NEW YORK, September 1, 2005 In response to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina, The Advertising Council has joined with the American Red Cross to launch a series of national public service advertisements (PSAs). The new television, radio and Internet PSAs direct Americans to visit www.redcross.org where they can donate to the American Red Cross and aid in the disaster relief. The ads were created pro bono by Austin-based ad agency GSD&M (part of the Omnicom Group) in less than two days.
The American Red Cross has launched the largest mobilization of resources in its history for a single natural disaster. The support will enable the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need.
Just as during the Tsunami Relief effort, millions of Americans want to provide support, but they are not sure how to help, said Peggy Conlon, President & CEO of The Advertising Council. The Ad Council has a long history of responding quickly in times of crisis. We are proud to partner with the American Red Cross and GSD&M, the agency that developed I am an American within days of 9/11, to develop and distribute these critical messages, which I am confident will be generously supported by the media.
GSD&M is also creating PSAs to generate support for the victims of Hurricane Katrina and other disasters. These additional ads will be designed to provide information about where to go for resources and support and will be launched within the next few weeks.
It is only with the help of media partners like the Ad Council that the American Red Cross is able to share our message with the American public, said Marsha J. Evans, American Red Cross President & CEO. We thank the Ad Council for its swift help in the face of an unprecedented national relief effort.
The radio PSAs will be distributed nationwide today and the television spots and Web banners will be sent to the media tomorrow. FastChannel Network is donating its services for the television and radio distribution. In addition, media trade associations including the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA) and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) have also come forward to offer their support for the PSAs by engaging their members and helping with PSA distribution.
Per the Ad Councils model, all of the PSAs will run and air in advertising time and space that is donated by the media.
The Red Cross relies on donations from the American people to do its work. Citizens can help by calling 1-800 HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669) or by making an online contribution to the Disaster Relief Fund at www.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.
Ellyn Fisher
The Ad Council
212-984-1964
[email protected]
Eric Webber
GSD&M
512-242-4928
[email protected]
Primary Contact:
Disaster Public Affairs
American Red Cross
202-303-5551
Secondary Contact:
Andrea Bigner
American Red Cross
202-303-4220
[email protected]
Interactive Advertising Bureau
Lynn Trono