Desmond, CEO, Starcom MediaVest Group
. Amy Fuller, EVP, Worldwide Consumer Marketing, MasterCard Worldwide
. Jack Haber, VP, Global Advertising, Colgate-Palmolive Company
. Maureen Linder, VP Global Advertising and Design, The Campbell Soup Company
. Michael Mendenhall, SVP & CMO, Hewlett-Packard Company
. Nigel Morris, CEO, Aegis Media North America
. Steve Mosko, President, Sony Pictures Television
. Bill Pearce, SVP & CMO, Del Monte Foods
. Jon Potter, CMO, Diageo North America
. Sylvia Reynolds, CMO, Wells Fargo
. Kimberly Till, President & CEO, Harris Interactive
. Richard Wergan, VP, Worldwide Brand Marketing and Advertising, Xerox Corporation
. Dennis Woodside, VP, Americas Operations, Google, Inc.

The Ad Council
The Ad Council is a private, non-profit organization with a rich history of marshalling volunteer talent from the advertising and media industries to deliver critical messages to the American public. Having produced literally thousands of PSA campaigns addressing the most pressing social issues of the day, the Ad Council has effected, and continues to effect, tremendous positive change by raising awareness, inspiring action and saving lives.

Contacts:
Beth Shanley
212-984-1923
bshanley@adcouncil.org

TSA and Ad Council Raise Awareness of "Secure Flight" Program as part of National Public Education Campaign

Thu, 21 May 2009 09:26:41 GMT
Over 195 Million Passengers Expected to Fly this Summer: Campaign Continues to Educate Travelers about Procedures at Airport Checkpoints in time for Memorial Day

New York, May 21, 2009 - To coincide with Memorial Day and the start of the summer travel season, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is continuing their partnership with the Ad Council to launch a national public awareness campaign that educates passengers about TSA's upcoming Secure Flight program, a collaborative effort with the airlines that enhances watch list matching through a phased-in approach.

"TSA is partnering with airlines and the Ad Council to educate passengers about the Secure Flight program that makes travel safer and easier for millions of Americans," said TSA Acting Administrator Gale Rossides. "Secure Flight will also help reduce the misidentification of passengers who have names similar to individuals on government watch lists, clearing more than 99 percent of passengers for travel."

Secure Flight is a phased-in partnership program between TSA and airlines in response to a key 9/11 Commission recommendation: uniform watch list matching by TSA. The mission of the Secure Flight program is to enhance the security of domestic and international commercial air travel through the use of improved watch list matching. TSA is taking over this responsibility from aircraft operators who, up until now, have been responsible for checking passengers against government watch lists. Secure Flight will further strengthen security by continuing to identify individuals that may pose a known or suspected threat to aviation.

Over the coming months when booking airline travel, travelers may be asked to provide their name as it appears on the government ID they plan to use when traveling. Later this summer, airlines will also begin asking passengers to provide their date of birth and gender. TSA's goal is for Secure Flight to be fully implemented in early 2010 for all domestic flights and the end of 2010 for all international flights.

Secure Flight is a phased in process for both TSA and the airlines - each airline will incorporate changes into their systems over the coming months as their capability to capture passenger data is integrated into their individual systems. If a passenger is not prompted to provide this additional information by a particular airline, they should not be concerned as it should not impact their travel.

"This critical campaign will continue to raise public awareness about the important role that travelers play in the airport security process, while educating them about the latest security procedures through the Secure Flight program," said Peggy Conlon, President & CEO of the Ad Council. "We are proud to continue this initiative with TSA, which will make it safer and easier for travelers throughout the country."

TSA's passenger feedback shows that travelers are more willing to cooperate with airport security when they better understand the reasoning behind the measures. The campaign aims to improve security by encouraging airline passengers to become better prepared for security processes, thereby resulting in a more positive experience. The campaign also builds upon TSA's ongoing commitment to communicating why certain procedures and requirements are an important part of airport security. For example, the campaign explains the new Secure Flight program, as well as why travelers are asked to remove shoes and coats, limit liquids to three ounces and show their IDs.

First launched in November 2008, campaign activities have been conducted during the nation's busiest travel times. The campaign employs a series of informational videos airing in airports and online, social media strategies, as well as national radio sponsorships and public relations tactics in an effort to communicate with the travelling public during these travel periods. All of the campaign strategies direct audiences to visit www.tsa.gov to find travel tips, local airport information, and answers to your questions about airline security.

This is the first time the Ad Council has partnered with TSA on a public education effort. Since 2003, the Ad Council has been working with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on the Ready Campaign designed to encourage all Americans to prepare for emergencies.

TSA
TSA is a component of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that was formed following the tragedies of September 11, 2001. TSA protects the nation's transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce. Its 45,000 transportation security officers are responsible for airport security at more than 450 U.S. airports.

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

Contacts:

Ellyn Fisher
The Ad Council
212-984-1964
efisher@adcouncil.org

TSA Public Affairs
571-227-2829

IAVA and Ad Council Build on Success of Groundbreaking Veterans Campaign with New Friends and Family Element

Fri, 01 May 2009 11:45:58 GMT
New PSAs Engage Friends and Family of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans
NEW YORK, May 1, 2009 - To help ease the transition and readjustment challenges facing Iraq and Afghanistan veterans as they return home, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) joined the Ad Council today to launch a new series of national public service advertisements (PSAs) for their Veteran Support Campaign. Launched on Veterans Day 2008, the first series of ads reaches out to veterans directly and encourages them to visit www.CommunityOfVeterans.org, a private social network where Iraq and Afghanistan veterans can access critical resources and share their experiences in a safe forum. The new series of PSAs unveiled today similarly empowers the family and friends of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans by encouraging them to start the conversation and to help veterans transition to civilian life. The PSAs direct friends and family members to the new website, www.SupportYourVet.org, where they can engage with one another in an interactive forum and access conversation tips, critical mental health resources and information about navigating the VA. The PSAs are being distributed to media outlets nationwide this month.

Of the 1.7 million veterans who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan, nearly one third are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression or Traumatic Brain Injury. Research shows that many veterans avoid seeking help because of the stigma associated with treatment or fear of being diagnosed with a mental illness. Those who do seek help, however, often cite their family as the catalyst for support. Yet, many families today do not know how to broach the subject constructively and struggle with ways to approach a friend or family member who has recently returned home.

Created pro bono by BBDO New York, the new PSAs launched today seek to empower those family and friends of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans by giving them the tools and resources to start the conversation. The new series centers on the concept of "welcome home" signs which convey the difficulty of approaching and engaging a friend or family member who has recently returned home. The signs highlight the careful balancing act friends and family members must often endure to engage a new veteran without pushing him or her too hard. Clear Channel's Creative Services Group, Saatchi & Saatchi and AOL donated their resources to develop additional radio, print, outdoor and Web ads.

"IAVA is thrilled to continue the momentum of the historic Veterans Support Campaign. Already, we have heard from hundreds of veterans who have taken advantage of the social network and resources offered by CommunityofVeterans.org. With these new PSAs, we are taking this campaign one step further and engaging the friends and family of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans in this critical transition process," said IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff. "IAVA is grateful to the Ad Council and BBDO for their extraordinary commitment to our country's newest generation of veterans. Together, we're turning the page on how their predecessors were treated after Vietnam."

"We are proud to continue our partnership with IAVA with this new series of PSAs that will help families and loved ones understand their critical role in supporting veterans in their transition home," said Peggy Conlon, President & CEO of the Ad Council. "In only a short time, this campaign has been very effective in helping to develop a much-needed community of support for these veterans, and this new work will continue to have an impact."

"A welcoming community and home life is what every veteran deserves," said Don Schneider, Executive Creative Director, BBDO New York. "Those of us at BBDO who have had the opportunity to work on this campaign are continually inspired by not only the work that the IAVA does on a regular basis, but by the soldiers and families we have had the privilege to meet during this project."

Both series of PSAs and websites have been researched extensively and tested with veterans, their families and the general market. The ads are being distributed to approximately 33,000 media outlets nationwide. Per the Ad Council's model, all of the ads will air and run in advertising time and space donated by the media. To date, the campaign has received significant support from the media and 1,500 veterans have joined the private online community. Additionally, www.CommunityOfVeterans.org has received more than 270,000 visits.

Funding for the campaign was made possible by the Iraq Afghanistan Deployment Impact Fund of the California Community Foundation.

BBDO
BBDO's mantra is "The Work. The Work. The Work." Day by day, sixteen thousand BBDO people in 287 offices in 79 countries work client by client, job by job, to create and deliver the world's most compelling commercial content. BBDO is currently Network of the Year at Cannes, the world's most awarded agency network in The Gunn Report, the most awarded global agency network across every marketing communications discipline in The Big Won Report, and Campaign Magazine's Advertising Network of the Year. Encouragingly, for the future, it is also Network of the Year in the 8th annual Young Guns Awards which recognize the work of young and emerging creatives.

IAVA
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is the nation's first and largest nonprofit, nonpartisan group for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Founded in 2004, IAVA has more than 125,000 active veteran members and civilian supporters in all 50 states. Its mission is to improve the lives of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families. For more information, visit www.iava.org.

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

Contacts:
Chrissy Stevens
IAVA
212-982-9699
chrissy@iava.org

Jocelyn Weiss
BBDO New York
212-459-5393
jocelyn.weiss@bbdo.com

Ellyn Fisher
The Ad Council
212-984-1964
efisher@adcouncil.org

AHRQ and Ad Council Encourage Consumers to Ask Questions and Get More Involved in Their Health Care

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 10:16:23 GMT
Spokesperson Fran Drescher and New Multimedia PSAs from Grey Showcase Health Care Effort
A new series of national public service advertisements designed to encourage consumers to get more involved in their health care by knowing and asking appropriate questions when visiting their doctors or other clinicians was launched today by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) with The Advertising Council and actress and health advocate Fran Drescher .

The provocative and humorous new "Questions" PSAs, which were created pro bono by Grey New York, aim to encourage all patients to become more involved in their own health care by asking questions of their doctors or other clinicians. The ads feature people asking questions in everyday situations such as ordering food at a restaurant and buying a cell phone, but clamming up when their doctor asks if they have questions. The television, radio, print, outdoor and Web ads direct audiences to visit a comprehensive Web site, http://www.ahrq.gov/questionsaretheanswer, to learn the 10 questions every patient should think about asking when visiting their doctor or other clinician.

"Asking your doctor or other clinician questions about why you need a particular medical test, the potential side effects and the benefits and risks of those procedures will help you make appropriate medical decisions," said AHRQ Director Carolyn M. Clancy, M.D. "We know that patients who ask questions receive better quality health care and get better results. This campaign continues AHRQ's ongoing efforts to improve the safety and quality of health care for all Americans."

According to a survey conducted by AHRQ and the Kaiser Family Foundation, 57 percent of Americans do not believe that preventable medical errors occur often. However, an estimated 1.5 million medication errors happen every year in hospitals, doctors' offices, nursing homes and pharmacies, according to the Institute of Medicine.

Actress and leading health advocate Fran Drescher is working with AHRQ and the Ad Council to encourage patients to ask questions. "Asking questions is an important part of getting the health care you need and can even lead to early detection of disease," said Ms. Drescher, who is a uterine cancer survivor. "I am an 8-year cancer survivor because I spoke up and continued to ask questions of my doctors, which led to my diagnosis."

The new PSAs are an extension of the Ad Council and AHRQ's Patient Involvement PSA campaign that first launched in March 2007. The campaign is one of a series of campaigns that AHRQ has worked on with the Ad Council to improve health care. Other AHRQ public education campaigns encourage men to get appropriate preventive care screenings and encourage Hispanics to take care of themselves by visiting a doctor to get preventive tests.

"We are proud to continue our work with AHRQ to shed light on the critical role that Americans can play in improving their own health care by asking questions," said Peggy Conlon, President & CEO of the Ad Council. "These ads are entertaining and we think viewers will recognize themselves-most of us are comfortable asking questions in everyday life, but not in a doctor's office. With these new PSAs, we will make patients and doctors more aware of the need to engage in a meaningful dialogue," she said.

The Web site, http://www.ahrq.gov/questionsaretheanswer/, features tips for patients to become more involved in their health care, including a list of 10 questions everyone should know when they visit their doctor or other clinician. The Web site also features a "Question Builder" that allows patients to develop a customized list of the questions they can take to their medical appointments.

"This campaign is based on a true and simple insight: we're extremely comfortable asking questions everywhere we go in life, yet somehow at the doctor's office, we clam up. Something is seriously wrong with that," said Rob Baiocco, EVP/Executive Creative Director of Grey New York. "Let's remind people their health is more important than their cell phone or their food order, and encourage them to ask more questions at the doctor."

AHRQ funds a variety of projects to improve the safety of health care through health information technology, teamwork among health care providers and more. AHRQ has also worked with the American Medical Association and the American Hospital Association to launch a campaign called 5 Steps to Safer Health Care and has published materials in English and Spanish to help consumers receive high-quality health care. AHRQ also produces the annual National Healthcare Quality Report and National Healthcare Disparities Report as mandated by the U.S. Congress.

The PSAs are being distributed to 33,000 media stations nationwide this week. Per the Ad Council's donated media model, all of the new PSAs will air and run in advertising time and space donated by the media.

AHRQ
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (www.ahrq.gov) is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. AHRQ's mission is to improve the quality, safety, efficiency and effectiveness of health care for all Americans. AHRQ's research helps people make more informed decisions and improve the quality of health care.

Grey New York
Grey New York is the flagship and largest office of Grey, the advertising network of Grey Group www.grey.com. Grey Group ranks among the largest global communications companies. Its parent company is WPP (NASDAQ : WPPGY). Grey New York's blue-chip client roster includes many of the world's best known companies: Procter & Gamble, GlaxoSmithKline, Diageo, Darden Restaurants, Wyeth, Canon, 3M, Eli Lilly, E*Trade and J.M. Smucker.

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies.

Contacts:
AHRQ Public Affairs
(301) 427-1246
(301) 427-1865

The Ad Council
(212) 984-1964

Grey New York
(212) 546-2231

Ready Classroom Teaches Emergency Preparedness Nationwide

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 13:25:59 GMT
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Ad Council have joined with Discovery Education to announce Ready Classroom, an online educational program.

Ready Classroom will provide elementary and middle school teachers with resources to integrate natural disaster preparedness information into their curriculum. The program is an extension of Ready Kids, a nationwide effort designed to encourage children and families to take action and prepare for emergencies.

The online resource, www.discoveryeducation.com/readyclassroom, provides teachers with activities, lesson plans and multimedia tools that teach students how natural disasters develop and inspires them to build their own emergency preparedness plans with their families. The site features grade-specific lesson plans (K-8), videos, games, puzzles and bulletin board recommendations.

"Engaging with children on the topic of emergency preparedness in conjunction with the science curriculum taught in schools is an effective way to bring home the preparedness message." said Corey Gruber, Acting Deputy Administrator of FEMA's National Preparedness Directorate. "This program with Discovery Education will empower children and families to take the important steps necessary to minimize the impact of a disaster and, ultimately, continue our efforts to encourage a culture of preparedness."

To coincide with the launch of the site, Discovery Education is promoting this new resource online at www.discoveryeducation.com and to elementary and middle school educators nationwide through its professional learning community, the Discovery Educator Network.

"This is a wonderful extension of Ready Kids that will educate teachers, students and families about possible emergencies that may affect their schools and communities," said Peggy Conlon, president and CEO of the Ad Council. "Through these interactive tools teachers will help motivate their students to take the steps necessary to be prepared."

Ready Kids is an extension of the Ready Campaign, which engages Americans in taking three simple steps to be prepared for emergencies: (1) Get an emergency supply kit; (2) Make a family emergency plan; and (3) Be informed about the types of emergencies that can happen in your area and their appropriate responses.

"Discovery Education is pleased to partner with the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Ad Council to bring this important information into America's classrooms," said Mary Rollins, Discovery Education Vice President of Education Partnerships. "By educating children about the science behind natural disasters through high-quality digital content, Ready Kids helps educators better engage students on emergency preparedness issues."

By following simple preparedness steps in advance, Americans can reduce the impact of emergencies on themselves, their family and their businesses. Individuals can visit www.ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY, to access free materials that will help them prepare their families.

February 2009 marked the Ready Campaign's sixth year at the Department of Homeland Security. The campaign is now managed under the Department's Federal Emergency Management Agency. Launched in 2003 in partnership with The Advertising Council, Ready is designed to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to emergencies, including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks. It has proven to be one of the most successful campaigns in Ad Council's more than 66-year history.

Since its launch, the Ready Campaign has generated more than $756.5 million in donated media support. Individuals interested in more information about family, business and community preparedness can visit www.ready.gov.

FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism and other man-made disasters.

The Advertising Council and Austism Speaks Launch New PSAs to Raise Awareness of Autism

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:45:22 GMT
Professional Golfer Ernie Els Featured in TV and Radio Ads
NEW YORK, April 13, 2009 - The Advertising Council, in partnership with Autism Speaks, announced today the launch of a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs) featuring professional golfer Ernie Els, and his six-year old son, Ben, designed to raise awareness about autism and to urge parents to learn the early warning signs of this developmental disorder, now diagnosed in one in every 150 children.

Created pro bono by BBDO New York, the new multimedia campaign includes television, radio and print PSAs contrasting the odds Els has overcome on the road to an enormously successful golf career - highlighted by winning the U.S. Open twice - to the startling 1-in-150 odds of having a child with autism. The ads encourage parents to visit www.autismspeaks.org to learn the signs of autism and to find out about early intervention. Early diagnosis and early intervention are critical for children with autism to reach their full potential. These new ads complement recently released PSAs featuring Grammy Award-winning recording artist Toni Braxton and her son Diezel, who is diagnosed with autism.

Ernie Els is a national spokesperson for Autism Speaks. "Autism is a problem that needs our attention," said Els. "Hopefully more people will get involved and we can start identifying what causes autism and what can be done to help it. The earlier children are diagnosed and early intervention begins, the better chance a child has of a brighter future."

"Our collaboration with the Ad Council has raised awareness about autism to remarkable new levels and helped make autism a primary topic of conversation in this country," said Mark Roithmayr, president of Autism Speaks. "We are incredibly grateful to Ernie Els and his family for agreeing to help spread our message of awareness and the critical importance of early diagnosis and intervention."

The new PSAs build on the success of the first round of the award-winning Autism Awareness campaign which launched in April 2006, and has received more than $178.2 million in donated media. According to Ad Council tracking surveys conducted this past September, 59% of individuals who reported seeing the ads said that autism is "very/somewhat common," and 20% of individuals who are "ad aware" have discussed autism with a doctor or pediatrician in the past six months.

Per the Ad Council model, the PSAs will run and air in advertising time and space that is donated by the media.

"We are proud to continue our initiative with Autism Speaks with this wonderful series of PSAs designed to encourage parents to learn the early signs of autism," said Peggy Conlon, President & CEO of The Advertising Council. "This unique campaign, with its clear and simple message, holds great promise to help parents know the signs of autism."

"The 1 in 150 statistic is a powerful one on its own. Our goal was to couch that startling statistic in a story that pulls a viewer in so that when those odds are revealed, we have his or her full attention. By telling the story from the point of view of Ernie Els' world rather than Ben's, the communication speaks even more strongly to the people who can help with an early diagnosis-the parents," said Susan Credle, Executive Vice President and Executive Creative Director of BBDO New York.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), autism is the fastest-growing developmental disorder in the United States, with life-long consequences for individuals, family, and society. This complex brain disorder inhibits a person's ability to communicate, respond to surroundings, and form relationships with others. Fifteen years ago only 1 in 10,000 children was diagnosed with autism; today that rate is 1 in 150.

About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks funds more than $30 million each year in new autism research, in addition to supporting the Autism Treatment Network, Autism Genetic Resource Exchange, Autism Clinical Trials Network, Autism Tissue Program and a range of other scientific and medical programs. Notable awareness initiatives include the establishment of the annual United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 and an award-winning, multi-year national public service advertising campaign with the Ad Council. Autism Speaks' family services efforts include the Autism Video Glossary, a 100 Day Kit for newly-diagnosed families, a School Community Tool Kit and the distribution of community grants to local service providers. Its government relations division has played a critical role in securing federal legislation to advance the federal government's response to autism, and has successfully advocated for insurance reform to require insurers to cover medically-necessary autism therapies. Each year, Autism Speaks Walk Now for Autism fundraising events are held in more than 70 cities across the country, as well as Canada and the United Kingdom.

Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism, and provides a voice to hundreds of thousands of families. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.

BBDO New York
BBDO Worldwide is part of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com). In 2008, BBDO was named Network of the Year at the International Advertising Festival in Cannes AND winner of The Gunn Report as the most awarded agency network in the world for the second year in a row. BBDO was also chosen Advertising Network of the Year by Campaign magazine for the second time in the past three years. To top it off, BBDO was ranked #1 by The Big Won as the most awarded global agency network across every marketing communications discipline ranging from above-the-line to below-the-line, online and offline.

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and Ad Council Launch National Lupus Awareness Campaign

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 10:03:18 GMT
Model Mercedes Yvette Joins Acting Surgeon General to Unveil the Campaign
New York (March 31, 2009) - Eighty percent of young women in the United States say they have little or no knowledge of lupus, according to a national online survey released today by the Ad Council.

In an effort to raise awareness of lupus among women who are at greatest risk for the disease, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health is joining the Ad Council to launch a national multimedia public service advertising (PSA) campaign to address the disease.

The campaign is being unveiled this morning by Acting Surgeon General Steven K. Galson, M.D., M.P.H and model Mercedes Yvette in the Great Hall at HHS and the PSAs will be distributed to media outlets nationwide this week.

Lupus is a serious national health problem, affecting as many as one of every 200 Americans, according to the Lupus Foundation of America. Ninety percent of those with the disease are women and it is three times more common among minority women.

As a chronic autoimmune disease, lupus causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the body's own healthy cells and tissue as though they were foreign invaders, such as bacteria or viruses. It is one of the least recognized diseases and one of the most difficult to diagnose. It is an inflammatory disease that can attack many body systems.

The new PSA campaign primarily aims to reach minority women of childbearing age (18 to 44), who are at greatest risk for lupus. The objective is to help these women understand the disease and its effects and help them identify early warning signs so they can ask their doctor for a medical evaluation.

"Despite its prevalence in the United States, lupus is rarely discussed and often misunderstood among women in our country," said Dr. Wanda K. Jones, deputy assistant secretary for women's health at HHS. "Through this campaign with the Ad Council, we can significantly increase awareness and help women achieve early diagnosis, which will give them the greatest chance for improved health and long-term survival."

Without intervention, lupus can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, disability, and in many cases, death. The disease can have a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, hair loss, painful or swollen joints, fever, skin rashes and kidney problems. However, in the majority of people who are living with lupus, early and effective treatment can minimize symptoms, reduce inflammation and pain, help maintain normal functions and prevent the development of serious complications.

"I took my symptoms seriously and was able to get diagnosed and start treatment early. As a result, I've been able to lead a healthy life," explains Yvette, a Lupus Foundation of America spokesperson. "Taking care of myself is all about finding the right balance - the right doctors, the right meds, the right people and the right workout."

"Our research found that lupus is not listed among the top health concerns for women and many have minimal knowledge of the disease," said Peggy Conlon, president and CEO of the Ad Council. "By increasing the level of awareness and understanding about lupus and its symptoms, we can encourage women to seek a medical evaluation early so they can take control of the disease and reduce their risk for serious complications. We are proud to continue our longstanding partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for this critical campaign."

The Ad Council's survey found that only 18 percent of women are personally concerned about lupus. The majority of respondents expressed concern about other health-related conditions, including cancer (67 percent), depression (61 percent), high blood pressure (58 percent), diabetes (57 percent) and arthritis (52 percent). Furthermore, approximately 29 percent could not correctly define lupus as an autoimmune disease, and 31 percent were not aware that women of childbearing age are most at risk.

Created pro bono by Los Angeles-based ad agency Muse Communications, the campaign includes television, radio, print, outdoor and Web advertising, which will all be available in Spanish. The new ads feature real women in the target audience who have been diagnosed with lupus. They portray women who are experiencing symptoms of the disease but have not yet asked their doctors, "Could I have lupus?"

The PSAs conclude with the tagline, "For answers. For support. For hope." and direct women to visit a new interactive and comprehensive Web site, www.couldIhavelupus.gov, or call a toll-free number (1-800-994-9662) to learn more about the symptoms and treatment options for lupus and access local resources. The site, which is also available in Spanish, encourages visitors to upload their personal stories and post comments in an effort to initiate a dialogue about the disease among the target audiences.

"The Diaries' creative is a special body of work that starts and ends with the women that are affected by Lupus," said Jo Muse, executive chairman and creative director "They spoke to us so deeply and we just wanted the messages to ring true and be impactful."

Beginning this week, an integrated social media program will extend the reach of the PSA campaign on popular social networking sites and blogs frequented by women.

Also, the Ad Council and HHS' Office on Women's Health are engaging a series of campaign partners in the federal government and nonprofit sectors to further the reach of the messages to their groups and members. These include the Lupus Foundation of America (founding partner), Alliance for Lupus Research, American College of Rheumatology, The Black Women's Health Imperative, Center for Lupus Care, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hispanic Federation, Lupus Alliance of America, Lupus Support Group, Lupus Research Institute National Coalition, National Institutes of Health, National Hispanic Medical Association, National Medical Association, S.L.E. Lupus Foundation and The Wright Group.

The new PSAs and Web sites have been researched extensively and tested with women in the target audiences. The ads are being distributed to approximately 33,000 media outlets nationwide. Per the Ad Council's model, all of the ads will air and run in advertising time and space donated by the media.

Campaign launch activities will continue throughout the next several months to coincide with Mother's Day and Lupus Awareness Month, which is May.

The online survey was commissioned by the Ad Council and HHS and conducted in partnership with Greenfield Online from Feb. 28 to March 8, 2009. The sample consisted of 430 women between the ages of 18 and 44 who had never been diagnosed or treated for lupus. Respondents were part of households that are members of a large national opt-in panel managed by Greenfield Online. The Greenfield panel is nationally representative of the U.S. online population. Preset sampling specifications were set to ensure a nationally representative sample of women, reflecting a range of demographic groups.

OWH
The Office on Women's Health (OWH) was established in 1991 within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its Vision is to ensure that "All Women and Girls are Healthier and Have a Better Sense of Well Being." Its mission is to "provide leadership to promote health equity for women and girls through sex/gender-specific approaches." The strategy OWH uses to achieve its mission and vision is through the development of innovative programs, by educating health professionals, and motivating behavior change in consumers through the dissemination of health information.

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

Muse Communications
Muse Communications is an independent multicultural agency. The agency services clients in various industries, including health care, automotive, banking, insurance, government agencies and beverages. Muse resides in Hollywood, Calif. For more information contact Muse at (323) 960-4080 or visit www.museusa.com.

Contacts:
HHS
Office of Public Health and Science
Public Affairs Office
202-205-0143

Muse Communications
Kathy Macaraeg
310-649-0944
kathy@kjm-marcomm.com

The Ad Council
Ellyn Fisher
212-984-1964
efisher@adcouncil.org

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack & Ad Council Announce New PSAs featuring characters from Walt Disney's Pinocchio to Help Remind Moms about MyPyramid.gov

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 09:44:59 GMT
New York, NY - February 25, 2009 -U.S. Department of Agriculture, Secretary Tom Vilsack joins The Advertising Council today to announce a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs) designed to inspire parents to adopt healthier lifestyles for their families. The campaign, which is supported by the USDA's Food Nutrition and Consumer Services, features characters from the Blu-rayT and DVD release of Walt Disney's animated classic Pinocchio and encourages parents to visit MyPyramid.gov to find the right balance to a healthy lifestyle for their children.

"Combating childhood obesity and encouraging all Americans to balance healthy eating with daily physical activity is a top priority for President Obama and me," said USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack. "Ultimately, eating well and exercising is a question of public health. Overcoming this epidemic of obesity requires that we work together at all levels-parents, teachers, community and business leaders and government -to achieve healthier lifestyles. USDA's MyPyramid.gov provides a number of tools and resources to help all of us move to a healthier lifestyle."

Research shows that being overweight during childhood and adolescence is associated with being overweight during adulthood. Seventeen percent of children and adolescents are overweight in the U.S. today. The percentage of children (ages 6-11) who are overweight has more than doubled in about 25 years from 7% (1976-80) to 19% (2003-04). . Almost 14% of children aged 2 to 5 were overweight in 2003-04, up from 7% in 1994. Recent data indicates that mothers and caregivers know about healthy eating, yet struggle with turning that knowledge into healthy meals and snacks for their families.

The new PSAs are an extension of USDA's nutrition education campaign, which emphasizes that "good nutrition and physical activity can lead to great things for your children.

The new television, radio, print, outdoor, and online PSAs, created by Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, remind parents that healthier lifestyle habits are critical for a child's mind and body and illustrate how much fun it can be to "Eat Right. Be Active" and "Make it Balance." Parents and caregivers are encouraged to visit the campaign's website www.MyPyramid.gov and use the USDA's My Pyramid to assist them in making healthy choices for their families.

"I am delighted to continue our partnership with USDA and to work with Secretary Vilsack on this critical campaign to educate parents and children about My Pyramid. I hope these PSAs motivate parents to begin taking simple steps today with their child's nutrition and physical activity habits because a healthy lifestyle can lead to a bright future for our children," said Peggy Conlon, President and CEO of The Advertising Council.

The PSAs will be distributed to media outlets nationwide this month to appear in advertising time and space donated by the media.

U.S. Department of Agriculture
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) www.usda.gov provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, and related issues based on sound public policy, the best available science, and efficient management.

The department increases food security and reduces hunger in partnership with cooperating organizations by providing children and low-income people access to food, a healthful diet, and nutrition education in a manner that supports American agriculture and inspires public confidence.

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

Contact:
The Ad Council:
Ellyn Fisher
212-984-1964
efisher@adcouncil.org

USDA:
Jean Daniel
703-305-2281
Jean.Daniel@fns.usda.gov

Ad Council Launches New PSAs and Social Media Tools to Prevent Youth Reckless Driving

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 09:37:55 GMT
Campaign empowers teens to 'Say Something
WASHINGTON, DC (February 25, 2009) /PRNewswire/ - For more than two decades, car crashes have been the number one killer of teens in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Advertising Council joined today with a coalition of state Attorneys General and consumer protection agencies to launch a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs) designed to save lives by reducing youth reckless driving.

NHTSA data shows that, on average, more than 300,000 teens are injured in car crashes each year, nearly 8,000 are involved in fatal crashes and more than 3,500 are killed. Research also shows that teen drivers are involved in more than five times as many fatal crashes as adults. Young drivers are more likely to speed, run red lights, make illegal turns and die in an SUV rollover.

First launched in January 2007, the Youth Reckless Driving Prevention campaign targets teens and young adults between the ages of 15 and 21 and encourages them to speak up when they are in the car with friends who are driving recklessly and they don't feel safe. The campaign also seeks to increase awareness about the dangers of reckless driving and educate teens on how to be safe drivers by focusing on safe speeds, avoiding distractions, wearing seat belts, and the differences associated with driving SUVs.

"This PSA campaign has a real opportunity to reach teens around the country," said Thurbert Baker, Attorney General of Georgia. "By speaking up about reckless driving, young people can save lives, both their own and those of their friends."

Research conducted by the Ad Council shows that teen drivers are more likely to listen to their friends than the adults in their lives. In a survey conducted in 2007, 8 in 10 teens said that when a friend speaks up, they will listen because they don't want to damage the friendship, be labeled a bad driver or cause harm to their friends.

Created pro bono by ad agency Y&R New York, the new television, radio, outdoor and interactive elements continue the peer-to-peer intervention strategy utilized in the first round of creative and communicate to teens "If your friend is driving recklessly, say something." The television spots feature comedians Rachel Harris, Fred Willard and Rob Riggle acting as teen passengers who humorously "speak up" to prevent a car crash.

"According to our research, since the launch of the campaign two years ago there has been a significant increase in the proportion of young adults that said they spoke up every time a friend was driving recklessly," said Peggy Conlon, President and CEO of the Ad Council. "I'm confident that this new round of PSAs, featuring comedians that appeal to our target audiences, will continue to raise awareness and inspire teens to 'speak up' when they're in a car and don't feel safe."

The PSAs direct audiences to visit www.SpeakUpOrElse.com, where they can find the motivation and tools to help them speak up. The newly redesigned site houses the PSAs and teaches teens the importance of driving safely. Additional elements to be added to the site soon include a free iPhone and iPod Touch application that turns the device into a bullhorn with flashing lights that can be used to inform a friend of his or her reckless driving. The site will also let the user send instant message videos, starring the comedians, to friends. The recipient, expecting a friend to chat, will receive a reckless driving video instead. All of these tools are designed to get the point across with humor rather than a heavy hand.

A social media program kicking off this week will help promote the campaign and website on social networking sites and blogs targeted to teens. Additionally, non-profit partners such as SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) will be helping to spread the message by reaching out to its 350,000 student members.

The Ad Council is distributing the new PSAs to media outlets nationwide this week. Per the Ad Council's model, the ads will run and air in time and space donated by the media. Since its launch, the campaign has received more than $44.5 million in donated support.

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

State Attorneys General and Consumer Protection Agencies
The coalition of Attorneys General and consumer protection organizations is a multi-state group comprised of the Offices of the Attorney General and Consumer Protection Agencies of all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Funds generated in a settlement with Ford Motor Company were earmarked for public education, with a focus on SUV safety tips through public service advertising such as that of the Youth Reckless Driving Prevention campaign.

Y&R New York
Y&RNY is the flagship agency of Y&R, one of the world's leading marketing communications companies. Founded in 1923, Y&R was the first agency to be founded by a creative, Raymond Rubicam. Today, the agency's work spans the communications spectrum, including viral, interactive and ambient marketing. Y&RNY is HQ for some of the agency's largest global clients, including Colgate-Palmolive, Xerox and Campbell's Soup Company, as well as clients such as UNCF (the United Negro College Fund), Rubbermaid, MetLife and Fisher-Price, among others.

Contacts:

Ellyn Fisher
212-984-1964
efisher@adcouncil.org

Aviva Ebstein Kroninger
212-210-3532
aviva.ebstein@yr.com

Ad Council and Family Violence Prevention Fund Launch Innovative Campaign to Prevent Digital Dating Abuse among Teens

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 10:17:39 GMT
New York, NY - February 9, 2009- The Advertising Council, in partnership with the Family Violence Prevention Fund and the Department of Justice's Office on Violence against Women, announced today the launch of a national public service advertising (PSA) campaign designed to help teens recognize digital dating abuse and take steps to prevent it.

Digital abuse is a growing form of abuse, particularly among teens. According to Pew Research conducted in 2007, approximately 70 percent of teens talk daily with friends on a cell phone, 60 percent send text messages daily, 54 percent send instant messages, 47 percent send email messages daily over social networking sites, and many teens are blogging. With the benefit of these new technologies comes the risk of digital abuse, which can include unwanted, repeated calls or text messages, breaking into email or social networking accounts, or being pressured to send private or embarrassing pictures or videos. Though this issue has gone largely undetected by most adults, it is prevalent in teen life.

"Our research confirms that teens often don't know how to connect the dots and recognize when controlling behavior becomes abuse," said Family Violence Prevention Fund President Esta Soler. "The That's Not Cool campaign is designed to help start a conversation about textual harassment and digital abuse, give teens the tools to recognize and talk about it, and encourage them to define what is and isn't okay."

According to Technology and Teen Dating Abuse Survey, 2007 (conducted by Teen Research Unlimited), one in three teens say they have been text messaged 10, 20 or 30 times an hour by a partner wanting to know where they are, what they're doing, or who they're with. One in four teens in a relationship have been called names, harassed or put down by their partner through cell phones and texting. More than half of teen girls (51 percent) say pressure from a guy is a reason girls send sexy messages or images, and 18 percent of teen boys say pressure from a girl is a reason (Sex and Tech Survey, National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, 2008).

"We are very proud to join with the Family Violence Prevention Fund and R/GA on this critical campaign to help prevent teen dating abuse," said Peggy Conlon, President and CEO, the Ad Council. "While teens often recognize the signs of physical abuse, digital abuse has many gray areas and its dangers are often minimized. This campaign will engage teens and give them the tools to draw the connection between the digital infractions they are experiencing and abuse."

The new multimedia campaign, created pro bono by R/GA, includes an interactive website, mobile component, television, radio, print, outdoor, posters in schools and malls, and Web ads. It is designed to help teens recognize digital dating abuse and give them the tools to initiate a conversation about it. The PSAs direct audiences to visit, www.ThatsNotCool.com, where teens can find tools to "draw their own digital line" and a forum to discuss this form of abuse and seek help. The site launched in January and was promoted through an exclusive with Google across search, display and YouTube to measure the impact of each on direct traffic to the site.

"R/GA is excited to have the opportunity to bring awareness to this issue and empower teens to talk about it," said Bob Greenberg, Chairman, CEO and Global Chief Creative Officer of R/GA. "Our goal is to connect with teens through the social media tools and digital technologies they are already using, but also through traditional channels, like TV, radio, and print posters in schools. It was an honor to be chosen by the Ad Council as the first digital agency to create such a holistic, multimedia campaign."

The PSAs will be distributed to media outlets nationwide this month. Per the Ad Council's model, the PSAs will appear in advertising time and space donated by the media.

FVPF
The Family Violence Prevention Fund works to end violence against women and children around the world, because every person has the right to live free of violence. More information is available at www.endabuse.org.

R/GA
R/GA (www.rga.com) is a full-service digital agency that transforms the way people interact with brands. A commitment to design, technology, strategy and innovation has defined R/GA's continuing legacy as an iconoclast in the world of communications and marketing. With a holistic range of offerings that includes brand design, mobile and retail, R/GA's agency model is adaptable to the ever-changing needs of consumers in the digital landscape.

Founded in 1977, R/GA has received the most prestigious creative awards for film, broadcast, design, advertising, and interactive. It was selected for Ad Age's Agency "A-List" in 2008 and Creativity's "Interactive Agency of the Year" in 2007. R/GA is part of The Interpublic Group (NYSE:IPG), one of the world's largest advertising and marketing services organizations.

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

Contacts:

The Ad Council
Beth Shanley
212-984-1923
bshanley@adcouncil.org

FVPF
Lisa Lederer
202-371-1999
lisa@prsolutionsdc.com

R/GA
Karen Spiegel
212-946-4055
Karen.spiegel@rga.com

Ready Campaign Launches Social Media Initiative to Encourage Americans to Prepare for Emergencies

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 09:29:14 GMT
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Ready Campaign, in partnership with The Advertising Council, is introducing a series of new social media tools today to further engage Americans in taking steps to prepare for emergencies. The initiative is an extension of Resolve to be Ready in 2009, a nationwide effort designed to encourage individuals, families, businesses and communities to take action and prepare for emergencies in 2009.

The social media tools will engage Americans in taking the three simple steps communicated in the Ready Campaign: (1) Get an emergency supply kit; (2) Make a family emergency plan; and (3) Be informed about the types of emergencies that can happen in your area and their appropriate responses.

At the center of the initiative is a new Web page, "Be Prepared," which features an interactive widget that provides users with updates on emergency situations, local emergency contact information, an instructional video, emergency kit checklists and guidelines on how to better prepare for an emergency. Users can also access a clickable map to find contact information for state and local government agencies, where they can learn more about specific emergency information in their communities. Additionally, the widget helps users stay up-to-date on the latest Ready activities through Twitter news feeds (by following the user name "ReadydotGov"). The widget can be posted to social networking profiles, blogs, wikis and personal homepages.

The program also includes a tool with which visitors can create their own comprehensive Family Emergency Plan and share important information with their family and friends. Furthermore, visitors are encouraged to share their story on preparedness by submitting a video to the Ready Campaign Video Blog. The new Web page can be accessed by clicking on an online banner on the homepage of www.ready.gov, the Ready Campaign Web site.

"These new interactive tools and resources will allow the Ready Campaign to engage even more individuals and families and help them build their emergency plans that they can then in turn share with their families," said Ready Campaign Director Erin Streeter. "These tools will makes it easier for Americans to access important federal, state and local emergency information that can be critical in an emergency and in the planning process."

DHS and the Ad Council will distribute a series of new online banner ads to promote the effort in the coming weeks. Outreach will also be conducted on social networking sites and blogs. There will also be an "I Resolve to be Ready" badge that users can post on social networking sites, such as Facebook and MySpace. Additionally, new materials will be developed and outreach will be conducted during key times of year, such as hurricane season and National Preparedness Month.

"During the last six years, our Ready Campaign has been very effective in communicating the importance of taking steps for a possible emergency," said Peggy Conlon, president and CEO of the Ad Council. "By integrating the latest technology and social media strategies, we will engage even more Americans in our critical messages and further the reach and impact of the campaign. This initiative provides individuals with the tools they need to make an emergency kit, develop and share a family emergency plan and stay informed about possible emergencies."

By making the decision to Resolve to be Ready in 2009 and following the simple preparedness steps in advance, Americans will minimize the impact of emergencies on themselves, their family and their businesses. By visiting www.ready.gov or calling 1-800-BE-READY, individuals can access free materials that will help them make and keep a new year's resolution that will bring their families peace-of-mind.

February 2009 will mark the Ready Campaign's sixth year at the Department of Homeland Security. Launched in 2003 in partnership with The Advertising Council, Ready is designed to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to emergencies, including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks. It has proven to be one of the most successful campaigns in Ad Council's more than 66-year history. Since its launch, the campaign has generated more than $756.5 million in donated media support. Individuals interested in more information about family, business and community preparedness can visit www.ready.gov.

Contact: DHS Press Office, (202) 282-8010

New Public Service Advertising Campaign Highlighting President-elect Obama's Call to Service

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 09:42:57 GMT
PSAs Feature President-elect Obama asking Americans to "Step Forward" and Volunteer in their Communities

Washington, D.C. - The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) and The Advertising Council launched today a new public service advertising (PSA) campaign aimed at summoning a new spirit of service in America. The television ad "Step Forward" and radio PSA "Chapter" feature President-elect Obama urging Americans to log on to USAService.org to find ways to make an ongoing commitment to serve their communities and their country. Nearly 6,000 volunteer projects and opportunities across the country are listed on USAService.org.

President-elect Obama's and Vice President-elect Biden's "Renew America Together" initiative, calling on Americans of all ages to participate in community service, begins on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday, January 19th, to honor the legacy of a man who lived his life in service to others. On the eve of the Inauguration, thousands of community service events will take place in Washington and all across the country.

"President-elect Obama believes each of us, as Americans, has a responsibility to do what we can for our communities and fellow citizens. We've launched USAService.org to connect volunteer organizations with Americans in their community and make it easier to serve on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and beyond," said Josh Earnest, PIC Communications Director.

The Ad Council is distributing the new television and radio PSAs to stations throughout the country this week. Per the Ad Council's model, the PSAs will run and air in donated advertising time and space.

"We are delighted to join President-elect Obama and the Presidential Inaugural Committee for this poignant campaign that will inspire Americans to serve their communities and their country," said Peggy Conlon, President & CEO of the Ad Council. "Media companies have committed to support these new PSAs and I believe this critical effort will encourage Americans to answer President-elect Obama's call to service."

Several media companies have committed to support the PSAs in donated time and space. These media companies include: CBS Television and Radio; NBC Universal; CNN and the Turner Networks (including TNT and TBS); FOX Networks; Clear Channel Radio, Comcast Spotlight and Entercom Radio. The National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA) will promote the television spots to their members and donate a satellite feed during the week of January 26 for the distribution to the cable industry. Additionally, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) is donating a satellite feed for distribution of the radio and television spots to the broadcasting industry this week.

The following companies have donated production and distribution services for the campaign: Magno Sound & Video, Interface Media Group, Firstspin, The Ad Spot and Nielsen Media.

View the PSAs at the Renew America Together page at the Ad Council's website.

The Ad Council is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

CONTACT:

Presidential Inaugural Committee, (202) 203-1700

The Ad Council, Ellyn Fisher, (212) 984-1964
efisher@adcouncil.org

The Advertising Council and Autism Speaks Launch New PSAs to Raise Awareness of Autism

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 09:51:24 GMT
Grammy Award-Winning Recording Artist Toni Braxton and Her Son Featured in TV and Radio Ads

NEW YORK, December 10, 2008 - The Advertising Council, in partnership with Autism Speaks, announced today the launch of a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs) featuring Grammy award-winning recording artist Toni Braxton and her son, Diezel, designed to raise awareness about autism and to urge parents to learn the early warning signs of this developmental disorder, now diagnosed in one in every 150 children.

Created pro bono by BBDO New York, the new multimedia campaign includes television and radio PSAs contrasting the long odds Braxton has overcome on the road to an enormously successful recording career - highlighted by six Grammys and multiple platinum albums -- to the startling 1-in-150 odds of having a child with autism. The ads encourage parents to visit www.autismspeaks.org to learn the signs of autism and to find out about early intervention. Early diagnosis and early intervention are critical for children with autism to reach their full potential.

Braxton is a national celebrity spokesperson for Autism Speaks. Diezel, now five, was diagnosed with autism at age two and a half. "My family and I believe very strongly in the message conveyed in these ads. We've lived it," said Braxton. "All of us - parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers and family friends to children - must become familiar with the red flags for autism. The earlier children are diagnosed and early intervention begins, the better chance a child has of a brighter future."

"Our partnership with the Ad Council has already resulted in a remarkable increase in awareness of autism, and we are confident that Toni's star power and her courage in participating in this campaign will lead to even greater success," said Alison Singer, Executive Vice President of Communications and Awareness for Autism Speaks, the nation's largest autism advocacy organization.

The new PSAs build on the success of the first round of the award-winning Autism Awareness campaign which launched in April 2006, and has received more than $160 million in donated media. According to Ad Council tracking surveys conducted this past September, 59% of individuals who reported seeing the ads said that autism is "very/somewhat common," and 20% of individuals who are "ad aware" have discussed autism with a doctor or pediatrician in the past six months.

The new television PSAs are being distributed to more than 2,000 media outlets nationwide this week. New radio PSAs will be distributed next week to 11,000 stations. Per the Ad Council model, the PSAs will run and air in advertising time and space that is donated by the media. Print advertising will be available in February.

"We are proud to continue our initiative with Autism Speaks with this wonderful series of PSAs designed to encourage parents to learn the early signs of autism," said Peggy Conlon, President & CEO of The Advertising Council. "This unique campaign, with its clear and simple message, holds great promise to help parents know the signs of autism."

"The 1 in 150 statistic is a powerful one on its own. Our goal was to couch that startling statistic in a story that pulls a viewer in so that when those odds are revealed, we have his or her full attention. By telling the story from the point of view of Toni Braxton's world rather than Diezel's, the communication speaks even more strongly to the people who can help with an early diagnosis-the parents," said Susan Credle, Executive Vice President and Executive Creative Director of BBDO New York

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), autism is the fastest-growing developmental disorder in the United States, with life-long consequences for individuals, family, and society. This complex brain disorder inhibits a person's ability to communicate, respond to surroundings, and form relationships with others. Fifteen years ago only 1 in 10,000 children was diagnosed with autism; today that rate is 1 in 150.

Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is dedicated to increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders, to funding research into the causes, prevention and treatments for autism, and to advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. It was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Bob Wright is Senior Advisor at Lee Equity Partners and served as vice chairman, General Electric, and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal for more than twenty years. Autism Speaks merged with both the National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR) and Cure Autism Now (CAN), bringing together the nation's three leading autism advocacy organizations. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org

BBDO New York
BBDO Worldwide is part of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com). In 2008, BBDO was named Network of the Year at the International Advertising Festival in Cannes AND winner of The Gunn Report as the most awarded agency network in the world for the second year in a row. BBDO was also chosen Advertising Network of the Year by Campaign magazine for the second time in the past three years. To top it off, BBDO was ranked #1 by The Big Won as the most awarded global agency network across every marketing communications discipline ranging from above-the-line to below-the-line, online and offline.

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

Contacts:

Beth Shanley
The Ad Council
212-984-1923 bshanley@adcouncil.org

Autism Speaks
Adam Pockriss
Rubenstein Communications, Inc.
212-843-8286
APockriss@rubenstein.com

BBDO
Roy Elvove
EVP, Director of Corporate Communications, BBDO North America
212-459-5797
Roy.Elvove@bbd.com

The Advertising Council and Feeding America Launch National Campaign to Raise Awareness of Hunger in the U.S.

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 10:29:28 GMT
1 in 8 Americans is Struggling with Hunger

NEW YORK, November 25, 2008 - The Advertising Council and Feeding America today announced the launch of a new national public service advertising campaign designed to raise awareness of the issue of hunger in America and motivate Americans to help combat the problem.

Hunger in the U.S. remains invisible to most Americans, yet as the economy worsens, demand at U.S. food banks is increasing at an alarming rate. According to Feeding America, a staggering 1 in 8 Americans, including millions of children, seniors, and the working poor live with hunger every year.

"The fact that more than 35 million Americans struggle with hunger each year is inexcusable. This campaign will help the country to realize that they have neighbors, acquaintances, and other people they interact with every day who need their help," said Vicki Escarra, President and CEO of Feeding America. "In this nation of abundance, we all need to join together to help those in need."

Created pro bono by Ogilvy NY, the new TV, radio, print, and web advertising aims to change the way Americans look at this critical issue affecting our country and to understand the fact that many people they interact with on a daily basis may not know where their next meal will come from. The PSAs direct the audience to the campaign's website www.feedingamerica.org to find out more about hunger in the United States and how they can help in their communities.

"We are thrilled to partner with Feeding America to educate Americans about just how close hunger is to each one of us," according to Peggy Conlon, President & CEO of The Advertising Council. "I believe that the 1 in 8 campaign will inspire Americans to become involved in this critical issue."

"This work uses simple visual imagery to demonstrate the reality of the fact that everyone today knows someone who is hungry," said Antonio Navas and Chris Bradley, creative directors at Ogilvy who developed the campaign. "We were very fortunate to get musician Tom Waits to contribute a beautiful piece of music that helps bring the work to life and connect with the public in a tangible way. We believe it will have great impact on this important cause."

Per the Ad Council model, the PSAs will be distributed to media outlets nationwide this week and will run and air in advertising time and space that is donated by the media.

FEEDING AMERICA
Feeding America provides low-income individuals and families with the fuel to survive and even thrive. As the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity, Feeding America and its network members supply food to more than 25 million Americans each year, including 9 million children and 3 million seniors. Serving the entire United States, more than 200 member food banks operate 63,000 agencies that address hunger in all of its forms.

OGILVY NORTH AMERICA
Ogilvy North America (www.ogilvy.com), is the largest unit of The Ogilvy Group agency network, a subsidiary of WPP Group plc (NASDAQ: WPPGY). It has offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Detroit, Durham, Minneapolis, Denver, and throughout Canada. Ogilvy North America brings together all the capabilities of the Ogilvy network to provide integrated marketing solutions to the agency's clients. It encompasses Ogilvy & Mather Advertising, OgilvyEntertainment, OgilvyOne, OgilvyInteractive, Neo@Ogilvy, Ogilvy Healthworld, Ogilvy Public Relations and OgilvyAction.

THE ADVERTISING COUNCIL
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

Contacts:

Beth Shanley
The Ad Council
212-984-1923
bshanley@adcouncil.org

Steven McFarland
Feeding America
312-641-6435
smcfarland@feedingamerica.org

Toni Lee
Ogilvy
212-237-5090
Toni.lee@ogilvy.com

Ad Council and U.S. Department of Transportation Continue Buzzed Driving Campaign with New PSAs in Time for Holidays

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 09:41:03 GMT
TV spots are an extension of 25-year old "Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk" effort

NEW YORK and WASHINGTON, D.C., November 24, 2008 - The Advertising Council and the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are continuing their drunk driving prevention effort with a new series of television public service advertisements (PSAs), designed to remind viewers that "Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving." The campaign is an extension of the highly successful "Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk" campaign and the new PSAs debut in time for Thanksgiving and the winter holidays, a time when drunk driving fatalities are at their highest.

Since the 1983 inception of the Drunk Driving Prevention campaign, alcohol-related traffic fatalities have dropped significantly. However, despite the progress that has been made, according to NHTSA, impaired driving remains one of the most frequently committed crimes in the U.S., killing one person every forty minutes. In 2007, nearly 13,000 people died in crashes where a driver or motorcycle operator had a .08 BAC or higher.

The Ad Council and NHTSA began focusing the campaign on individual responsibility in 2005 with the "Buzzed Driving" campaign. The "buzzed driver" is one who drinks too much and drives, but does not consider himself a hazard on the roadway. The campaign is designed to correct that perception by instilling the notion that if you are "buzzed," you're too impaired to drive safely. In 2007, 21 to 34 year-olds accounted for 44 percent of alcohol-impaired drivers (BAC of .08+) in fatal traffic crashes. The PSAs therefore target young males, the group most likely to engage in this risky behavior.

"All too often, people believe they can drive safely because they're 'just buzzed' and not drunk," said Acting Administrator David Kelly of NHTSA. "These new ads will help convince drivers that buzzed driving is the same as drunk driving."

Created pro bono by Massachusetts-based ad agency Mullen, the new PSAs are a continuation of the buzzed driving messaging, with this round of work depicting the tragic consequences. The ads conclude with the tagline "Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving." To view the PSAs, please visit www.adcouncil.org.

"Our drunk driving prevention efforts with NHTSA have been incredibly successful in educating Americans about the dangers of drunk driving and changing attitudes and behaviors, but far too many people still believe that driving while 'buzzed' is safe," said Peggy Conlon, Ad Council President and CEO. "This new compelling creative, and the media's ongoing support of this critical campaign, will continue to make a difference and save lives."

The Ad Council and NHTSA are partnering with the Television Bureau of Advertising (TVB) for the fifth straight year on an industry "roadblock" in which all local broadcast television stations are being encouraged to donate airtime for the TV spots during the time period between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve. The new TV spots are debuting exclusively on local broadcast television stations as part of "Project Roadblock 2008." This year's Project Roadblock will also include a viral text message that will be deployed on New Year's Eve to remind local TV viewers to refrain from drunk driving.

"We made a strategic shift to focus on the consequences of buzzed driving this year, said Michael Ancevic, SVP, Group Creative Director at Mullen. "If last year's campaign focused on the party, this year's campaign shows what can happen when the party's over. The viewer is sucked right in by being placed in the middle of a chaotic medical situation which turns unexpectedly comedic. Comedy has been a core element of our campaign from the beginning. It's critical in connecting with this hard to reach target. These spots try to deliver their messages with stunning surprise."

Last year's roadblock with TVB reached stations in media markets representing more than 99 percent of the country. As a result of the media's ongoing support, according to Ad Council tracking studies conducted annually, the proportion of young men who reported having refrained from impaired driving recently nearly doubled, from 17 percent in January 2006 to 30 percent in January 2008.

The new TV spots were distributed digitally to stations nationwide last week via Adspot and FastChannel. The PSAs will air in advertising time that is donated by the media. Since its launch, the Drunk Driving Prevention campaign has received more than $1.2 billion in donated media support.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The agency's mission is to save lives, prevent injuries and reduce economic costs due to road traffic crashes. NHTSA provides leadership to the motor vehicle and highway safety community through education, research, safety standards and enforcement activity. For additional information visit www.nhtsa.dot.gov.

Mullen
Mullen is a full-service agency and an independent brand within the Interpublic Group of Companies. Mullen's client portfolio includes General Motors, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Stride Rite Children's Group, Orbitz, The Stanley Works, MassMutual, La Quinta Inns & Suites, T.J. Maxx, U.S. Department of Defense, HSBC, Panera Bread, LendingTree, Match.com, Embarq, National Grid and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. Headquartered in Wenham, Massachusetts, the agency operates offices in Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Detroit, Michigan; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. For more on Mullen, visit www.mullen.com.

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

Contacts:
Ellyn Fisher
The Advertising Council
212-984-1964
efisher@adcouncil.org

David Swaebe
Mullen
978-468-8932
dswaebe@Mullen.com

Ellen Martin
NHTSA
202-366-9550
emartin@dot.gov

New National PSAs Urge Americans Age 25 - 34 to "Feed the Pig"

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 09:50:40 GMT
AICPA/Ad Council Campaign Advises Spending Wisely, Saving for the Future
Young Adults Sliding Deeper into Debt, AICPA Study Finds

NEW YORK, November 20, 2008- A new series of print and broadcast public service announcements urging Americans age 25 to 34 to spend wisely and save for the future rolled out today as part of Feed the Pig, a national campaign of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Advertising Council.

"People in this age group are involved in major life changes," said Carl George, chair of the National CPA Financial Literacy Commission. "They're launching careers, buying homes, getting married and having children. All these events involve major expenses, which makes saving difficult, especially in a hard economic time like the one we're now experiencing. But there are simple things they can do, such as paying more attention to how much they spend on discretionary items. Spending within your means is itself a form of saving."

The new PSAs created pro bono by VGS Creative can be viewed at the campaign website, www.feedthepig.org, which features savings tips, interactive tools and viral components. Feed the Pig additionally employs new media easily accessible to the target audience, including weekly e-mail savings tips, podcasts, text messages, and Facebook and MySpace pages for Benjamin Bankes, the campaign icon that evokes childhood memories of the traditional piggy bank.

A new study commissioned by the AICPA reveals that as a group, Americans 25 to 34 have spent years sliding deeper into debt and seeing their net worth decline.
Between 1985 and 2005, the most recent year for which statistics are available, this group saw its median debt skyrocket by 44 percent. For every dollar of assets, the study found, this group is carrying 70 cents in debt, more than double the amount carried by older age groups. The report cites easy access to credit as a primary driver of this debt.

The study, conducted by Christopher Thornberg, PhD, of Beacon Economics in Los Angeles, additionally found that the median net worth for this group declined by 31 percent during the same period, a figure that excludes the value of their homes. In contrast, the median net worth for Americans 35 to 64 grew by 28 percent.

"These findings are particularly disconcerting in light of the current financial crisis," George said. "The study covers a time period before the present economic downturn, so even before the crisis, the group needed guidance on managing its finances. They have to learn to spend wisely and within their means and try to put away some of their discretionary income for the future."

The AICPA and the Ad Council originally launched the Feed the Pig in 2006. Since then, Ad Council research has shown that individuals who have seen or heard a Feed the Pig PSA are more likely to change their financial behavior for the better. For example, 37 percent of individuals who have seen or heard the PSAs say saving for their future is more important than buying things they want now versus 20 percent that have not seen or heard an ad.

"We are delighted to continue our partnership with AICPA for this second series of PSAs designed to help young adults begin saving today," said Peggy Conlon, president and CEO of the Ad Council. "This campaign has been a huge success since its launch two years ago. I am confident this new work will continue to provide Americans with the tools they need to make better financial choices for themselves and their families."

"People always think they'll start saving money at the next job or after that next raise," said Rob Slosberg, partner and creative director at VGS Creative, which designed and developed the new PSAs. "We wanted our updated campaign to get out the message 'Don't wait. You can start saving today by simply making small changes in your spending habits.'"

Feed the Pig serves as an extension of 360 Degrees of Financial Literacy (www.360financialliteracy.org), an effort by the CPA profession to educate Americans on how financial issues affect them at all life stages, beginning with childhood and extending through retirement.

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (www.aicpa.org) is the national, professional association of CPAs, with more than 350,000 CPA members in business and industry, public practice, government, education, student affiliates, and international associates. It sets ethical standards for the profession and U.S. auditing standards for audits of private companies, non-profit organizations, federal, state and local governments. It develops and grades the Uniform CPA Examination.

The AICPA maintains offices in New York, Washington, D.C., Durham, N.C., Ewing, N.J., and Lewisville, TX. Media representatives are invited to visit the AICPA Online Media Center at www.aicpa.org/mediacenter.

VGS Creative
VGS Creative is a Manhattan-caliber advertising and marketing firm, based in bucolic Westport CT, with a focus on excellent creative. They service a wide range of consumer and B-to-B clients including Nokia, Rosetta Stone, Terex, and Skip Barber Racing School. Their capabilities include Brand Identity, TV, Radio, Web Design, Print, Direct Mail, Collateral and more. They also have a foosball table. You can find out more about them at www.vgscreative.com.

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

T Feed the Pig is a trademark of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Contacts:
Beth Costiglio
The Ad Council
212-984-1923
bcostiglio@adcouncil.org

Joel Allegretti
AICPA
212-596-6111
jallegretti@aicpa.org

Mitchell Slepian
AICPA
212-596-6177
mslepian@aicpa.org

Rob Slosberg
VGS Creative
203-226-2407
rob@vgscreative.com

Ad Council Honors GE's Jeffrey Immelt with 55th Annual Public Service Award

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 09:46:30 GMT
ArnoldNYC Wins Gold Bell for Creative Excellence

NEW YORK, November 20, 2008 - The Advertising Council honored Jeffrey R. Immelt, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, GE, with its 55th Annual Public Service Award at the Ad Council's annual dinner held last night at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. Fantasia, J Records recording artist and former American Idol, joined the Brooklyn Youth Choir to open the program, and NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams served as the Master of Ceremonies.

Attended by prominent members of the media, advertising and corporate communities, the dinner serves as a tribute to the industries and individuals who support the Ad Council and its public service advertising (PSA) campaigns. Chaired by Susan Gianinno, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Publicis Worldwide in the USA, and Chair of the Ad Council, the dinner is the Ad Council's largest fundraising event, raising $2.4 million this year. Platinum sponsors included Time Warner Inc. and Yahoo! Inc.

The Ad Council has been honoring corporate leaders for their commitment to public service since 1953. Previous honorees include Bob Wright, Frank Bennack, Ted Turner, Katharine Graham, Lee Iacocca, Roger Enrico, A.G. Lafley, Rick Wagoner and Ken Chenault. In keeping with tradition, this year's award was presented by last year's recipient, Richard D. Parsons, Chairman, Time Warner Inc.

"Thank you for this tremendous honor, I am proud to accept this award on behalf of GE employees around the world," said Immelt. "GE has been a partner to the Ad Council since 1946, and we have deep admiration for the organization and its creative approach to raising awareness about the most critical issues."

As Chairman & CEO of GE, Mr. Immelt has continued and expanded the global organization's commitment to public service. Under his leadership, the GE Foundation has strengthened educational access and quality for disadvantaged youth, and supported GE employee and retiree giving and involvement in communities throughout the world. In 2007, GE businesses, employees, retirees and the GE Foundation contributed more than $225 million to community and educational programs. Additionally, Mr. Immelt has continued GE's volunteerism efforts through product donations, matching gifts, grants and promoting volunteerism. The company's Volunteers Foundation partners with local charitable organizations in over 38 countries to support senior centers, children with autism, literacy for low-income communities, neglected urban spaces and many other programs.

"Jeffrey Immelt has a long and impressive record of public service in many areas that are consistent with the Ad Council's campaigns and our overall mission," according to Peggy Conlon, President & CEO of The Advertising Council. "Jeffrey is committed to the ideal that to be a great company, you also have to be good company. We believe he's one of the finest examples of an American business leader committed to giving back to the world in which his company does business."

During the dinner, the Ad Council also presented its Gold, Silver and Bronze Bells for Creative Excellence to the winning ad agencies. Awards were presented by Chairs of the Ad Council's Campaign Review Committee: Nick Law, Executive Vice President, Chief Creative Officer, R/GA, and Joyce King-Thomas, Chief Creative Officer, McCann Erickson NY. The Gold Bell went to ArnoldNYC for creating the "Think Before You Speak" campaign in partnership with the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN). Silver and Bronze Bell winners were recognized respectively: TBWA/Chiat/Day for the Anti-Steroids campaign and Campbell-Ewald for the Fatherhood Involvement campaign. These agencies were selected from among 40 volunteer agencies that create PSAs for the Ad Council.

The Ad Council is a private, non-profit organization with a rich history of marshalling volunteer talent from the advertising and media industries to deliver critical messages to the American public. Having produced literally thousands of PSA campaigns addressing the most pressing social issues of the day, the Ad Council has effected, and continues to effect, tremendous positive change by raising awareness, inspiring action and saving lives. To learn more about the Ad Council and its campaigns, visit www.adcouncil.org.

TSA and Ad Council Launch Public Education Campaign to Build Greater Awareness of Security Procedures at Airport Checkpoints

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:55:29 GMT
Campaign debuts in time for New Security Procedures and Thanksgiving Holiday

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, is joining with The Advertising Council today to launch a national public awareness and education campaign designed to build awareness of checkpoint security procedures in an effort to better prepare passengers for airport travel. The campaign launch coincides with Thanksgiving, one of the busiest travel periods of the year. More than 23 million people were screened at the nation's airports during last year's holiday.

TSA's passenger feedback shows that travelers are more willing to cooperate with airport security when they better understand the reasoning behind the measures. The new public awareness campaign aims to improve security by compelling airline passengers to become better prepared for security processes, thereby resulting in less frustration and a more positive experience. The campaign builds upon TSA's ongoing commitment to communicating why certain procedures and requirements are an important part of airport security. For example, the campaign explains why travelers are asked to remove shoes and coats, limit liquids to three ounces and show their IDs.

"TSA encourages passengers to know the rules and be prepared when they reach the security checkpoint. Your safety is the priority of our security officers and you can contribute to a smoother process at the checkpoint," said TSA Assistant Administrator for Strategic Communications and Public Affairs Ellen Howe.

Last year, the average peak wait time during the Thanksgiving holiday at all airports nationwide was 12.6 minutes, and during the winter holidays, the average peak wait time was 14 minutes. TSA is expanding its popular family lanes nationwide for families and others traveling with medically necessary liquids larger than three ounces. These lanes will be available at all airports and will provide more time for families traveling with children and other passengers who need extra assistance.

"Research shows that Americans are more willing to comply when they understand why certain security measures are in place. Therefore, we have a great opportunity to educate them on their important role in the airline security process," said Peggy Conlon, President & CEO of the Ad Council. "We are proud to join TSA in this critical effort."

Campaign activities will be conducted during the course of the year in conjunction with the nation's busiest travel times: Thanksgiving, the winter holidays and Memorial Day. The campaign will employ a series of informational videos airing in airports and online, social media strategies, as well as national radio sponsorships and public relations tactics in an effort to communicate with the travelling public during these travel periods.

All of the campaign strategies direct audiences to visit www.tsa.gov to find travel tips, local airport information, including wait times, and how to get your questions about airline security answered.

This is the first time the Ad Council has partnered with TSA on a public education effort, and TSA's first national awareness campaign. Since 2003, the Ad Council has been working with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on the Ready Campaign designed to encourage all Americans to prepare for emergencies.

TSA
TSA is a component of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that was formed following the tragedies of September 11, 2001. TSA protects the Nation's transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce. Its 45,000 transportation security officers are responsible for airport security at more than 450 U.S. airports.

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

Contacts:

TSA Public Affairs
571-227-2829

Ellyn Fisher
The Ad Council
212-984-1964
efisher@adcouncil.org

Ad Council, Sony Creative Software and Discovery Education Launch Inspiring Invention PSA Contest

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:48:28 GMT
Part of Multi-Year Campaign to Inspire Inventiveness in Kids, Winning Contest Entries Receive Studio Software and Hardware, along with Potential of National Television Broadcast Exposure

NEW YORK, NY - November 14, 2008 - The Advertising Council, Sony Creative Software and Discovery Education joined today to announce the "Inspiring Invention" public service advertising (PSA) development contest to engage a new generation of children in innovation. The contest is part of the Ad Council's "Inspiring Invention" campaign, sponsored by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the National Inventors Hall of Fame Foundation (NIHFF). The contest is open to school groups at the elementary, middle and high school levels nationwide. In addition to prizes including Sony video and audio production software and hardware, the winning entries will be distributed to media outlets throughout the country in spring of 2009.

The "Inspiring Invention" campaign, launched in April 2007, seeks to make inventing and developing new ideas part of American children's lives, while also introducing children to how inventions are protected though patents and trademarks. The campaign aims to primarily reach tweens (ages 8-11), with a goal of motivating these children to pursue inventing and innovating as part of their educations and, later, throughout their careers. The PSAs developed for the campaign direct children to visit www.InventNow.org to explore and discover their own innate inventiveness.

"A strong commitment to innovation is an American value that will help our youth create an even more positive and productive world," said Dave Chaimson, global vice president of marketing, Sony Creative Software. "Sony Creative Software video and audio production tools enables students to tell powerful stories about their ideas and dreams for how tomorrow's technologies will improve the quality of life for all."

Judging the Inspiring Invention PSA Contest is Dr. James West, inventor of the modern microphone and National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductee, as well as members of the Ad Council's Creative Review Committee (CRC), which is comprised of some of the best creative talents in American advertising. The Ad Council's CRC is responsible for approving the strategic and creative elements of all Ad Council campaigns prior to production.

"We are delighted to partner with Sony Creative Software and Discovery Education for this wonderful contest that will help generate interest and excitement among children in exploring their creativity and learning how their ideas can lead to the technological advances of the future," said Peggy Conlon, President & CEO of the Ad Council. "This contest is an ideal extension of our Inspiring Invention PSAs and we are very grateful to Sony Creative Software and Discovery Education for generously contributing their resources for these important messages."

Entrants to the Inspiring Invention PSA Contest will submit their video in either the elementary and middle school or high school categories by March 15, 2009. Contestants are encouraged, but not required, to download a demo of Sony Creative Software's leading video editing application, Vegas Pro 8 software or Vegas Movie Studio software. Initial entries will be submitted to Sony Creative Software on DVD accompanied by a backgrounder on the production and theme. If selected as a semi-finalist, participants will then furnish broadcast-ready components for final judging. Full contest rules and regulations are available at www.inspiringinvention.org.

One grand prize winner will be chosen from each of the two categories and awarded a prize package valued at more than $22,000, featuring Sony Creative Software's professional video and audio production applications, Vegas Pro 8, Sound Forge 9, Cinescore and ACID Pro 7, as well as Sony Creative Software content including loop libraries, Sound Effects and Cinescore Themes, in addition to having the PSA aired on national television. Discovery Education, the division of Discovery Communications that combines scientifically proven, standards-based digital media and a dynamic user community to empower teachers to improve student achievement, is hosting the Inspiring Invention website. This robust website includes official competition entry forms and rules, and features downloadable teacher tools, lesson plans, project ideas, inventor biographies and more.

"We see the contest as a natural extension of the goals of the Inspiring Invention campaign," Jon Dudas, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO, commented. "It will provide those who enter an opportunity to experience the reward and recognition that creativity and invention can provide while also learning and having fun."

Dr. James West added, "On behalf of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, I'm proud to be associated with this important campaign as it strives to develop the next generation of inventors and innovators. I look forward to seeing the creative ideas generated by the youth of our nation."

Since the launch of the Inspiring Invention PSA campaign, more than 85,000 children have registered on the campaign website, www.inventnow.org, and the site has had over 2.5 million sessions. Additionally, according to a 2007 Ad Council tracking study, of those tweens surveyed who were aware of the PSAs, 62 percent agree that "if kids can invent things so can I."

The Ad Council
The Ad Council is a private, non-profit organization with a rich history of marshalling volunteer talent from the advertising and media industries to deliver critical messages to the American public. Having produced literally thousands of PSA campaigns addressing the most pressing social issues of the day, the Ad Council has effected, and continues to effect, tremendous positive change by raising awareness, inspiring action and saving lives. To learn more about the Ad Council and its campaigns, visit www.adcouncil.org.

Sony Creative Software
Sony Creative Software inspires artistic expression with its award-winning line of products for digital video, music, DVD, and audio production. As a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, the company also develops applications that enhance the experience for users of Sony hardware devices. Sony Creative Software customers span the globe and include seasoned professionals in the film, television, video game, and recording industries, as well as students, educators, hobbyists, and enthusiasts. For more information, visit www.sonycreativesoftware.com.

Discovery Education
Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISAD, DISBD, DISCK) revolutionized television with Discovery Channel and is now transforming classrooms through Discovery Education. Powered by the number one nonfiction media company in the world, Discovery Education combines scientifically proven, standards-based digital media and a dynamic user community in order to empower teachers to improve student achievement. Already, more than half of all U.S. schools access Discovery Education digital services. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

United States Patent and Trademark Office
Since 1790, the basic role of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has remained the same: to promote the progress of science and the useful arts by securing for limited times to inventors the exclusive right to their respective discoveries (Article 1, Section 8 of the United States Constitution). Today, the USPTO is a federal agency in the Department of Commerce, headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia. Through the issuance of patents, the USPTO encourages technological advancement by providing incentives to invent, invest in, and disclose new technology worldwide. Through the registration of trademarks, the agency assists businesses in protecting their investments, promoting goods and services, and safeguarding consumers against confusion and deception in the marketplace. By disseminating both patent and trademark information, the USPTO promotes an understanding of intellectual property protection and facilitates the development and sharing of new technologies worldwide.

National Inventors Hall of Fame Foundation
The not-for-profit National Inventors Hall of Fame Foundation is the premier organization in America dedicated to honoring and fostering creativity and invention. Each year a new class of inventors is inducted into the Hall of Fame in recognition of their patented inventions that make human, social, and economic progress possible. Founded in 1973 by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the National Council of Intellectual Property Law Associations, the organization is headquartered in Akron, Ohio, from where it administers its national programs, including Camp Invention�, Club Invention�, and the Collegiate Inventors Competition�. For more information, visit www.invent.org.

Vegas is a trademark or registered trademark of Sony Creative Software Inc. in the United States and other countries.

The references to specific Sony products and Discovery Education in this press release do not imply endorsement or support of Sony Corporation or Discovery Education by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The USPTO makes no endorsement, express or implied, of any commercial products, nor is it responsible for the content or activities of any Sony Corporation or Discovery Education linked sites.

Contacts:

Ellyn Fisher
The Ad Council
212-984-1964
efisher@adcouncil.org

Stephen Wakefield
Discovery Education
240-662-2893
stephen_wakefield@discovery.com

Shannon McPhee
Bender/Helper Impact
310-473-4147
Shannon_mcphee@bhimpact.com

The Advertising Council, HHS' AdoptUsKids Launch New PSAS to Encourage Adoption of Teens from Foster Care

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 10:57:58 GMT
NEW YORK, November 14, 2008 - The Advertising Council, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and AdoptUsKids, announced today the launch of a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs) designed to raise awareness about teens who are in foster care and waiting for "forever families" to adopt them. The new PSAs are an extension of the previously successful campaign, launched in 2002, which focused on the adoption of children in foster care with the successful tag line "You don't have to be perfect to be a perfect parent."

According to the Administration for Children and Families, approximately 293,000 children in the United States enter the foster care system each year through no fault of their own. Currently there are 496,000 children in the foster care system in the United States. Of these, 130,000 are available for adoption. Children of color, sibling groups, and older children and teens are even more in need of adoptive homes. Approximately 42% of waiting children are ages 9 or older.

This new multimedia campaign created pro bono by kirshenbaum bond & partners is designed to communicate to prospective parents that "You don't have to be perfect to be a perfect parent. There are thousands of teens in foster care who would love to put up with you." The new television, radio, print and Web PSAs portray everyday situations and use humor to help prospective parents realize they have the ability to be great parents and encourage them to consider adopting a teen from foster care.

"We are proud to continue this wonderful campaign with a new series of PSAs designed to encourage the adoption of teens from the U.S. foster care system," according to Peggy Conlon, President & CEO of the Ad Council. "This campaign has had extraordinary success during the last few years and the new ads will continue the momentum."

"We are confident that this new campaign will encourage more families to consider adoption of children or youth from foster care. We believe that all children need and deserve permanent, loving families," said Kathy Ledesma, Program Director, Collaboration to AdoptUsKids.
"We hope this campaign will stir the hearts of many adults to pick up the phone and call us to learn more about children and youth in foster care and how to begin the process to adopt them."

The PSAs direct audiences to visit AdoptUsKids' comprehensive website www.adoptuskids.org or call 1-888-200-4005 for more information on adoption from foster care.

"This new set of ads is a fresh approach on a much-loved campaign and it continues to break barriers that prospective parents may have when considering adoption," said Gail Barlow, Creative Director, kirshenbaum bond & partners. "We've portrayed situations that people can relate to either from their own teenage experiences with their parents or as being parents themselves and we hope this campaign urges them to take that next step in finding out more about adoption."

Per the Ad Council model, the PSAs will run and air in advertising time and space that is donated by the media.

The Administration for Children and Families
Within HHS, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is the agency that is responsible for Federal programs that promote the economic and social well-being of families, children, individuals, and communities. The Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) administers national programs for children and youth; works with States, Tribes, and local communities to develop services that support and strengthen family life; seeks joint ventures with the private sector to enhance the lives of children and their families; and provides information and other assistance to parents. Many of the programs administered by ACYF focus on children from low-income families; abused and neglected children; children and youth in need of foster care, independent living, adoption or other child welfare services; preschool children; children with disabilities; runaway and homeless youth; and children from Native American and migrant families.

AdoptUsKids
AdoptUsKids is a multi-faceted, federally funded project whose mission is to recruit and connect foster and adoptive families with waiting children throughout the United States. The project is managed through a cooperative agreement with the Children's Bureau of the Administration of Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services.

kirshenbaum bond + partners
kirshenbaum bond + partners is a network of marketing communications specialty companies founded by Richard Kirshenbaum and Jon Bond, including kirshenbaum bond, Dotglu, LIME public relations + promotion, The Media Kitchen, and Open Mind Strategy. Founded in 1987, kirshenbaum bond + partners has since grown to include over 300 employees and combined billings of over $700 million. kbp is wholly owned by MDC Partners, Inc., in Toronto.

Clients include Wendy�s, Panasonic, Avon, BMW, Starz Entertainment, KAO Brands (Jergens, Biore, Ban, John Frieda, Curel), Limited Brands, Berkshire Hathaway/NetJets, Windstream Communications, Diageo, Delta, CIT, Edward Jones, Mohegan Sun, Wyndam Hotels & Resorts, and Fruit2Day.

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

Contacts:

Beth Shanley
The Ad Council
212-984-1923
bshanley@adcouncil.org

Kathy Ledesma
AdoptUsKids
410-933-5700
kledesma@adoptuskids.org

Jennifer Landers
kirshenbaum bond + partners
212-337-4738
jlanders@kb.com

IAVA and Ad Council Launch National PSA Campaign for Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 09:41:27 GMT
In Time for Veterans Day, Campaign Directs Veterans to the First and Only Online Community Created Exclusively for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans

In an effort to help ease the transition and readjustment challenges facing Iraq and Afghanistan veterans in their return home, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) joined with the Ad Council today to launch a national multimedia public service advertising (PSA) campaign. The campaign directs veterans to the first and only community exclusive to Iraq and Afghanistan veterans through a new social networking website, www.CommunityofVeterans.org, where they can listen, share their experiences and access resources. The PSAs are being distributed to media outlets nationwide this week to coincide with Veterans Day (November 11).

The campaign aims to address the mental health consequences of combat, which threaten to overwhelm a new generation of veterans. The 1.7 million men and women who have served, or are currently serving, in Iraq and Afghanistan are facing an increased risk of mental health issues. Nearly 20 percent of military servicemembers who have returned - 300,000 in all - report symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or major depression, yet only slightly more than half have sought treatment, according to a RAND Corporation study released in April 2008. Untreated mental health conditions can cause or aggravate other debilitating problems in the veterans' community including high rates of unemployment, suicide, homelessness, substance abuse, divorce and child abuse.

Created pro bono by ad agency BBDO New York, the campaign seeks to increase the number of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who seek treatment for mental health issues by connecting them with other veterans with whom they can discuss the issues they face as they readjust to civilian life. The campaign includes television, radio, print, outdoor and Web advertising. The TV spots feature Iraq veterans who are Purple Heart recipients.

The ads direct audiences to a comprehensive new website, www.communityofveterans.org, designed for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. The site provides a range of information that can help with their transitional and readjustment issues, including a searchable database of national and local resources on topics such as jobs, education and health. A private online community exclusive to these veterans will foster connections among veterans and allow them to communicate with each other. The website and private community were developed by BarkleyREI.

"IAVA is thrilled to launch such a historic campaign to ease the readjustment for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. Less than 1 percent of the U.S. population has served in the current conflicts and it's critical that returning troops are able to connect with people who understand what they've been through. The PSAs and groundbreaking social networking site will go a long way toward helping these heroes readjust," said Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. "IAVA is grateful to the Ad Council and BBDO for their extraordinary commitment to our country's newest generation of servicemembers. Together, we're turning the page on how veterans were treated after Vietnam."

More than 60 percent ofAmericans say that the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan "never," "hardly ever" or "sometimes" have an impact on their daily lives, according to a survey released today by IAVA and the Ad Council. Additionally, when Americans hear the word "veteran," only 2 percent said they think of Iraq veterans and zero referenced those serving in Afghanistan. While veterans of World War II represented 12 percent of the U.S. population, less than 1 percent of the current population has served in Iraq and Afghanistan. This contributes to the isolation they feel once they are home and makes connecting with other veterans challenging.

"We are very proud to join with IAVA on this critical campaign designed to support the men and women who have served our country in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Peggy Conlon, President & CEO of the Ad Council. "Our new campaign will shed light on the reajdustment challenges facing today's veterans and help initiate a much-needed dialogue among veterans, their families and the general public."

Most Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are married, and 700,000 children in America have had at least one parent deployed during the conflicts. It is therefore a conservative estimate to predict that those immediately affected by these wars will number at least three million people. More than 60 percent of these veterans are under the age of 30. Many veterans avoid seeking help because of the stigma around seeking treatment or being diagnosed with a mental illness. Those who have received help often cite their family as the catalyst; however, most families don't know how to broach the subject constructively.

The Ad Council and IAVA will launch a complementary PSA effort in the coming months to engage the families and loved ones of these veterans, emphasizing to them the importance of their role in the process in beginning a discussion with their veterans about the mental health issues they may face. The PSAs direct audiences to a second website to learn how to start a constructive dialogue with the veterans in their lives.

"When the Ad Council first approached BBDO about working on IAVA we knew immediately that this was an effort we wanted to be a part of," said Don Schneider, Executive Creative Director, BBDO New York. "We were honored not only to be chosen to work on this campaign, but with the veterans and families who inspired us and helped bring this campaign to life."

The new PSAs and websites have been researched extensively and tested with veterans, their families and the general market. The ads are being distributed to approximately 33,000 media outlets nationwide. Per the Ad Council's model, all of the ads will air and run in advertising time and space donated by the media. MTV has made an early commitment to support the new campaign through primetime content and on their social media channel, ThinkMTV. Additionally, AOL has donated their resources to design the campaign's Web banners and has made a commitment along with Google to support the ads on Veterans Day and in the coming months. Launch activities will continue throughout the year. IAVA's members will also help extend raise awareness of the campaign in communities nationwide.

Furthermore, beginning this week, an integrated social media program will extend the reach of the campaign on popular social networking sites and blogs targeted to service members and their families. The Society for New Communications Research (www.sncr.org), a non-profit foundation focused on new media and communications, will lend its expertise and resources to the campaign. SNCR's Research Fellows and Vendor Council member Visible Technologies (www.visibletechnologies.com) will donate their time and technology to analyze and measure the effectiveness of the campaign and its online components.

BBDO
BBDO Worldwide is part of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com). In 2008, BBDO was named Network of the Year at the International Advertising Festival in Cannes AND winner of The Gunn Report as the most awarded agency network in the world for the second year in a row. BBDO was also chosen Advertising Network of the Year by Campaign magazine for the second time in the past three years. To top it off, BBDO was ranked #1 by The Big Won as the most awarded global agency network across every marketing communications discipline ranging from above-the-line to below-the-line, online and offline.

IAVA
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is the nation's first and largest nonprofit, nonpartisan group for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Founded in 2004, IAVA has more than 125,000 active veteran members and civilian supporters in all 50 states. Its mission is to improve the lives of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families. For more information, visit www.iava.org.

SNCR
The Society for New Communications Research is a nonprofit global think tank dedicated to the advanced study of new communications tools, technologies and emerging modes of communication, and their effect on traditional media, professional communications, business and society. For more information, visit http://sncr.org.

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

Contacts:
Chrissy Stevens
IAVA
212-982-9699
chrissy@iava.org

Jocelyn Weiss
BBDO New York
212-459-5393
jocelyn.weiss@bbdo.com

Ellyn Fisher
The Ad Council
212-984-1964
efisher@adcouncil.org

GLSEN and Ad Council Launch First Campaign to Address Anti-Gay Language Among Teens

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 07:42:27 GMT
National PSA Campaign Features actress Hilary Duff and Comedian Wanda Sykes
The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) joined with The Advertising Council today to launch the first national multimedia public service advertising (PSA) campaign designed to address the use of anti-gay language among teens. The campaign launch coincides with the release of GLSEN's 2007 National School Climate Survey, which found that nearly nine in ten lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) teens report having been verbally harassed in the past school year, and almost half have been physically harassed because of their sexual orientation.

The campaign will be unveiled Friday by actress Hilary Duff, who stars in one of the new television PSAs, at GLSEN's annual Respect Awards - Los Angeles gala. Comedian Wanda Sykes appears in another TV spot created for the campaign.

LGBT teens in the U.S. experience homophobic remarks and harassment throughout the school day, creating an atmosphere where they feel disrespected, unwanted and unsafe. GLSEN's new survey found that three-quarters of LGBT teens hear slurs such as "faggot" or "dyke" frequently or often at school, and nine in ten reports hearing anti-LGBT language frequently or often. Homophobic remarks such as "that's so gay" are the most commonly heard type of biased remarks at school. Research shows that these slurs are often unintentional and are a part of teens' vernacular. Most do not recognize the consequences, but the casual use of this language often carries over into more overt harassment.

The new campaign aims to raise awareness among straight teens about the prevalence and consequences of anti-LGBT bias and behavior in America's schools. Ultimately, the goal is to reduce and prevent the use of homophobic language in an effort to create a more positive environment for LGBT teens. The campaign also aims to reach adults, including school personnel and parents, because their support of this message is crucial to the success of efforts to change behavior among the target age group.

"We are proud to partner with the Ad Council on this groundbreaking campaign to address anti-LGBT language," said GLSEN Founder and Executive Director Kevin Jennings. "Every student has a right to feel safe in school free from bullying and harassment. When students do not feel safe, they struggle to learn. This campaign will help educate young people about the harmful language many of them commonly use."

Created pro bono by ad agency ArnoldNYC, the campaign includes television, radio, print, outdoor and Web advertising. The TV ads feature scenarios in which the term "that's so gay" is used casually in an effort to help teens recognize that their anti-LGBT language is harmful. The ads conclude with Wanda Sykes in one TV spot, and Hilary Duff in another, urging teens to "knock it off." The campaign hopes to motivate teens to become allies in the efforts to raise awareness, stop using anti-LGBT language, and safely intervene when they are present and anti-LGBT harassment and behavior occurs. The PSAs direct audiences to visit a new comprehensive website, www.ThinkB4YouSpeak.com.

"We are proud to join with GLSEN on this very important campaign, the first to address the common use of anti-LGBT language and its harmful effects," said Peggy Conlon, President & CEO of the Ad Council. "When we tested the new ads with teens, they found the approach to be realistic and identifiable. I believe this campaign will open their eyes to the dangers of using this language and, ultimately, create a safer environment for LGBT students."

"We have a responsibility as communicators to help inform a very prevalent behavior that most teens have never thought twice about, and then leave it up to them to do the right thing," said John Staffen, Chief Creative Officer, ArnoldNYC.

The website, www.ThinkB4YouSpeak.com, provides tips on how to support LGBT issues and the opportunity for visitors to take a stand against anti-LGBT language through an interactive pledge form that will allow teens to "say something original," by sharing alternatives to "that's so gay." The site also includes a dictionary-type tool that illustrates a word's meaning and the notion of understanding one's choice of words. Additional features include an e-card and a video library that calls for user submissions.

The new ads are being distributed to approximately 33,000 media stations nationwide this week. Per the Ad Council's donated media model, all of the new ads will air and run in advertising time and space donated by the media. Media companies, including MTV (Music Television), have made early commitments to support the campaign.

Beginning this week, an integrated social media program will further the reach of the public service messages on popular social networking sites and blogs targeted to teens. Partnerships with Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) will also engage students in chapters and student clubs throughout the country. Launch activities will continue next week to coincide with National Ally Week (October 13 - 17), a week that focuses on encouraging "allies" to sign a pledge to help stop bullying and harassment of LGBT teens.

GLSEN's National School Climate Survey is the only national survey to document the experiences of students who identify as LGBT in America's secondary schools and has been conducted biennially since 1999. This year's survey includes responses from 6,209 LGBT students between the ages of 13 and 21 from all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

ArnoldNYC
ArnoldNYC is a nimble, full service, untraditional creative agency focused on building big ideas that lead to strong business results for brands like Hershey's, Timex, Lee, TUMS, alli, Nicorette and USTA. ArnoldNYC is owned by Havas (Nasdaq: HAVS) and is one of the lead mid-sized agencies in the New York market. ArnoldNYC prides itself on creating great work that works, as well as hours of impressive inter-office ping-pong.

GLSEN
GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. Established nationally in 1995, GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. For more information on GLSEN's educational resources, public policy agenda, student organizing programs, research, public education or development initiatives, visit www.glsen.org.

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

CONTACT:

Daryl Presgraves
GLSEN
646-388-6577
dpresgraves@glsen.org

Tara Garcia
ArnoldNYC
212-463-1421
tgarcia@arn.com

Tom Chiodo
Rubenstein
212-843-8289
tchiodo@rubenstein.com

Ellyn Fisher
The Ad Council
212-984-1964
efisher@adcouncil.org

Ad Council and Deep Focus Kick off Social Media Initiative

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 09:49:38 GMT
Exponential Action Network Encourages Social Responsibility Through Social Media

The Advertising Council, the leading producer of public service advertisements (PSAs) in the United States, joined today with Deep Focus, a thought-leading interactive marketing agency and consultancy, to announce a new initiative that will integrate the latest technology and social media strategies in promoting the Ad Council's national public service campaigns. Ian Schafer, Deep Focus Founder and CEO, will unveil the program this afternoon at Advertising Week's Panasonic Ideas for Life "Social Media: Giving Voices to Social Causes" seminar presented by the Ad Council and Google.

Through the Exponential Action Network (EAN) initiative, users will be presented with a list of participating Ad Council causes and be prompted to choose as many as they would like to support. Each selection will generate an individual widget that can be prominently displayed on the user's social networking profile, blog, wiki and personal homepages. Each widget will track and display in real-time the size of its exponentially growing support network, acting as further encouragement for users to recruit their friends to join. The widgets will feature the Ad Council's existing PSAs and other campaign components, including television ads, brochures and links to websites, and encourage multiple viewings and interest around these communities through live updates of their growth.

"This wonderful initiative will transform how we're interacting with our campaigns' target audiences online," said Peggy Conlon, president and CEO of the Ad Council. "We are very grateful to Deep Focus for generously developing this program, which will benefit our many important social issues by further engaging audiences in the messages and creating consumer champions for our causes."

Social networking and user-generated content websites currently account for 12 percent of all traffic on the Internet, which is an increase of 686 percent from two years ago, according to eMarketer 2007. Two out of every three individuals online visit social networking sites and there are currently more than 70 million blogs. Developed pro bono by Deep Focus, the EAN will enable the Ad Council to tap into the people-powered peer-to-peer communications created by online social networks to promote their causes through a series of new applications, or widgets.

"The EAN allows for a shareable, portable, and customized user experience that promotes the idea of enabling advocacy and social responsibility through social media," said Schafer. "These customizable widgets serve as a means to educate, inspire, and provide audiences with the information and tools they need to change behavior and encourage others to do the same."

The Ad Council's campaigns are targeted to Americans of all ages and each is sponsored by a national non-profit organization or federal government agency. More than 40 campaigns are participating in the EAN initiative, including Autism Awareness (Autism Speaks), Financial Literacy (U.S. Department of Treasury), Mentoring (Big Brothers Big Sisters of America), Obesity Prevention (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), Online Sexual Exploitation (National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and U.S. Department of Justice) and Youth Reckless Driving Prevention (State Consumer Protection Agencies and Attorneys General Offices).

"There's been a dramatic increase in autism awareness because of our Ad Council campaign and we know this new tool will help us get our message out even more widely," said Alison Singer, Executive Vice President of Autism Speaks. "As soon as we heard about this project we knew a widget would be a perfect way to help more parents learn the early warning signs of autism."

The Ad Council and Deep Focus are working with leading social media partners to promote the EAN initiative. Clearspring's widget distribution technology is being used to power the widgets, and MySpace, Facebook and many of the most popular social media properties have already committed their support via millions of donated ad impressions. Deep Focus will produce a series of online ads to promote the effort. Ad Council campaign sponsors will also share their widgets on their websites, newsletters and other materials. Furthermore, the Ad Council's website (www.adcouncil.org) will serve as a hub, providing a simple distribution point for the widgets.

Deep Focus
Founded in 2002, Deep Focus, Inc. is a fully independent interactive marketing agency that creates, promotes, and distributes shared, positive experiences that bring consumers closer to brands - and each other. Deep Focus delivers a holistic combination of strategic and creative services, technology development, media planning and buying, public relations and community management. Recognized as an industry leader in Social Media, Deep Focus was OMMA Magazine's 2007 Media Planning & Buying Agency of the Year, and a winner of a Cannes Lion. Deep Focus is headquartered in New York City.

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

Contacts:
Ellyn Fisher
The Ad Council
212-984-1964
efisher@adcouncil.org

Christian Borges
Deep Focus
212-792-6826
cborges@deep-focus.net

Ad Council and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Launch New PSAs to Promote the LATCH System

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 09:59:50 GMT
New York, NY -September 18, 2008- The Advertising Council, in partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced today the launch of new public service advertisements (PSAs) designed to raise awareness of the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system. The LATCH system was developed to make it easier for parents to correctly install child safety seats into vehicles.

According to NHTSA, 3 out of 4 kids are not as secure in the car as they could be because their car seats are not used correctly. Additionally, 40 percent of parents still rely on the vehicles' seat belts when installing their car seat rather than using LATCH. Furthermore, only 55 percent report using the upper tether, which provides additional attachment of the child safety seat to the vehicle and has been shown to reduce forward movement of the child's head, minimizing risk of head impact

The PSAs, part of the Ad Council's longstanding occupant protection education campaign with NHTSA, educate parents and caregivers about what the LATCH system is and the safety benefits it provides for your children. Created pro bono by The Richards Group, the new PSAs are designed to raise awareness among all parents and caregivers, about the importance of securing their child properly in their car seats. Additionally NHTSA and the Ad Council have collaborated with The Baby Einstein Company on a complementary campaign, including TV and outdoor PSAs, which feature music and favorite characters from Baby Einstein T, designed to educate a new generation of parents on the LATCH system. The ads direct viewers to www.safercar.gov for more information.

"Informed parents and caregivers are the first line of defense for our youngest passengers traveling on our nation's roads," said NHTSA Acting Administrator David Kelly. "LATCH is an effective way to keep children restrained in a vehicle and safe in the event of a crash."

The campaign, which features television, radio, print, outdoor and online PSAs, including Spanish-language advertising, will be distributed to media outlets nationwide this month. Per the Ad Council's model, the PSAs will appear in advertising time and space donated by the media.

"We really enjoy working with the Ad Council and the U.S. Department of Transportation," said David Canright, Creative Group Head, The Richards Group. "We are able to do great work that is engaging as well as endearing. But best of all, it may save lives in the process. There's no better feeling than that."

"The Ad Council is thrilled to partner with Baby Einstein and NHTSA in our continuing effort to save lives with our Occupant Protection Education campaign," said Peggy Conlon, President and CEO, the Ad Council. "We believe that these compelling PSAs will help educate parents that the LATCH system should be a necessity when securing children into their car seats."

NHTSA

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The agency's mission is to save lives, prevent injuries and reduce economic costs due to road traffic crashes. NHTSA provides leadership to the motor vehicle and highway safety community through education, research, safety standards and enforcement activity. For additional information visit www.nhtsa.dot.gov

The Richards Group

The Richards Group, located in Dallas, is the largest independent branding agency in the nation. Agency clients include the standard-setting brands of Advance Auto Parts, Amstel Light, Bridgestone Firestone, Chick-fil-A, Fruit of the Loom, The Home Depot, Motel 6, Orkin, Patr�n, Red Lobster and Zales. Total billings for the agency were $1.25 billion in 2007. The Richards Group can be found at www.richards.com

The Baby Einstein Company

The Baby Einstein Company, LLC, is the award-winning creator of the infant media category. The company is famous for its best-selling Baby Einstein brand of DVDs, books, music CDs and toys specifically designed for babies and toddlers, from birth to 2 years old. Little EinsteinsT, which debuted in 2005, is the company's newest venture, specifically created for the preschool market. Headquartered in Glendale, CA, The Baby Einstein Company is a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. For more information, visit www.BabyEinstein.com or www.LittleEinsteins.com.

The Advertising Council

The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

Contacts:
The Ad Council:
Beth Shanley, 212-984-1923, bshanley@adcouncil.org
NHTSA:
Karen Aldana, 202-366-9550, Karen.aldana@dot.gov

United States Department of Treasury and The Advertising Council Unveil National PSA Campaign to Encourage 18-24 Year Olds to Control Their Credit

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:16:09 GMT
NEW YORK, September 16, 2008- The Advertising Council, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Treasury, announced today the launch of a new public service advertising (PSA) campaign designed to encourage young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 to take control of their credit and personal finances.

According to a study conducted by Sallie Mae, more than 50 percent of college students accumulate more than $5,000 in credit card debt while in school. Additionally, Capital One reported that only 10 percent of high schools in America teach financial management and 75 percent of graduating seniors do not understand basic investment principles.

Created pro bono by Lowe Worldwide, the campaign helps 18-24 year olds to overcome the intimidation of debt and financial illiteracy. The PSAs teach young adults to think twice before spontaneously spending as a key step to building a solid financial future. The takeaway is that overspending costs more than one may think: it can cost someone their job, their apartment, their car, or cause public embarrassment.

This campaign includes television, radio and web banner advertising. All of the PSAs end with the tagline "Don't let your credit put you in a bad place" and directs the audience to a new website, www.controlyourcredit.gov where they can play an interactive game to explain the importance of having a good credit score and find free financial information on credit and debt management.

"When we are able to finance things like a home, a car, or a college education, credit can help us bring our dreams within reach," said Dan Iannicola, Jr., Treasury Deputy Assistant Secretary for Financial Education. "But as we see in the headlines, those dreams can become financial nightmares if we don't manage that credit carefully and wisely. We hope this campaign will meet a critical need, educating young adults on the importance of responsible, informed borrowing."

"We are delighted to join the Department of Treasury and Lowe Worldwide on this new, important and engaging campaign to encourage young Americans to think before swiping because bad credit has serious short and long-term consequences," said Peggy Conlon, President and CEO, the Ad Council. "We're confident that these PSAs have the power to inspire Americans to take small steps to manage their finances."

"Our team was thrilled to develop the advertising for this campaign," said Mark Wnek, Chairman and Chief Creative Officer, Lowe New York. "Our goal is that the work will demonstrate to young adults that their current financial choices will affect their futures and therefore, they need to start considering the consequences of their everyday decisions."

Per the Ad Council model, the PSAs will run and air in advertising time and space that is donated by the media.

Lowe New York
Lowe Worldwide is an interconnected global community of marketing agencies. Its client roster includes Unilever, Saab, Johnson & Johnson, Nestle and Stella Artois. The agency is founded on the belief that the greatest service it can render its clients is High Value Ideas coupled with Problem Biased Thinking. Lowe is a member of Interpublic Group (NYSE:IPG), one of the world's leading organizations of advertising agencies and marketing services companies. Lowe New York is one of the cornerstones of Lowe Worldwide with a client roster including Milk, Perdue, XM, Sharp and more. www.loweny.com

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

Contact:
Beth Shanley
The Ad Council
212-984-1923
bshanley@adcouncil.org

Sal Taibi
President
Lowe New York
212-605-8750

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Joins Ad Council, NBA, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America to Tip off National Obesity Prevention Contest on YouTube�

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 10:42:24 GMT
NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas encourages Americans to submit videos showing their peers the importance of taking "small steps" to get healthy

New York, NY (September 12, 2008) - The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) joined today with The Advertising Council, the National Basketball Association (NBA), and Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) to tip off a national user-generated video contest on behalf of HHS' and the Ad Council's Small Steps Obesity Prevention public service advertising campaign. Hosted on YouTube, the contest aims to encourage teens and young adults ages 14-24 to submit original videos demonstrating the power of taking small steps to get healthy.

HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt and NBA All-Star and Washington Wizards' point guard Gilbert Arenas will announce the winner in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America in Washington, D.C., at the end of October.

"Small changes to your eating and exercise routines can result in big successes. The message is simple but compelling," Secretary Leavitt said. "This contest provides an opportunity for young adults to inspire others to make small steps toward a healthier life."

Over the next four weeks, young Americans will be encouraged to create and submit videos illustrating the benefits of taking small steps to get healthy, including physical activity and good eating habits. Submissions will be accepted until Oct. 7, after which contestants are encouraged to share their video entries with their peers. The 10 videos that receive the most views on YouTube between Oct. 8 and Oct. 28 will be judged by a panel comprised of advertising professionals, health officials, BGCA representatives and the NBA's Arenas. The panel will choose the grand prize winner.

One Grand Prize winner will receive $2,500 in cash and prizes to NBAStore.com. Four runners-up will receive $500 toward NBA merchandise and athletic gear.

According to HHS' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly two-thirds of American adults are overweight or obese. The percentage of young people who are overweight has more than tripled since 1980, with more than 10 million school-age children currently considered overweight.

"This contest is a wonderful opportunity to engage teens and young adults throughout the country in the important messages communicated in our campaign," said Peggy Conlon, president and CEO of the Ad Council. "We are grateful to the NBA for donating the prizes and using their valuable inventory to promote the contest among their fans, an ideal demographic for our messages."

The Ad Council, HHS, NBA and BGCA will promote the contest in their newsletters, on their websites and through their marketing channels. The NBA will encourage participation in the contest through on-air announcements during NBA games on TNT and TBS, as well as in-store and online promotions as part of its NBA FIT initiative, a league-wide, comprehensive health and wellness platform that encourages proper eating habits and promotes exercise to children and young adults. As a member of the NBA FIT team, Arenas will serve as one of the contest's featured spokespersons and encourage kids to get involved.

"As an athlete, I know how important both exercise and nutrition are to my everyday performance," said Arenas. "This contest is a great way to get young people across the country to show that they are up to the challenge of telling us just how important regular exercise and maintaining a healthy diet are to them and how creative they can be in fitting it into their daily lives."

Boys & Girls Clubs of America will enlist its local Clubs throughout the country to drive interest in the Small Steps Video Contest and support video submissions from children in the communities they serve. The Ad Council has also developed a promotional video, as well as a series of Web banners, which will run in donated space on websites frequented by the target audience. Additionally, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) will promote the contest among its chapters in high schools throughout the country and an integrated social media program will encourage submissions on popular social networking sites and blogs.

"Obesity has become a major public health concern in the United States, and we agree that by teaching young people the importance of making small steps in developing healthy and active lifestyles, we can start to move the needle and help curb this epidemic," said Romero Brown, vice president of Programs & Youth Development Services for BGCA. "As the largest youth serving organization, Boys & Girls Clubs of America is proud to participate in this Small Steps initiative."

Participants will register through a mini-site featured on the campaign's website, www.smallstep.gov. Videos can be created using video phones, digital cameras with video abilities, video cameras or any other video recording device. Judging will be based on creativity, entertainment value, and appropriateness to theme. All submitted videos will be hosted on You Tube. Winning videos will be featured on www.smallstep.gov for a minimum of two months after the competition, and may have their small steps added to HHS' list of small steps at http://www.smallstep.gov/take_small_steps_today.html.

The "Small Steps" Obesity Prevention Campaign first launched in March 2004. The Ad Council also developed the Coalition for Healthy Children to help address the obesity crisis by providing consistent, research-based messages to children and parents on the importance of practicing a healthier lifestyle. The NBA and Boys & Girls Clubs of America are members of the coalition, which harnesses the combined strengths of marketers, media companies, non-profit groups and government agencies. For more information about the coalition, visit www.HealthyChildrenCoalition.org.

NBA FIT
In February 2007, the NBA launched the NBA FIT Program (www.nba.com/nba_cares/smallsteps_contest.html), a league-wide, comprehensive health and wellness platform that encourages proper eating habits and promotes exercise to children and young adults. For this initiative, NBA Cares has partnered with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, collaboration between the William J. Clinton Foundation and the American Heart Association, to engage in outreach and program activities that will reverse the trend of childhood obesity in America.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (www.bgca.org) has been changing and saving young lives, providing hope and opportunity for kids who need them most. Today, some 4,300 Clubs serve some 4.8 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Known as The Positive Place for Kids, Boys & Girls Clubs can be found all across the country and on U.S. military bases throughout the world. Clubs provide young people 6-18 years old with guidance-oriented character development programs conducted by trained, professional staff. In communities large and small, Clubs positively impact lives and help young people reach their full potential as productive, caring citizens. Key Boys & Girls Club programs emphasize leadership development; education and career exploration; community service; financial literacy; health and life skills; the arts; sports, fitness and recreation; and family outreach. In a recent Harris Survey of Club alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their life. National headquarters are located in Atlanta.

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (www.hhs.gov) is the United States government's principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves. The department includes more than 300 programs, covering a wide spectrum of activities, including health and social science research, preventing disease, including immunization services, assuring food and drug safety, and administering Medicare and Medicaid.

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

Contact:
Ellyn Fisher
The Ad Council
212-984-1964
efisher@adcouncil.org

Jon Hammond
NBA
212-407-8671
jhammond@nba.com

HHS Press Office
202-690-6343

The Advertising Council and U.S. Department of Energy Launch New PSAs to Help Create an Energy Ethic for Future Generations

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 09:55:41 GMT
NEW YORK, September 12, 2008 - The Advertising Council and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced the launch of a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs) designed to educate tweens ages 8-12 about the importance of energy efficiency.

In a February 2008 national survey of kids ages 8-12, 85 percent of respondents believed that they could lead their family to do what is needed to consume less energy in the home. The new campaign entitled "What's Your Excuse?" highlights the simplicity of making energy efficient changes in the home and asks kids to join millions of others to make a difference by using their energy wisely.

"By using energy wisely, every American can tap the cheapest, most abundant, and most reliable source of new energy available: the energy that we waste everyday," Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman said. "This campaign is a call to action for America's youth-I hope that it will inform and inspire them to make simple, smart energy decisions that will help reduce our growing energy demand."

Energy use is on the rise around the world. By 2030, global energy demand is expected to increase 50 percent above 2005 levels, with electricity demand alone in the U.S projected to rise 29 percent over the same period. Increasing demand requires additional supplies to keep costs low, ensure reliability, and reduce America's dependence on foreign energy sources. At the same time, this growing demand must be addressed in the context of global climate change. Consumers can make a significant difference on all these fronts by reducing demand through simple energy efficiency measures. For example, households that install energy-saving bulbs can cut energy used for lighting by more than 80 percent.

Created pro bono by Goodby, Silverstein and Partners, the new TV, radio, outdoor and web advertising encourages kids to use their energy wisely with an Energy Action Plan, a simple 10-step action list to help encourage better energy use in the home. The PSAs direct viewers to a new interactive website www.loseyourexcuse.gov where they can learn fun, simple tips on energy efficient behaviors and new technological advances to reduce energy consumption in the home.

"We are thrilled to partner with DOE and Goodby on this campaign to encourage tweens to practice good energy-saving activities with their parents in order to make their homes more energy efficient," according to Peggy Conlon, President & CEO of The Advertising Council.

"The 'What's Your Excuse' campaign points out a simple truth: it's not that hard to save energy at home," said Nick Prout, copywriter from Goodby, Silverstein & Partners. "From installing an energy saving light bulb, to unplugging a charger, to turning off a light or entertainment device when we leave a room, many actions take only a few seconds. And when we start to think about energy efficiency in those terms, and consider that everything adds up, we can't help but arrive at the conclusion that there's really no excuse not to be more conscientious."

A second series of PSAs, including TV, online, and outdoor were developed in collaboration with the Ad Council and feature characters from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment's new DVD and Blu-RayTM release Tinker Bell. They are designed to educate 8-9 year olds on positive energy efficient habits. The PSAs drive kids to visit www.energy.gov/tink.

Per the Ad Council model, the PSAs will be distributed to media outlets nationwide this week and will run and air in advertising time and space that is donated by the media.

THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
The U.S. Department of Energy stands at the forefront of the United States' effort to meet energy and environment, scientific, and national security goals. DOE works to meet growing energy demand with clean, safe, affordable, reliable and diverse supplies of energy through scientific discovery and investments with partners to push new technology rapidly into the marketplace. Among many other roles, the Department also supports American economic growth by promoting energy efficiency practices in homes, businesses and the nation's industrial complex. Since 2001, DOE and other federal agencies have provided nearly $18 billion in funding to research, develop, and promote alternative energy technologies that help to improve America's energy security.

WALT DISNEY STUDIOS HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, a recognized leader in the home entertainment industry, is the marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax and Buena Vista product, which includes DVD, Blu-ray DiscT and electronic distribution. Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment is a division of The Walt Disney Studios.

GOODBY, SILVERSTEIN & PARTNERS
Goodby, Silverstein & Partners is a full-service advertising agency, founded in 1983, with the simple aim of producing the world's best advertising (as recognized by its industry peers in terms of the distinctiveness of its work and by its effectiveness in the marketplace). Located in San Francisco, GS&P handles over two billion dollars in billings for clients including Hewlett-Packard, Comcast, Sprint, Hyundai, Adobe, Anheuser-Busch, Haagen-Dazs, Elizabeth Arden, Frito-Lay, and the California Fluid Milk Processors Advisory Board ("got milk?").

THE ADVERTISING COUNCIL
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

Contact:
Beth Shanley
The Ad Council
212-984-1923
bshanley@adcouncil.org

Phil West
U.S. Department of Energy
202-586-4940
Phil.West@hq.doe.gov

Christine O'Donnell
Goodby, Silverstein & Partners
415-955-6222
christine_odonnell@gspsf.com

The Advertising Council and The National Fair Housing Alliance Launch New PSAs to Address Predatory Lending

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:24:33 GMT
NEW YORK, September 10, 2008 - The Advertising Council, in partnership with the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA), announced today the launch of a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs) designed to teach consumers how to recognize predatory lending before it occurs, and how to avoid becoming a victim.

Predatory lending is the practice of unfair, unethical and in some instances illegal lending practices designed specifically to deceive unsuspecting homeowners who have equity in their homes and are thinking of refinancing. Predatory lending practices can also effect home purchasers. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, predatory lending is a growing problem in today's society. Additionally, according to research conducted by the Wall Street Journal and Fannie Mae, in some years, more than 50 percent of consumers who received high-cost subprime loans could have qualified for a lower-cost prime loan.

Created pro bono by Target Smarts, the radio, out-of-home and web banner PSAs primarily target groups most at risk of losing their homes through predatory lending, including African Americans and Hispanic homeowners who need to refinance out of a problematic loan and first-time home buyers. The campaign equips consumers with the right questions to ask their lenders in order to protect themselves from abusive practices. Consumers will be empowered to select the best and most suitable financial option available to them.

The PSAs encourage consumers to call 1-866-222-FAIR or visit www.QuestionsProtect.org for information about how to avoid falling prey to predatory lenders and to learn the essential questions to ask a lender.

To view the PSAs please visit QuestionsProtect.org.

"I am confident that these new PSAs will shed light on the growing problem of predatory lending in our communities," states Peggy Conlon, President & CEO of The Advertising Council. "We are proud to continue our partnership with NFHA and Target Smarts to help victims recognize and report incidents of predatory lending so we can ensure the rights of all Americans."

"Many people erroneously believe that, because the subprime market is diminished, predatory lending is a thing of the past" states Shanna Smith, President & CEO of the National Fair Housing Alliance. "Nothing could be further from the truth. Predatory practices still occur and they can happen even in the prime market. When consumers are not aware of their true risk and the lending options available to them, they can be taken advantage of. While no consumer should be expected to become a lending expert in order to get a fair loan, knowing the right questions to ask will certainly put consumers in a position to get the best loan available to them."

"The mortgage process is complex and can be scary. Add to that the pressure felt by those who are anxious to refinance and it isn't surprising that many don't feel in control and are vulnerable to abuse," said Angela Walker Campbell, Chief Creative Partner at Target Smarts. "We leveraged this insight, and others, to create a campaign that provides an incredibly simple, readily accessible means of protection - asking questions - and gives critical control back to the consumer. Even now, predatory lenders are still quite active. We're thrilled to be apart of an effort that has the potential to curb the number of new victims."

Per the Ad Council model, the PSAs will be distributed to media outlets nationwide and will run and air in advertising time and space that is donated by the media.

NFHA
Founded in 1988, the National Fair Housing Alliance is a consortium of over 220 private, non-profit fair housing organizations, state and local civil rights agencies, and individuals from throughout the United States. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the National Fair Housing Alliance, through comprehensive education, advocacy and enforcement programs, provides equal access to apartments, houses, mortgage loans and insurance policies for all residents of the nation. www.NationalFairHousing.org

TARGET SMARTS
Target Smarts (www.targetsmarts.com) is an independent marketing communications consultancy and resource group providing strategy development, creative development and execution, market consulting, and superior insight discovery to marketers and advertising agencies alike including the March of Dimes, Aliz�-Kobrand Corporation, Cox Communications, Colangelo Synergy Marketing, UniWorld Group, and FCB-Draft among others.

Target Smarts is redefining successful brand building within multicultural and other consumer niche markets by increasing brand loyalty and preference through improving target IQ.

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

Contact:
Beth Shanley
The Ad Council
212-984-1923
bshanley@adcouncil.org

Ad Council Announces New Chief Financial Officer

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:19:37 GMT
New York, NY - September 10, 2008 - The Advertising Council announced today that Jon Fish has joined the organization as Chief Financial Officer.

In his role, Mr. Fish will manage and direct the financial operations of the organization reporting to Peggy Conlon, President & CEO. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, Mr. Fish will participate in developing and implementing organizational strategies, policies and procedures. His responsibilities also include Information Technology and Office Services.

Prior to joining the Ad Council, Mr. Fish served as Vice President of Financial Operations at CKX, Inc. where his responsibilities included overseeing and design of internal controls, managing teams around the country and overseas and leading global Sarbanes Oxley implementation across many major brands. Past positions also include senior posts at Martha Stuart Living Omnimedia, WorldSport Networks and HBO. He served in many areas of the board for the United States Olympic Committee for eleven years after competing in the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

Mr. Fish currently serves on the board of Row New York as well as being an adjunct professor in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies at New York University teaching Finance Management for Film and Television. He holds a B.S. in Economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and received his CPA at Ernst & Young.

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

Contact:
Beth Shanley, 212-984-1923, bshanley@adcouncil.org

Ad Council, Environmental Defense Fund and Ogilvy New York Launch New "Polar Bears" Broadcast and Online PSAs to Combat Global Warming

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 10:26:06 GMT
New Video PSAs Urge All Americans Nationwide to Use Public Transit, Carpool and Bike

NEW YORK, September 9, 2008 - The Advertising Council, in partnership with Environmental Defense Fund and Ogilvy New York, today announced the launch of a new series of broadcast and online viral public service announcements (PSAs) designed to urge Americans to take advantage of mass transit, carpooling and biking to combat global warming. Discovery Communications' new environmentally focused Planet Green channel will air the PSAs, as well as the network's companion online properties, www.planetgreen.com and www.treehugger.com

Beginning this week, the online viral PSAs will also be posted on popular social networking and video sharing websites, and environmental and consumer blogs. The Ad Council will be distributing the broadcast PSA to TV stations nationwide, with a particular emphasis on major cities with public transit. Additionally, as a result of a partnership with SeeSaw, the world's most extensive digital out-of-home media network, the PSAs will air on screens in convenient stores, health clubs and on college campuses throughout the country. Per the Ad Council's model, the PSAs will air in time slots donated by the media.

American households spend more on transportation than on food and that's especially true when gas prices are high. If every car owner drove 10 fewer miles per week, we would prevent the same amount of global warming-carbon dioxide pollution that is emitted by producing electricity for 8 million homes.

"If a picture is worth a thousand words, then these 'Ride, Don't Drive' PSAs are worth a million words showing a clear connection between personal action and climate solutions," said Andy Darrell, Vice President for Living Cities Program at Environmental Defense Fund. "Americans can make a rare triple play with 'Ride, Don't Drive.' Just leave the car at home a few times a week and you can give a helping hand to a polar bear, your lungs and your family budget."

New data from the government and the American Public Transportation Association shows that the use of public transit has significantly increased in three out of four cities (75% of all U.S. cities). Additionally, Americans drove 53 billion fewer miles during the eight months between November 2007 and June 2008 compared to the same time period the previous year. Finally, during the first quarter of this year, Americans made 88 million more public transit trips than during the first quarter of last year.

The new PSAs are part of a national multi-level marketing effort, and convey the urgency that global warming is worsening, but there are steps that all Americans can take to become more active in reducing greenhouse gas pollution that causes global warming. They were created pro bono by Ogilvy New York on behalf of the Ad Council and Environmental Defense Fund's Global Warming PSA campaign.

"We are proud to partner with Environmental Defense Fund on these new PSAs to educate Americans about the simple things they can do to reduce our annual carbon dioxide emissions, such as taking mass transit in their cities," said Peggy Conlon, President & CEO of the Ad Council. "I'm confident that these compelling videos, developed pro bono by Ogilvy, will make all Americans think about what they can do in their daily lives to make our cities healthier."

Ogilvy asked Joshua Allen Harris, a student at the School of Visual Arts and an internationally renowned street artist, to create the mother polar bear and cub featured in the new videos. The artist gained a reputation for creating various animals, serpents and monsters out of recyclable trash bags. The videos show the trash bags appearing on a New York City street tied to subway grates. When trains pass underground, air rushes up through the grates to inflate the bags and a mother polar bear and cub come to life. As the trains depart, the bears slowly deflate. The videos were directed by Tim Godsell and the band behind the music is Stars of the Lid.

The PSAs, available in lengths of 30, 60 and 69 seconds, conclude with the words - "Help save the planet. Ride, don't drive." and directs viewers to www.fightglobalwarming.com, where they can calculate their personal contribution to the climate change crisis, and get a series of simple energy-saving tips.

"Catching people's attention in a city like New York is challenging," said Jon Wagner, Senior Copy Writer and Dustin Duke, Senior Art Director at Ogilvy New York. "We found this artist and asked him to adapt his work to feature a polar bear and her cub, the icons for global warming. The idea was to create something that would stop people in their tracks and to encourage them to think about the little things they can do every day to help save the planet."

The "Polar Bears" made their debut alongside a New York City subway station, but through the production of the PSAs the message will reach cities throughout the country. For more information about the campaign, local and national data, and to see the broadcast and online PSAs go to: www.fightglobalwarming.com.

Ogilvy North America
Ogilvy North America (www.ogilvy.com) is the largest unit of The Ogilvy Group agency network, a subsidiary of WPP Group plc (NASDAQ: WPPGY). It has offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Detroit, Durham, Minneapolis, Denver, and throughout Canada. Ogilvy North America brings together all the capabilities of the Ogilvy network to provide integrated marketing solutions to the agency's clients. It encompasses Ogilvy & Mather Advertising, OgilvyEntertainment, OgilvyOne, OgilvyInteractive, Neo@Ogilvy, Ogilvy Healthworld, Ogilvy Public Relations and OgilvyAction.

Environmental Defense Fund
Environmental Defense Fund, a leading national nonprofit organization, represents more than 500,000 members. Since 1967, Environmental Defense Fund has linked science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships to create breakthrough solutions to the most serious environmental problems. For more information, visit www.edf.org.

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council is a private, non-profit organization with a rich history of marshalling volunteer talent from the advertising and media industries to deliver critical messages to the American public. Having produced literally thousands of PSA campaigns addressing the most pressing social issues of the day, the Ad Council has effected, and continues to effect, tremendous positive change by raising awareness, inspiring action, and saving lives. To learn more about the Ad Council and its campaigns, visit www.adcouncil.org.

Contact:
Beth Shanley, The Ad Council, 212-984-1923, bshanley@adcouncil.org

Toni Lee, Ogilvy and Mather, 212-237-5090, toni.lee@ogilvy.com

Sean Crowley, Environmental Defense Fund, 202-572-3331, scrowley@edf.org

United States Olympic Committee and Ad Council Launch Anti-Steroid Campaign with Support of Olympic Team Sponsor Johnson & Johnson

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 11:39:57 GMT

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. August 8, 2008- The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the Ad Council announced today the launch of a multi-year public awareness campaign focused on teen steroid use. The campaign is being funded by U.S. Olympic Team sponsor Johnson & Johnson, and it marks the first time the USOC and the Ad Council have joined forces to raise awareness about the national issue of illegal performance-enhancing drugs both within and outside of sport.

"We know athletes and individuals who choose to engage in the destructive behavior of illegal steroid use live in fear of being found out," said USOC Chief Executive Officer Jim Scherr. "This initiative is geared to show teens and other age groups that illegal steroid use can only lead to a harmful and embarrassing end. Additionally, teens need to fully understand the dangerous health risks associated with steroids and other performance-enhancing substances."

Components of the campaign will be launched during the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games and include TV, radio, print and Internet PSAs which convey the urgency of this critical issue in an effort to shift teens' perception and image around steroid use. All of the PSAs direct the audience to visit www.DontBeAnAsterisk.com to learn more about steroids, hear from professional athletes and find healthy alternatives to excel in athletics.

"We are proud to partner with the United States Olympic Committee, Johnson & Johnson and creative agency TBWA on this critical issue to help teenagers realize that steroids are socially unacceptable," said Peggy Conlon, President & CEO, the Ad Council. "The ads are engaging and memorable, while motivating, and I believe they will have a great impact on teens and parents in our country."

The campaign will be funded for at least three years through the support of Johnson & Johnson. Johnson & Johnson has long been engaged in health awareness and education initiatives worldwide, and its support of the USOC and Ad Council's anti-steroid message is a critical piece in the campaign's ultimate success.

"Johnson & Johnson recognizes how important it is to educate teens about the appropriate use of all medications and the dangers associated with their misuse," said Brian Perkins, Corporate Vice President, Corporate Affairs. "The elements of this campaign should resonate as authentic with teens, and they are consistent with our philosophy of caring about people's health and well-being in ways that are meaningful and impactful."

The campaign was created pro bono under the direction of TBWA\Chiat\Day, New York, a leading global advertising agency. Research conducted to help inform the campaign led TBWA\Chiat\Day to focus on the word and symbol of the "Asterisk - *" as the foundation for the campaign.

"Being caught with steroids comes with absolute penalties. You're off the team. Your scholarship is gone. Your hopes of going pro are possibly out the window," Gary Scheiner, Executive Creative Director, TBWA\Chiat\Day. "Our creative solution was to make teens understand that of all the outcomes of steroid use, fakeness is also considerably damaging. To illustrate this, we took a well-known icon already used in the world of sport, and turned it into our scarlet letter. The Asterisk."

A link to the official Web site for the campaign - www.DontBeAnAsterisk.com - can be found on both the USOC and Ad Council Web sites - www.teamusa.org and http://www.adcouncil.org.

About the USOC

The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) is recognized by the International Olympic Committee as the sole entity in the United States whose mission involves training, entering and underwriting the full expenses for the U.S. teams in the Olympic, Paralympic, Pan American and Parapan American Games. In addition to being the steward of the U.S. Olympic Movement, the USOC is the moving force for support of sports in the United States that are on the program of the Olympic, Paralympic, Pan American and Parapan American Games. Learn more about the U.S. Olympic Team and USOC at www.teamusa.org.

About the Ad Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org). is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

About Johnson & Johnson
Caring for the world ... one person at a time, inspires and unites the people of Johnson & Johnson (www.jnj.com). We embrace research and science -- bringing innovative ideas, products and services to advance the health and well-being of people. Our 120,200 employees at more than 250 Johnson & Johnson companies work with partners in health care to touch the lives of over a billion people every day, throughout the world.

About TBWA\Chiat\Day
TBWA\Chiat\Day is part of TBWA Worldwide. TBWA Worldwide (www.tbwa.com) creates Disruptive ideas for global clients, including ABSOLUT, adidas, Apple, Beiersdorf, Henkel, Infiniti, Mars, McDonald's, Michelin, Nissan, Pernod Ricard, Pioneer, Samsonite, Standard Chartered Bank, Singapore Airlines and Sony PlayStation. TBWA is one of the fastest-growing networks in the Top-Ten, and was named by ADWEEK as Global Agency Network of the Year and the most-awarded Agency Network by Creativity magazine in 2007. TBWA has 258 offices in 75 countries, and approximately 11,000 employees worldwide.

Omnicom Group Inc.
(NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com) is a leading global marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, digital and interactive marketing, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.

Contact:
USOC Communications Division - 719-866-4529

Beth Shanley, The Ad Council, 212-984-1923, bshanley@adcouncil.org

Marianne Stefanowicz, TBWA, 212-804-1167, Marianne.stefanowicz@tbwachiat.com

U.S. Patent & Trademark Office and National Inventors Hall of Fame Foundation Join Ad Council to Inspire Invention in Children

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 09:43:07 GMT

The Department of Commerce's United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the National Inventors Hall of Fame Foundation (NIHFF) joined The Advertising Council today to launch a series of national public service advertisements (PSAs) designed to inspire a new generation of children in innovation. The new television, radio, outdoor and Web ads are the second series of the PSA campaign, which aims to make inventing a part of American children's lives.

For generations, the United States has been a global leader in technology and innovation. While the country represents only 5 percent of the world's population, it accounts for nearly one-third of the world's science and engineering researchers and 40 percent of all research and development, according to the Council on Competitiveness. However, with increased economic competition globally, it's widely understood that the United States must take steps now to maintain its leadership. In particular, America must ensure we inspire future generations of innovators.

Building on the awareness generated by the launch of the first phase of the campaign in April 2007, the new Inspiring Invention PSAs created in conjunction with ad agency Publicis & Hal Riney in San Francisco aim to inspire children (specifically "tweens," ages 8 to 11) to recognize how their imaginations can lead to the technological advances of the future. The campaign communicates that there is a role for every kind of unique curiosity and imaginative idea as it relates to invention. Ultimately, the goal is to motivate children to pursue inventing and innovating as part of their education and, later, in their careers.

"The USPTO is excited to support the Inspiring Invention campaign, which has used a variety of media to help young people discover their natural creativity and inventiveness," Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO Jon Dudas commented. "As we enter the next phase of the campaign, I am confident this new series of public service announcements will strengthen America's legacy of innovation by showing children how their talents and education help them change the world for the better."

Developed through extensive research with inventors and children, the PSAs feature ordinary children creating inventions to solve everyday problems. The ads communicate to children that "anything's possible" and encourage them to "keep thinking." The PSAs direct audiences to visit a comprehensive website, www.InventNow.org, to explore and discover their own innate inventiveness and curiosity. Designed by VPI (Visual Perspectives Internet), the site allows children to explore their inventive interests in space, sports, design and entertainment.

Next week, new additions to the site will include a showroom, developed by Driftlab, featuring the inventions in the PSAs, along with a series of interactive games and an inventor's tool kit. Additionally, the "Invent Now" gallery highlights inventions created by children throughout the country. To date, the website has received more than 2 million visitors, over 72,000 people have registered on the site and more than 1,200 children have shared their inventions.

"We are proud to continue this wonderful campaign with a second series of PSAs designed to help children recognize how their imaginations can lead to the advances of the future," according to Peggy Conlon, president & CEO of the Ad Council. "This campaign has had extraordinary success in engaging children during the last year, and the new ads, along with the enhancements to the website, will continue the momentum."

The Inspiring Invention campaign is one of several educational initiatives in which NIHFF and USPTO partner to encourage children to think inventively. Among these initiatives are the National Inventors Hall of Fame Foundation's Camp Invention and Club Invention programs, which are supported by the USPTO. Camp Invention, now in its 18th year, is a summer day camp that fosters creativity and inventive thinking skills that allow children to learn through hands-on activities, subject immersion and discovery. In 2008, more than 60,000 students will attend Camp Invention in 47 states. Club Invention is an after-school program directed by the Hall of Fame that extends scientific inquiry-based education to after-school sites.

"We're thrilled to have the opportunity to build on the success of the first phase of this program and take the campaign to the next level," said Jamie King, president and CEO at Hal Riney. "There's something really exciting about leveraging the creativity of our own team to try and inspire creativity and innovation within a new generation of kids. The new work shows kids creating innovative solutions to their problems, communicating that everyone has the power and imagination to invent anything."

The PSAs are being distributed to 33,000 media stations nationwide this week. Per the Ad Council's donated media model, all of the new PSAs will air and run in advertising time and space donated by the media.

United States Patent and Trademark Office
Since 1790, the basic role of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has remained the same: to promote the progress of science and the useful arts by securing for limited times to inventors the exclusive right to their respective discoveries (Article 1, Section 8 of the United States Constitution). Today, the USPTO is a federal agency in the Department of Commerce, headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia. Through the issuance of patents, the USPTO encourages technological advancement by providing incentives to invent, invest in, and disclose new technology worldwide. Through the registration of trademarks, the agency assists businesses in protecting their investments, promoting goods and services, and safeguarding consumers against confusion and deception in the marketplace. By disseminating both patent and trademark information, the USPTO promotes an understanding of intellectual property protection and facilitates the development and sharing of new technologies worldwide.

National Inventors Hall of Fame Foundation
The not-for-profit National Inventors Hall of Fame Foundation is the premier organization in America dedicated to honoring and fostering creativity and invention. Each year a new class of inventors is inducted into the Hall of Fame in recognition of their patented inventions that make human, social, and economic progress possible. Founded in 1973 by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the National Council of Intellectual Property Law Association, the organization is headquartered in Akron, Ohio, from where it administers its national programs, including Camp Invention�, Club Invention�, and the Collegiate Inventors Competition�. For more information, visit www.invent.org.

Publicis & Hal Riney
Hal Riney is a full-service creative boutique headquartered in San Francisco, wholly owned by Publicis Groupe, the world's fourth-largest communication group. Riney's advertising clients include well-known brands such as U.S. Cellular, SanDisk, Hungry Man, Vlasic, Blue Cross and Blue Shield (WellPoint) and AAA.

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

Contact:

Jennifer Rankin Byrne, United States Patent and Trademark Office, 571-272-0422, jennifer.rankinbyrne@uspto.gov

Ellyn Fisher, The Ad Council, 212-984-1964, efisher@adcouncil.org

Michelle Musburger, Publicis & Hal Riney, 415-293-2254, musburger_michelle@hrp.com

Rini Paiva, National Inventors Hall of Fame Foundation, 330.849.6916, rpaiva@invent.org

Ad Council and Radio Disney Present the "Move It!" Mall Tour

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 09:24:58 GMT

New interactive event, featuring social messages for children, comes to malls nationwide

NEW YORK, July 16, 2008- The Advertising Council, in partnership with Radio Disney and Simon Malls, announced today that they have developed a new interactive program designed to bring health and wellness messages to children and families in 34 malls across the country. The program will kick off this weekend and continue throughout the summer.

The 34-market tour, called Move It! Mall Tour, is a celebration of music and movement, which aims to inspire children to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle, and positions music and movement as unique and fun ways for children to express themselves. Presented by Radio Disney, the program is a fun, highly interactive event targeted to children ages 8 through 14 and their families. The event will feature games and activity stations for more than 200,000 children and families.

Four of the significant social issues addressed by the Ad Council's national public service advertising (PSA) campaigns will be highlighted through the interactive games and events. They include: Nutrition Education, Lifelong Literacy, Wildfire Prevention and Inspiring Invention. The campaigns are sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Library of Congress, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the U.S. Forest Service and National Association of State Foresters. Parents can obtain more information on all of the campaigns from the Ad Council booth located next to the activity stations.

"We are very excited to continue our partnership with Radio Disney for this interactive mall tour that will engage children and families throughout the country in our public service messages," said Peggy Conlon, President and CEO of the Ad Council.

Move It! games will include a new game called "Tick Tack Know", which will test children's knowledge of the Ad Council's PSA campaigns (after they view them on a TV reel). If the questions are answered correctly, they get the chance to receive a bean bag and play an interactive game of Tic Tac Toe. The Move It! Mall Tour stops will also feature interactive, family-fun activities including the Rag� Soccer Challenge and a Radio Disney Dance Party.

Two-time Emmy winner, choreographer, entertainer and American Idol judge Paula Abdul will host a Radio Disney Move It! event in Los Angeles, CA (Fall 2008). A sweepstakes drawing by local Radio Disney stations will offer one lucky Grand Prize winner, 14 and under, and their family a trip to the event to meet and learn dance moves from Abdul. A second Grand Prize drawing by local Radio Disney stations will include a family trip to the Winter X Games (January 2009) in Aspen, CO.

This is the second annual "Move It" tour conducted by Radio Disney in partnership with the Ad Council. Last year's tour engaged more than 380,000 parents and children in the issues addressed by the Ad Council's public service campaigns.

The four-hour Move It! event, which will take place on Saturdays, is one of several programs hosted throughout the year by Simon Kidgits Club, which has attracted more than 600,000 kids and their parents as members, and is designed to connect consumers to brands in a "lifestyle" destination, reinforce the mall as a family destination, engage Simon retailers and appeal to marketers. The event is free and open to the public.

The tour includes malls in New York, Philadelphia, Orlando, Chicago, Boston, Denver, Seattle, Atlanta and San Francisco, among others. The first events will take place on July 19th in Cleveland, Miami, Norfolk, San Antonio and Tulsa.

Radio Disney is the #1, 24-hour radio network devoted to kids, tweens and families. Kids help pick the music that is played and are encouraged to interact via a toll-free phone line to the Radio Disney studio. The network's current playlist, driven by listener requests and representing major record labels, includes recording artists Miley Cyrus, Hannah Montana, Jonas Brothers, Taylor Swift, Demi Lovato, Jordin Sparks, Chris Brown, Aly & AJ, The Cheetah Girls, Mitchel Musso, Colbie Caillat and Carrie Underwood. The network is available to 97% of the U.S. which includes over 50 terrestrial radio stations. It is also available via RadioDisney.com, XM and Sirius satellite radio, iTunes Radio Tuner, XM/DIRECTV and mobile phones. Radio Disney has a sister network in Latin America. Its brand extensions include multiple Radio Disney Jams CDs from Walt Disney Records and iTunes Music Store offerings.

The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

Contacts:
Ellyn Fisher
The Ad Council
212-984-1964

Salwa Scarpone
Radio Disney
818-569-5929
salwa.scarpone@disney.com

Ad Council Collaborates with U.S. Conservation Agencies to Promote Ocean Awareness

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 10:06:48 GMT

The Advertising Council in collaboration with the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (NMSF), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. Department of Interior, and Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, announced today the launch of a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs) designed to raise awareness among all Americans about the health of the oceans.

The campaign launch comes the same day that NOAA issues a report stating that half the coral reef ecosystems under United States jurisdiction are considered by scientists to be in "poor" or "fair" condition and that marine debris is a significant contributor to that decline.

More than half of the nation's population lives along the coast, while many others visit the ocean each year. Yet, few Americans are aware that the health of our oceans is currently at risk; nor do they realize that they have a significant and vital role to play in keeping the oceans clean.

The majority of marine debris is comprised of plastics, which cause environmental problems since they degrade even more slowly in seawater than on land. According to the Ocean Conservancy, cigarette lighters/butts/packaging, food wrappers, and beverage containers are among the top ten debris items collected in the oceans every year.

The new ads, which prominently feature scenes and characters from Disney's all-new ocean themed animated direct-to-DVD film, The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning (debuting on DVD August 26) will help to deliver this vital environmental message in a family friendly way. The PSAs are designed to encourage all Americans to identify ways they can take action to protect our oceans from harmful debris and remind viewers to visit www.keepoceansclean.org to learn how you can help to keep our oceans clean.

"The PSAs are a family friendly way to show that our planet's water is connected, part of one giant system that flows across countries, continents and hemispheres," said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. "Even on a beautiful beach at Midway Island in the Pacific, thousands of miles from civilization, I picked up cigarette lighters and other marine debris," he said. "Such pollution comes from all of us. Litter thrown on the street miles away from a river can end up in the river, make its way into our oceans, and wind up in places near and far."

"The Department of Commerce and NOAA are pleased to join with our partners in launching this effort. It is important that each American recognizes that individual actions impact the health of the ocean; no matter how far they live from the ocean. I encourage everyone to reduce, reuse and recycle to help keep our oceans healthy and clean," Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez said.

"We are excited to continue our partnership with the environmental communities to bring attention to this critical issue" said Peggy Conlon, President & CEO of The Advertising Council. "I am confident that this campaign will convey how important and easy it is for all of us to protect our oceans."

"The good news is that the problem of trash in our oceans is one that CAN be solved," said Dr. Sylvia Earle, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation Trustee Emerita. "As this campaign points out, each one of us can make a huge difference by being more aware of how we dispose of trash. That in turn can have a major impact on not only the health of coral reefs but also on all life in the ocean."

The new PSAs are available for TV (English and Spanish), outdoor and internet advertising. Per the Ad Council model, the PSAs will run and air in advertising time and space that is donated by the media.

National Marine Sanctuary Fund
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is the private, non-profit partner to the federally managed National Marine Sanctuary System; and was created to inspire all people to preserve, protect and promote our nationwide network of marine sanctuaries. These 14 marine protected areas encompass more than 150,000 square miles of marine and Great Lakes waters stretching from the Florida Keys to the Hawaiian Islands, from Lake Huron to the Gulf of Mexico. Through public and private sector partnerships the Foundation creates conservation-based research, education and outreach programs designed to connect the public with these special ocean and coastal resources. www.NMSFocean.org.

NOAA
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, an agency of the U.S. Commerce Department, is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and information service delivery for transportation, and by providing environmental stewardship of our nation's coastal and marine resources. Through the emerging Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS), NOAA is working with its federal partners, more than 70 countries and the European Commission to develop a global monitoring network that is as integrated as the planet it observes, predicts and protects.

DOI
The Department of interior (DOI) plays a vital role in ocean, coastal and Great Lakes conservation. The National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Minerals Management Service, and Office of Insular Affairs together manage more than 35,000 miles of coastline, 169 island and coastal refuges, 34 million acres in 74 coastal parks, and 1.8 billion underwater acres of outer continental shelf lands. Additionally, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) cooperatively manages the California Coastal National Monument, running along the entire 840 mile California coast. Through the U.S. Geological Survey, the DOI conducts extensive scientific research on oceans and coastal mapping.

WALT DISNEY STUDIOS HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, a recognized leader in the home entertainment industry, is the marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax and Buena Vista product, which includes DVD, Blu-ray DiscT and electronic distribution. Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment is a division of The Walt Disney Studios.

ABOUT DISNEY'S WORLDWIDE OUTREACH & THE DISNEY WORLDWIDE CONSERVATION FUND
Through global outreach programs, local community initiatives and the Disney VoluntEARS, Disney positively impacts the lives of children, their communities and the environment. In tandem with the Company's outreach efforts, the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund (DWCF) was created to focus on the protection of the world's wildlife, marine life and ecosystems. The DWCF has supported more than 750 projects in 110 countries including programs to study and conserve sea turtles, dolphins, manatees, fish and other ocean life.

Last year, Disney donated more than $177 million in cash and in-kind support to various charities around the world and since the inception of the Disney VoluntEARS program in 1983, Disney Employees and Cast Members in over 42 countries, have donated over 5,000,000 hours of service to a variety of projects including beach and ocean cleanups. For more information on Disney's outreach efforts, please visit www.DisneyOutreach.com. For more information on Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund, please visit www.disneyconservation.com

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

Contacts:
Beth Shanley
The Ad Council
212-984-1923

Darrell Borquez
Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
818-295-5224

Lori Arguelles
National Marine Sanctuary Foundation
301-608-3040

Major League Baseball Charities and The Ad Council to Launch National Campaign Designed to Support Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:53:00 GMT

New PSAs featuring Oscar Award Winner Tom Hanks to begin Airing on July 4th

Major League Baseball Charities, in partnership with The Advertising Council, announced that they will launch a national public service advertising (PSA) campaign entitled "Welcome Back Veterans" on July 4th in baseball stadiums throughout the country. The program is designed to raise awareness and encourage all Americans to provide support for veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. The announcement was made at press conference at Major League Baseball Offices in Manhattan.

The PSAs are the second phase of an Ad Council partnership with MLB Charities on behalf of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, which kicked off in October with TV ads airing during the World Series, and ads featuring Oscar Award Winner Tom Hanks. Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) collaborated with MLB and the Ad Council on the development of the campaign elements, as well as recruiting many of the veterans featured in the PSAs.

In addition to the new ads, Major League Baseball is extending the reach of these messages at the clubs through various promotions during the July 4th weekend and on September 11th, including pre-game ceremonies honoring veterans in their community, "Stars and Stripes" caps worn by all teams, special ceremonial home plates and bases adorned with "Welcome Back Veterans" and custom lineup cards with a place for a local veteran to place his or her signature.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Iraq and Afghanistan veterans under the age of 24 have an unemployment rate that is three times the national average. Thousands of younger veterans begin their military service after high school. Following their service, many express the desire to go back to school, but have difficulty accomplishing their goals. Additionally, nearly 20 percent of military service members who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan - 300,000 in all - report symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder or major depression, yet only slightly more than half have sought treatment, according to a new RAND Corporation study released in April 2008.

"Major League Baseball considers it both an obligation and a privilege to assist our troops in any way we can," said Bob DuPuy, MLB President and Chief Operating Officer, and a veteran who served a year in Vietnam and received the Army Commendation Medal for his service. "Welcome Back Veterans was created to help our brave men and women make a successful transition to civilian life when their service to their country has ended. We ask that all Major League Baseball fans join us on July 4th weekend and on September 11th in this grand-scale effort to raise funds and bring awareness to this vital cause."

The new campaign addresses reintegration of the returning soldiers. Created pro bono by advertising agency McCann Erickson in New York, the television, radio and web banner PSAs aim to bridge the gap between veterans and civilians and encourage the general public to visit www.welcomebackveterans.org to find out how they can help and access resources that address the needs of veterans.

"We are proud to continue our partnership with MLB Charities with this new series of PSAs that introduces Americans to a new generation of veterans," said Peggy Conlon, president and CEO of The Advertising Council. "When we tested the PSAs with focus groups, audiences felt compassionate and were motivated to find out how they could provide support."

Coinciding with the debut at MLB games during the July 4th weekend, the PSAs will also be distributed to more than 16,000 media outlets throughout the country. Per the Ad Council's model, they will run on-air in advertising time and space donated by the media.

"Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America is grateful for the support this campaign demonstrates for our nation's newest generation of service members," said Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director of IAVA. "It's critical that the men and women serving in harm's way know their country appreciates their sacrifice and this effort will go a long way toward conveying the nation's gratitude."

"We at McCann Erickson are truly honored to partner with our MLB client and Tom Hanks to welcome home our Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. We believe that the general public will be as moved as we have been to hear their stories and to get to know these terrific people to whom we owe so much," said Eric Keshin, Chief Operating Officer and North American Regional Director of McCann World Group.

IAVA and the Ad Council will launch a new series of PSAs, created pro bono by BBDO, designed to reach veterans and veterans' families in November to coincide with Veterans Day.

About Major League Baseball Charities
Major League Baseball Charities is a not-for-profit corporation that provides support to local, national and international tax- exempt organizations to directly conduct or sponsor activities for the promotion of good health, physical education, public safety, medical research, literacy, educational or charitable purposes. In addition to supporting Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), the Official Charity of Major League Baseball, MLB Charities provides support to a number of other national charitable initiatives, including Little League Baseball, the National Urban League and the Jackie Robinson Foundation. The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball pays all administrative expenses for MLB Charities.

About The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

About Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
Founded in 2004, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is the nation's first and largest group representing veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. IAVA is a non-profit and nonpartisan organization with more than 95,000 active veteran members and grassroots supporters in all 50 states. For more information, visit www.iava.org.

Contacts:

Silvia Alvarez (silvia.alvarez@mlb.com), Major League Baseball, (212) 931-7878
Ellyn Fisher (efisher@adcouncil.org), The Ad Council, 212-984-1964
Michael Houston (michael@iava.org), IAVA, 212-982-9699

Editor's note: Images of the website and PSAs are available on www.MLBPressBox.com.

The Ad Council and The National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse Launch New PSAs to Coincide with Father's Day

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 12:36:35 GMT

PSAs Encourage Fathers to "Take time to be a dad today"

NEW YORK, June 13, 2008 - The Advertising Council, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families Office of Family Assistance and the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse joined today to announce the launch of new public service advertisements (PSAs) designed to show dads the critical role they play in their children's lives to coincide with Father's Day.

According to the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse (NRFC), an estimated 24 million children live without their biological fathers and are on average at least two to three times more likely to be poor, to use drugs, to experience educational, health and emotional and behavioral problems, to be victims of child abuse and to engage in criminal behavior than their peers who live with their married, biological (or adoptive) parents. Children with involved, loving fathers are significantly more likely to do well in school, have healthy self-esteem, exhibit empathy and pro-social behavior and avoid high-risk behaviors.

Created pro bono by Campbell-Ewald, the new TV, radio, print, outdoor and on-line PSAs emphasize to fathers that "the smallest moments can have the biggest impact on a child's life." The PSAs conclude with the tagline, "Take time to be a dad today" and direct fathers to visit www.fatherhood.gov or call 1-877-4DAD411 for parenting tips and additional resources for fathers.

"This Sunday we recognize fathers nationwide for the critical role they play in their child's life," said Media Campaign Director of the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse, Roland C. Warren. "This campaign will help a great number of fathers to realize and fulfill their crucial role as a loving and supportive parent."

"With Father's Day on Sunday, I hope this heart-warming campaign continues to encourage more fathers this weekend and throughout the year to take an active role in their children's lives," said Peggy Conlon, President and CEO of The Advertising Council.

"It has always been a great honor to work for this client," said Campbell-Ewald's SVP Associate Creative Director Patrick O'Leary. "Not only because they encourage us to do great advertising, but because we have a chance to actually make a difference in the lives of dads and kids."

Per the Ad Council model, the PSAs will run and air in advertising time and space that is donated by the media.

National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse

The National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse (NRFC) supports the Administration for Children and Families' Office of Family Assistance's (OFA) efforts to assist States and communities to promote and support Responsible Fatherhood. Primarily a tool for professionals operating Responsible Fatherhood programs, the NRFC provides access to print and electronic publications, timely information on fatherhood issues, and targeted resources that support OFA-funded Responsible Fatherhood grantees. The NRFC Web site also provides essential information for other audiences interested in fatherhood issues. www.fatherhood.gov

Campbell-Ewald

Campbell-Ewald is the nation's eighth largest advertising and digital communications agency, with more than 1,300 employees and offices in Detroit, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, New York and Washington, D.C. A part of The Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG), Campbell-Ewald partners with a score of national brands, including Alltel Wireless, Carhartt, Chevrolet, Farmers Insurance, Kaiser Permanente, Olympic Paints and Stains, OnStar, the United States Navy and the United States Postal Service. For more information on Campbell-Ewald, visit www.campbell-ewald.com.

The Advertising Council

The Ad Council is a private, non-profit organization with a rich history of marshalling volunteer talent from the advertising and media industries to deliver critical messages to the American public. Having produced literally thousands of PSA campaigns addressing the most pressing social issues of the day, the Ad Council has effected, and continues to effect, tremendous positive change by raising awareness, inspiring action, and saving lives. To learn more about the Ad Council and its campaigns, visit www.adcouncil.org.