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Entertainment • Public Service Announcement

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.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

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.
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Canadian context

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?
It is NBCUniversal's long-running public service announcement campaign featuring brief educational messages on social issues.
When did it start?
It first aired on September 9, 1989.
Who introduced the campaign?
NBC news anchor Tom Brokaw introduced the campaign in its original on-air message.
What kinds of topics does it cover?
Topics have included education, health, safety, diversity, digital literacy, the environment, and mental health.
Why is it so well known?
It is recognised for its short format, famous jingle, and star-and-rainbow end graphic.
Is it still active?
Yes. NBCUniversal has continued to update and relaunch the campaign in new formats.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_More_You_Know
    Supports: General description of the campaign, network association, and educational PSA format
  2. The Atlantichttps://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
  3. NBCUniversalhttps://www.nbcuniversal.com/article/more-you-know-all-new-2018
    Supports: NBCUniversal's description of the campaign, season focus areas, and ongoing status
  4. NBCUniversalhttps://www.nbcuniversal.com/article/nbcuniversals-more-you-know-unveils-animated-psas-first-time-narrated-saturday-night-lives-ego
    Supports: Recent animated PSA relaunch and mental-health focus
  5. Mental Flosshttps://www.mentalfloss.com/entertainment/tv/the-more-you-know-nbc-public-service-announcements
    Supports: Campaign history, celebrity participation, and cultural impact
  6. Dictionary.comhttps://www.dictionary.com/culture/memes/the-more-you-know
    Supports: Iconic slogan, jingle, star graphic, and meme/parody usage