Preparing Public Service
Announcements
What is a PSA (public service
announcement)?
• short messages produced on film, video, or
audiocassette
• given to radio and television stations to be
broadcast
Some advantages of PSA's
• They're inexpensive
• PSA's can encourage action & raise
awareness
Some limitations of PSA's
• Hard to control what times or media outlets
you'll get
• Stations tend to shy away from
"controversial" PSA's
• Stations may not track when your PSA's have
been played
You should consider using PSA's
when:
• Your group is nonprofit
• You have a clear issue or are requesting a
specific action
• You have good writing and production skills
• You have previously used PSA's with success
Preparing to write a PSA:
• Decide upon and clarify the purpose of your
PSA
• Target your audience
• Survey, prioritize, and approach your media
outlets
• Write your PSA
Writing your PSA:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Choose points to focus on
Brainstorm
Check your facts
Identify a "hook"
Write your PSA
Get somebody with radio/TV experience to
review your work
7. Pretest your script
Overall production tips
• Make multiple PSA's to avoid repetition
• Keep it brief and simple
• Let the actors give feedback
When information changes,
change your PSA's as soon as
possible
Make an advance written agreement
with actors and production staff
about payment or donated time.
Getting on the air:
Know the station’s rules first!
Radio:
• Mail it in with a cover letter
• Follow up with a phone call
Television:
• Meet with the person in charge of selecting
PSA's
• Bring an air-ready copy of the PSA, script,
and info on your group
Once you have gotten approval:
• Find out when it will air
• Listen to or watch the station for the first
airing
• Follow up with a thank you note
• Remember PSA schedules are always subject
to change
• Try to use the PSA to get more extensive
media coverage