A TV ad aired by the Hospital Employees’ Union before last year’s provincial election has won the top prize in an international competition.
In an announcement made earlier today, the Oregon-based Summit Creative Awards organization gave “Closed” the gold in the “Political Broadcast Advertising” category.
Set against a rural roadway with a fading hospital sign and accompanied by a funeral soundtrack, “Closed” featured a rolling list of hospitals and long-term care homes that had been closed, downsized or downgraded during the B.C. Liberals’ first term of office.
HEU secretary-business manager Judy Darcy says the ad was effective in demonstrating the scale of health cuts – especially outside the Lower Mainland. “Our ad helped focus public debate around the urgent need to reinvest in health care,” says Darcy. “And we’re very pleased that our effort has been recognized by the international advertising community.”
The 12-year old competition attracted entries from 26 countries this year. The awards – targeted at ads produced by small- and medium-sized agencies – are judged by an international panel of ad professionals.
You can learn more about the Summit Awards at www.summitawards.com.
The ad was locally produced by the Vancouver-based NOW Communications Group.
Last month in California, “Closed” received honourable mention at the Pollie Awards of the American Association of Political Consultants in the “International TV” category.
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Watch "Closed in: