7 chapters across the catalog
The government of Quebec released a radio public service announcement mandating strict adherence to COVID-19 mitigation rules, including a 9:30 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. curfew. The message prohibits private gatherings and travel between regions, warning citizens to "follow all the rules all the time." The tone and production quality of the announcement are compared to dystopian media portrayals.
CNN Vaccine PSAs, Sanjay Gupta and Celebrity Endorsements
The hosts critique a series of CNN public service announcements featuring Sanjay Gupta. In these clips, Gupta interacts with Rosie Perez and David Diggs to promote vaccination even for those with natural immunity. The hosts mock the scripted nature of the interactions and the lack of scientific depth in the messaging.
Lori Lightfoot, Chicago COVID-19 Public Service Announcement
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot released a black-and-white video PSA that portrays the end of the Trump administration as waking up from a nightmare to the return of science. The production is criticized for its use of stock music and corporate editing style. The video emphasizes hand washing, social distancing, and the effectiveness of face coverings.
ABC Australia Anti-Podcast PSA, Church Advertising Legality
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation aired a satirical public service announcement discouraging citizens from starting podcasts during the pandemic. This leads to a discussion on the "tribal" nature of media and a hypothetical debate on why churches do not use traditional corporate advertising or underwriting similar to PBS.
Anti-Bullying Campaigns and First Amendment Concerns
An anti-bullying PSA featuring Demi Lovato is criticized for its "violent" language of "stomping out" bullying. The hosts argue that modern anti-bullying initiatives are actually designed to curtail First Amendment rights and discourage children from developing the resilience to handle verbal conflict. They contrast this with traditional "sticks and stones" parenting.
Government Funding for Walmart Security Advertisements
The federal government reportedly paid Walmart $13 million, possibly from American Recovery Act funds, to run security announcements at checkouts. Janet Napolitano is observed stumbling over the word "ads," preferring to call them "announcements." This payment structure is criticized as a form of bribery rather than traditional unpaid public service announcements.
Sesame Street H1N1 Collaboration, Elmo Health Habits
The federal government partnered with Sesame Workshop to produce public service announcements featuring Elmo and Gordon. The segments are designed to teach children about healthy habits and the H1N1 swine flu. The hosts note the ubiquity of swine flu warnings at airports and in popular media.
