What is the purpose of a public service announcement?

The primary purpose of a public service announcement (PSA) is to inform and educate the public about important issues affecting society, which aligns closely with the option that emphasizes providing helpful information and resources. PSAs are designed to raise awareness and encourage positive changes in behavior regarding health, safety, and social concerns. They aim to reach a broad audience and often address matters such as public health initiatives, environmental protection, or social justice issues. While the other options involve entertainment, promotion of products or events, or may touch on ethical considerations, they do not encapsulate the overarching goal of public service announcements, which is to disseminate information that benefits the community at large.