The More You Know
The More You Know is a long-running American public service announcement (PSA) campaign broadcast by NBCUniversal and related NBC networks.
The More You Know is a long-running American public service announcement (PSA) campaign broadcast by NBCUniversal and related NBC networks. It began in 1989 and uses short educational messages, often featuring well-known personalities, to raise awareness of social and public-interest issues. The campaign is widely recognised for its closing star-and-rainbow visual and short jingle.
History
The campaign began in 1989 on NBC, with Tom Brokaw introducing the phrase and the idea of using television spots for public service education. NBCUniversal later expanded and refreshed the campaign over time, including digital and animated versions.
Format and style
The PSAs are short, easy-to-follow messages designed for broad television audiences. They are especially remembered for the animated star that appears with the slogan and jingle at the end of each spot.
Topics covered
Over time, the campaign has addressed a wide range of public-interest subjects, including teacher shortages, domestic violence, low self-esteem, cyberbullying, mental health, and pandemic-related health guidance.
Cultural impact
The phrase became widely recognised in popular culture and is often parodied or referenced as a meme. The campaign has also been credited with bringing mainstream attention to social issues through broadcast television.
Key facts
- The campaign first aired in 1989 on NBC after a message from Tom Brokaw introducing the slogan.
- It consists of brief PSAs that address topics such as education, health, safety, diversity, digital literacy, and the environment.
- The campaign is widely recognised for its closing star-and-rainbow visual and short jingle.
- NBCUniversal has described it as an Emmy-award-winning PSA campaign and has continued to relaunch it in updated formats.
- The campaign has featured celebrities, news anchors, presidents, and other public figures.
The campaign is American, but its style and slogan are widely recognised in Canada through U.S. television exposure and popular culture references.
Frequently asked questions
What is The More You Know?
When did it start?
Who introduced the campaign?
What kinds of topics does it cover?
Why is it so well known?
Is it still active?
References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_More_You_KnowSupports: General description of the campaign, network association, and educational PSA format
- The Atlantic — https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2014/09/theres-more-to-know-about-the-more-you-know/380242/Supports: Historical origin, Tom Brokaw introduction, and campaign themes
- NBCUniversal — https://www.nbcuniversal.com/article/more-you-know-all-new-2018Supports: NBCUniversal's description of the campaign, season focus areas, and ongoing status
- NBCUniversal — https://www.nbcuniversal.com/article/nbcuniversals-more-you-know-unveils-animated-psas-first-time-narrated-saturday-night-lives-egoSupports: Recent animated PSA relaunch and mental-health focus
- Mental Floss — https://www.mentalfloss.com/entertainment/tv/the-more-you-know-nbc-public-service-announcementsSupports: Campaign history, celebrity participation, and cultural impact
- Dictionary.com — https://www.dictionary.com/culture/memes/the-more-you-knowSupports: Iconic slogan, jingle, star graphic, and meme/parody usage