Public Service Announcements and Posters
A.
Public
Service Announcements
Definition
A public service announcement is an
advertisement that a television or radio station airs for a cause or a charity.
The objective of a public service announcement is to educate and create
awareness of significant social issues in an effort to change the public’s
attitudes and behaviors and stimulate positive social change.
Public
service announcements (PSA’s) can be utilized in three mediums:
·
Newspaper (print PSA’s)
·
Radio (audio PSA’s)
·
Television (video PSA’s).
Techniques Used in PSA’s:
- Humour. Humour tends to catch one’s attention, especially for kids and teens, but humour may trivialize serious issues. Sometimes irony (or in its extreme, satire) can be very effective in conveying an important message.
- Shock treatment. Such campaigns provide a realistic look at an issue, but may turn people off entirely because of their graphic nature. Also, broadcasters may be reluctant to broadcast PSA’s they feel may be too controversial.
- Preaching. This technique involves an individual or group pleading with an audience for greater awareness of the issue. Note: there’s fine line between earnestness and appearing to be patronizing.
- Using a celebrity. Celebrities do get favourable attention, but sometimes people are so distracted by the celebrity they forget the message.
B.
Posters
Definition
A Poster is an informative and
decorative way to attract the attention to the information it contains. It is
usually displayed in a public place. It is often decorated with designs or
illustrations.
Here are
some ways to use posters in a literacy program:
·
To advertise events or products
·
To display information or instructions
·
To each about some kinds of information
You will
create a public service announcement poster that will address the issue in the
following way:
·
The topic is simple and clear
·
The PSA gets attention and is eye catching
·
It includes a slogan and a visual that is
memorable
·
The PSA is creative and entertaining
·
It provides accurate information on the topic’s
importance
·
The PSA effectively reaches its target audience.
The Example of Posters:
