ITV has given a low budget social media ad for a Northern Ireland bar a prime spot just before the UTV News, after it went viral online with millions of viewers.
We are completely delighted, it’s just a dream come true for us, and we are blown away by the reaction. To have this aired on UTV alongside massive everyday brands is surreal. Hopefully this will help keep the conversation going about loneliness and the importance of friendship.Una Burns, Charlie’s Bar Manager
Originally launched on Instagram before ITV amplifes its reach, the advert shows an elderly man suffering from loneliness before finding companionship in Charlie’s Bar with a friendly dog and its owners who join him for a drink. It ends with a quote from poet WB Yeats: "There are no strangers here, only friends you haven't yet met".
The advert was commissioned by Una Burns, the manager of Charlie’s Bar in Enniskillen, and cost just £700 to make. It will now reach even more viewers when it is broadcast on UTV on Friday 1st December ahead of the nightly ‘UTV Live’ news programme, bringing the smallest of advertisers to the mass reach platform of ITV.
Christmas can be a magical time for many, yet we often forget that it can be an extremely difficult time for others. It was important that this video shed light on those who may struggle during the festive season and to remind them that they are not alone. I am so thankful to ITV for the free airtime which gives us the opportunity to spread our message of kindness further and reach those who may not be on social media.Content Creator Aiofe Teague
ITV's unique ability to reflect and magnify the goodwill and joy of Christmas is unrivalled, so this year we have been particularly touched by this advert which showcases the joy of belonging at this time of year. Charlie's Bar has showcased everything about Christmas that we love.Simon Daglish, Deputy Managing Director, ITV Commercial
