Metro Vancouver, B.C. – KPU PR instructor Andrew Frank’s oil spill awareness television ad won Cause-Related Campaign of the Year at the prestigious PR World Awards in New York this fall.
Produced with the Coastal First Nations, Frank’s The Sound of Silence uses footage of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill off the coast of Alaska to remind British Columbians of the threats oil tankers pose to BC’s coastal waters, wildlife and communities. The hit song “The Sound of Silence” by American folk duo Simon and Garfunkel serves as the soundtrack for the two-minute video, and as inspiration for the ad’s title.
“It’s an honour to be named a winner by PR World Awards for this esteemed industry and peer world recognition,” says Frank. “This award is a testament to the commitment of the Coastal First Nations and their communities to raising awareness among all British Columbians of the dangers that oil tankers pose to the things we value most.”
The coveted annual PR World Awards program honours the achievements of public, private, for-profit and non-profit public relations organizations and professionals. More than 50 judges representing a broad spectrum of global industry voices judged nominations from around the world, with their averaged scores determining the 2013 winners.
Frank, a public relations and environmental protection technology instructor at KPU Richmond, produced the ad campaign and media relations strategy through his public relations company: Andrew Frank Communications. Described by the Globe and Mail as a “crafty public relations move,” the campaign has appeared on CBC’s The National, Global TV, CTV, CityTV, News 1130, CKNW, and in the Vancouver Sun, The Province, Calgary Herald, Ottawa Citizen, Edmonton Journal, Metro and 24 Hours, among others.
“This story shows the power and importance of public relations in raising awareness and sparking discussion about important issues facing our country today,” says Frank, who lives in East Vancouver. “These are the kinds of success stories that I like to bring into the classroom and share and analyze with my students.”
The Sound of Silence is an example of the kinds of projects and skills students enrolled in KPU’s PR program learn. The university’s public relations courses teach students how to become adept at analyzing context, message, audience and purpose — the foundation of effective communication. They also learn to leverage resources for maximum public relations effect, in both the business and non-profit worlds.
For more information about these programs, visit kpu.ca/business.
About the PR World Awards
PR World Awards are an annual industry and peer recognition program honouring the best of PR and corporate communications in every major industry in North America, Europe, the Middle-East, Africa, Asia-Pacific and Latin-America. The annual event is part of the Silicon Valley United States' (SVUS) worldwide recognition programs. The annual SVUS Awards consist of nine world award programs held at a different date and location every year. Learn more about the PR World Awards at www.prworldawards.com.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts, science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 18,000 students annually have a choice from over 145 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations. Learn more at www.kpu.ca.
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Caption: Andrew Frank on a documentary shoot with one of the Coastal First Nations on BC's North Coast.
Contact Information:
Andrew Frank
Instructor, Public Relations
604-367-2112
andrew.frank@kpu.ca
For more information about KPU, contact:
Hayley Woodin
Media Specialist
Tel: 604.599.2883
hayley.woodin@kpu.ca