Aflac Duck Takes First Quack at Advertising on Sunday's Big Game

Advertising Icon to Spread Its Wings at America's Biggest Event

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Feb 02, 2017, 15:01 ET

COLUMBUS, Ga., Feb. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Aflac, the leader in voluntary insurance sales at the worksite, announced today that its iconic spokesduck, the Aflac Duck, will make its first commercial appearance during the big game on Sunday, Feb. 5. In a new television commercial called "Surgery," the Aflac Duck will help consumers across America understand how to help protect their lifestyle with Aflac insurance products. The ad will debut at approximately 6:20 p.m. ET on Fox, just after country music star Luke Bryan's performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner."

"We are excited to demonstrate the value of Aflac's products and services to an audience that is likely to top 110 million people, the largest that has ever witnessed the debut of an Aflac Duck commercial," Aflac Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Gail Galuppo said. "After more than 16 years scoring touchdowns as Aflac's iconic advertising quarterback, we felt the time was right to elevate the Aflac Duck on the world's stage alongside the other stars as they battle for gridiron immortality."

The debut of "Surgery" is part of a comprehensive package that also includes a 30-second spot during the pregame show on Fox. Aflac will air its current commercial, "Ski Patrol," the first in a series of ads that focus on how Aflac can protect your lifestyle from financial harm.

"Surgery," a 30-second spot, is the brainchild of Aflac CMO Gail Galuppo and was created by Publicis Seattle and placed by Mediavest|Spark. It is the second ad produced by Publicis as part of an integrated campaign to reframe the supplemental insurance conversation through relatable examples of how changes in a person's health should not impact his or her lifestyle. "Surgery" uses a satirical example of an everyday occurrence that shows how one unexpected incident can negatively impact your lifestyle.

In "Surgery," a man is lying on an operating table as his doctor prepares to conduct a medical procedure. He is startled, however, when the doctor tells him that she plans on "going in and removing his '67 Corvette." When the patient says that he is just there for a simple gall bladder procedure, his doctor reminds him that without Aflac insurance to pay him cash, the expense of his unexpected medical condition might mean he will have to sell his beloved car just to cover his rent. The ad ends with Aflac's key message, which is that while your health can change, the life you love doesn't have to. Keep your lifestyle healthy with Aflac!

"When you are injured or sick, the pain you feel is not always limited to your body; it can make your finances uncomfortable, as well," Galuppo said. "Aflac, which pays cash benefits, is the insurance that helps protect your savings so that your lifestyle doesn't suffer as your body continues to heal."

Surgery is the latest creative in Aflac's Ripple Effect campaign, which demonstrates how one unexpected health-related incident can cause a series of challenges, including financial matters. The campaign includes television ads as well as multiple digital and social extensions. Fans can engage and follow along with the Aflac Duck on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. The ad will also run during the 59^th GRAMMY Awards^® on Feb. 12 and will be included in Aflac's regular advertising rotation appearing on all major broadcast and cable networks.

To learn more about Aflac supplemental insurance, visit aflac.com/lifestyle.

About Aflac
When a policyholder gets sick or hurt, Aflac pays cash benefits fast. For six decades, Aflac insurance policies have given policyholders the opportunity to focus on recovery, not financial stress. In the United States, Aflac is the leader in voluntary insurance sales at the worksite. Through its trailblazing One Day Pay^SM initiative, Aflac U.S. can receive, process, approve and disburse payment for eligible claims in one business day. In Japan, Aflac is the leading provider of medical and cancer insurance and insures one in four households. Aflac insurance products help provide protection to more than 50 million people worldwide. For 10 consecutive years, Aflac has been recognized by Ethisphere as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies. In 2016, Fortune magazine recognized Aflac as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work for in America for the 18th consecutive year and included Aflac on its list of Most Admired Companies for the 15th time, ranking the company No. 1 in innovation for the insurance, life and health category for the second consecutive year. In 2015, Aflac's contact centers were recognized by J.D. Power by providing "An Outstanding Customer Service Experience" for the Live Phone Channel. Aflac Incorporated is a Fortune 500 company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AFL. To find out more about Aflac and One Day Pay^SM, visit aflac.com or espanol.aflac.com.

Aflac herein means American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus and American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.

Media contacts – Jon Sullivan, 706.763.4813 or [email protected]

Analyst and investor contact – Robin Y. Wilkey, 706.596.3264 or 800.235.2667, FAX: 706.324.6330, or [email protected]

SOURCE Aflac