Advertising Council Inc.

Private, not-for-profit organization founded in 1942 to conduct public service advertising campaigns in the public interest. Established originally as the War Advertising Council, its primary function was to secure public support for World War II causes such as blood donations, purchase of war bonds, and enlistment of women in the armed services. Current campaigns promote voluntary citizen actions to help solve national problems in areas such as health and safety, education, and community affairs, and these have included promotion of health careers, rehabilitation of handicapped persons, appreciation of older Americans, driving at 55 miles per hour, safety belt usage, child abuse awareness, and forest fire prevention. Creative services, media time and space, and managerial expertise are contributed on a voluntary basis, and out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed by the organizations for which the campaigns are conducted. The council also publishes public service announcements for use in print media and broadcast, pamphlets in connection with various public service campaigns, and the bimonthly Public Service Advertising Bulletin and the annual Report to the American People.