Public Service Announcements (PSA)

Think, Pair & Share What is a public service announcement? Where do we encounter public service announcements? How are public service announcements different from commercials?

Public Service Announcements: are commercial messages usually sponsored by non-profit organizations ex: MADD or Canadian Blood Services, are messages to inform the public about an issue ex: “don’t drink and drive” or “the warning signs of a stroke”

Public Service Announcements: are not trying to sell a product...they promote a value system ex: “donate blood” or “reduce, reuse and recycle” usually play on the audience’s emotions; this strong emotional pull can convince the audience to support the cause supported by the message ex: “what would you do if your son or daughter needed blood?”

Like advertisements, PSAs can be found: On posters On the radio On television And each medium requires a different mode of presentation.

Television messages use sound and visual effects to create a cohesive message. ACTIVITY: PSA Analysis Chart

Canadian PSAs What techniques are used to gain audience support for these campaigns? Who are these PSAs geared towards? What techniques are used to engage each audience?