Public Service Announcements (PSA's)
When media publications, radio or television stations have space, they may choose to run free advertisements.
Some advertisements can be very costly so PSA’s are a great, inexpensive way to run them for free to a broad audience.
- Check with stations to see what spots would work for them.
- Contact the publication or station to get the requirements for a PSA submission.
- Always send a letter on your letterhead asking for the PSA to be run. State its importance to the community and area. Be sure to include background information in case on-air announcers just want to talk about your program.
- Be sure to allow a lead time of at least three to four weeks before the spot is aired.
- Always follow-up with a phone call, fax or emails to make sure your materials were received. Emphasize why running the ad will benefit the publication or station. Is the media covering this issue? Is it just local or is it national?
- Include a desired start and end date for a PSA. If it has no limitations, tag it “EVERGREEN” or UFN (until further notice).
- Practice: time yourself and see how it sounds. Write 12 seconds for a 15 second spot, and 27 seconds for a 30 second spot.