Disney Channel and State Farm Team Up to Drive Home Auto Safety Message to Kids, Tweens, Teens and Families
Selena Gomez Stars in Safe Driving Campaign Debuting Today on Disney Channel and on Statefarm.com/teendriving
(March 17, 2009) Disney Media Advertising Sales and Marketing Group has signed State Farm as a sponsor of Disney Channel in an agreement that calls for 30-second messages designed to empower young viewers to influence safe driving and to make a difference in their families’ lives. The messages feature 16-year-old star Selena Gomez (of Disney Channel’s “Wizards of Waverly Place”) and will rotate during Disney Channel’s primetime programming block, the market leader among Kids age 6-14.
The messages have debuted today on Disney Channel and www.statefarm.com/teendriving.
Tricia Wilber, Executive Vice President, Disney Media Advertising Sales and Marketing Group, said: “We are thrilled to have State Farm as our sponsor and to leverage the powerful connection between our viewers and Disney Channel stars to deliver an important message that bears repeating in homes every day.” She added, “We’re also pleased to work with Selena Gomez, an inspiring young lady, to reinforce positive messages about safe driving.”
“State Farm is excited to be working with Disney Channel on these safe driving spots featuring Selena Gomez,” said Tim Van Hoof, Advertising Director for State Farm. “We see this as a great fit when we consider our two companies' shared commitment to high standards of excellence and integrity. Selena really connects with teens and she did a terrific job working with us to remind young people that, when they're driving, nothing is more important than getting home safely.”
In the messages, 16-year-old Selena Gomez is seen with her mother, Mandy Teefey, reminding kids, tweens and families about the importance of wearing seatbelts, paying attention to the speed limit and not talking on the phone or texting while driving.
In accordance with Disney Channel's sponsorship guidelines, at the beginning or end of select telecasts, Disney Channel will present State Farm’s 30-second pro-social messages including, “Family Members Encourage Each Other to Stay Safe on the Road.”
Kid and tween sensation Selena Gomez stars in Disney Channel's global hit comedy series, “Wizards of Waverly Place,” and the upcoming “Princess Protection Program,” which is part of the blockbuster Disney Channel Original Movie franchise. She also starred in the DVD release, “Another Cinderella Story,” and was spokesperson for the 2008 Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign.
-- Posted March 17, 2009