First Lady Michelle Obama to be Featured in NBC Universal's Award-Winning "The More You Know" Public Service Campaign, as Part of a National Effort to Help End Childhood Obesity

NEW YORK, Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- First Lady Michelle Obama will be featured in NBC Universal's award-winning "The More You Know" public service campaign with messages about fighting childhood obesity. The PSAs are part of her nationwide effort to help kids lead healthier and longer lives, a goal also supported by "Healthy at NBCU," NBC Universal's company-wide health and wellness initiative.

The PSAs featuring the First Lady will begin airing in the coming weeks across NBCU platforms. The spots will kick off the First Lady's national "Let's Move" campaign to combat childhood obesity. Over the past three decades, childhood obesity rates in America have tripled, with nearly one-third of children in America now overweight or obese.  

"We are honored that the First Lady has chosen 'The More You Know' to spread such a critical message about health for today's children," said Susan Haspel, co-creator and executive producer of "The More You Know" and vice president, corporate community affairs, NBC Universal. "This is an important call to action, and these PSAs will be influential and effective in mobilizing families to get healthy."

In connection with "Healthy At NBCU," NBC Universal will launch "Health Week" in the spring, a cross-platform event tackling nutritional literacy with a focus on fitness and reducing obesity. The week will include news and entertainment programming, an iVillage community health challenge as well as a company-wide employee health challenge.

The digital centerpiece of "Healthy At NBCU" will be iVillage's soon-to-be-relaunched health site, debuting in March.

The First Lady's "The More You Know" public service announcements encourage parents and caregivers to make healthy choices through simple acts, like eating healthier and exercising more. The messages will empower families and communities to take an active role in raising a healthier generation of kids.

This marks the second time that a First Lady has appeared in "The More You Know" campaign. First Lady Laura Bush was featured in PSAs focusing on literacy in 2006.

First Lady Michelle Obama taped a "The More You Know" PSA in the East Wing Office of the White House:

http://www.themoreyouknow.com/video/clips/first-lady-michelle-obama/1199919

About "The More You Know:"

NBC Universal's "The More You Know" is the longest running, most comprehensive network public service campaign in the media landscape. For more than two decades, the campaign continues to make a difference in communities across the country by raising awareness of important social issues and motivating viewers to take action. Through its on-air public service announcements, website (www.themoreyouknow.com) and community outreach efforts, "The More You Know" reaches millions of viewers each week. 

About NBC Universal:

NBC Universal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric and 20% owned by Vivendi.

SOURCE NBC Universal