The Ad Council

The Ad Council is a non-profit agency which since 1952, has been the leading producer of television public service announcements, often "sponsored" by specific non-profit groups and government agencies. Ad Council spots typically address such issues as public safety, personal health, and wider issues such as adoption. Their best known creations include Smokey Bear and McGruff, the dog who "takes a bit out of crime."

Over the years, many Ad Council campaigns hacve involved the participation of celebrities. In the 1970s, one such spot starred Cookie Monster. Decades before the Cookie Is a Sometime Food controversy, Cookie Monster encourages healthy eating habits. To the astonishment of a roving reporter (off-screen voice-over), Cookie Monster explains that even he can't eat only cookies and expect to be healthy. He proceeds to dine on meat and fish, carrots and peas, fruits, and then milk. For dessert, Cookie Monster brings out a whistle, summoning a truck load of cookies.