Under the Influence with Terry O'Reilly A Moment I'll Never Forget: The Power of PSAs
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Apr 26, 2025 Dive into the world of public service announcements, where creativity battles against a tide of commercial competition. Discover how Elvis Presley played a pivotal role in encouraging teen vaccinations during the polio crisis. Explore bold campaigns that confront censorship and impaired driving, including the unique use of intoxicated voiceovers. Uncover the innovative application of AI to amplify the voices of those advocating for gun reform. Finally, hear heartfelt stories that connect vulnerability and mental health awareness in advertising.
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Elvis Boosted Teen Vaccinations
- Elvis Presley helped boost teen polio vaccination rates by publicly getting vaccinated in 1956.
- His influence increased youth vaccination from 0.6% to 80% within six months in North America.
PSA Creativity Over Budget
- PSAs compete in the crowded advertising space with tiny budgets.
- This forces them to rely heavily on creative ideas to capture attention.
Unburnable Book Protest
- Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale" was printed on fire-resistant paper as "The Unburnable Book" to protest book banning.
- The book sold at auction for $130,000, raising money to fight censorship.