FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT Michael Shmarak
312.919.9222
MUSEUM OF BROADCAST COMMUNICATIONS TO HONOR ADVERTISING’S GREATEST ICONS—
Multimedia exhibition to showcase top consumer brand symbols and their creators
Chicago, IL, March 10, 2015— They are as familiar as television’s top stars, each transcending
the small screen to become a pop culture icon. In an unprecedented event, they will now share the
spotlight together in Chicago.
In a first-of-its-kind exhibition in Chicago, the Museum of Broadcast Communications will
present A Salute to Advertising’s Greatest Icons, running from May 9 through October 31.
Among the “30-second stars” and brands being showcased during the exhibition are
General Mills’ Pillsbury Doughboy and Jolly Green Giant; Kellogg’s Tony the Tiger (Frosted
Flakes); Snap, Crackle & Pop (Rice Krispies) and the Keebler Elves (Keebler); McDonald’s Ronald
McDonald; Procter & Gamble’s Mr. Clean; 9 Lives’ Morris the Cat, StarKist’s Charlie the Tuna and
S.C. Johnson’s Raid Bugs.
A Salute to Advertising’s Greatest Icons will examine the creation and evolution of
the characters from their inception to contemporary use, through commercials, vintage print ads
and packaging and a wide variety of character memorabilia. Advertising agencies and brand historians will describe how the characters were designed and how they have evolved over the years.
“Historically speaking, television has been the premiere stage for some of the nation’s
most revered advertising characters,” said Bruce DuMont, Founder/ President of the Museum of
Broadcast Communications. “These beloved characters helped define many of the world’s top
consumer brands, and each has become synonymous with their brand in commercials, print ads,
packaging and on grocery shelves.”
—more—
Each advertising icon will be showcased its own “special week” throughout the exhibition,
featuring character appearances, look-a-like contests, tastings, Facebook photo opportunities and
other special consumer promotions. The Advertising Icons exhibit will be designed by luci Creative
of Lincolnwood, IL.
“No media research institution can ignore advertising and the significant influence it has
had on television, nor can it down play the importance of branding a sponsors message,” said
DuMont. “The Museum of Broadcast Communications seeks to underscore that connection and
focus attention on the agencies, most from Chicago, who created and developed the lovable and
memorable characters that helped define these brands.”
A VIP Exhibition Opening Reception will take place on Friday, May 8 at 5:30 PM in the
Museum’s new Paul M. Lisnek Gallery. VIP Tickets are $150 for the reception and awards
presentation. Tickets to the awards presentation only are $75. All tickets are available online
at www.museum.tv. The VIP Exhibition Opening Reception and awards program is a benefit for
the Museum, with all proceeds dedicated to expanding its advertising educational services.
About the Museum of Broadcast Communications
The Museum of Broadcast Communications collects, preserves, and presents classic and
contemporary radio and television content and commercials. Its mission is to educate, inform,
and entertain the public through its archives, public programs, screenings, exhibits, publications
and online access to its massive resources. To learn more about the Museum, log on to
www.museum.tv.