Jonathan Winters Does Public Service Spot
Episcopal News Service. February 28, 1985 [85045]
NEW YORK (DPS, Feb. 28) -- Abuse of the elderly is the subject and comedian Jonathan Winters is the speaker in the most recent spot in the Episcopal Church's public service announcement series on domestic violence.
The 30-second spot, which is available in both video and radio form, features Winters in a serious mood, reflecting that "To stop abuse, you have to start with the small things... don't condescend or be patronizing. Treat them with the respect you give anyone else."
Sonia Francis, director of radio and television for the Episcopal Church, said, "Statistically, abuse of the elderly is a growing problem in the United States. It was natural to include the subject in the family violence series."
Winters was a natural choice, too. An Episcopalian, he is well known for his "Maude Fricket" sketches, in which he plays the character of an elderly woman. What is less well known is his consistent interest in the concerns of the aging. Among other things, Winters did a benefit performance for the Episcopal Society for Ministry on Aging at the Church's 1982 General Convention in New Orleans.
As of Feb. 13, the TV spot had been seen on 51 stations in 33 states, with a total of 2,059 telecasts, giving an estimated audience of 46,585,000. This amounts to the equivalent of $358,576 worth of advertising time. It has also been shown on over 1,700 cable systems. The radio spot has received wide acceptance, too, with over 1,300 stations including at least one in every state -- accepting it.