Last year, MTV’s Video Music Awards were mostly remembered for twerking. Yet last night, the network took a more thoughtful turn at times, broadcasting a PSA about the death of Michael Brown and the unrest in Ferguson, Missouri.
Here’s how three food brands took advantage of one of the biggest TV nights of the year for young consumers. Tweet at @PRWeekUS to vote for the brand you think made the most of the 2014 edition of the VMAs.
Domino’s Pizza:
For every crop top, eat like you mean it. Trends are fleeting. Pizza is forever. #VMA2014 #LiveEating
— Domino's Pizza (@dominos) August 25, 2014
Snap a pizza selfie whenever you confuse the members of a boy band. Shame on you. #VMA2014 #LiveEating
— Domino's Pizza (@dominos) August 25, 2014
Mountain Dew:
You saw him at the #VMA. Get more now. #DoTheDew #VMAs http://t.co/XvSgClIGL8 https://t.co/ihkWbSvSmQ
— Mountain Dew® (@mtn_dew) August 25, 2014
Pepsi:
It’s coming. Don’t miss the surprise Pepsi reveal right after @Usher’s performance at the 2014 @MTV #VMAS pic.twitter.com/vHSB24cLS0
— Pepsi™ (@pepsi) August 25, 2014
Meanwhile, the Legacy Foundation’s Truth campaign ran PSAs urging celebrities to quit smoking, chastising them for serving as "unpaid tobacco spokespeople" when caught by paparazzi while lighting up.
The PSAs got approval from other anti-smoking organizations, as well.
Fantastic @truthorange ad during #VMAs calling on teens to end smoking for good - http://t.co/7XUOXMXX0z - #FinishIT pic.twitter.com/S4voYuc4Fx
— American Lung Assoc. (@LungAssociation) August 25, 2014
Here’s the PSA MTV ran during the broadcast in memory of Michael Brown.
