Writing and Submitting PSAs for Radio

 

Radio PSAs can be short, scripted announcements read by the stations deejays on the air during regular programming. The popularity of the deejay can boost effectiveness. Typically, live radio PSAs are not rehearsed thoroughly and your organization will not have much control over the on-air personality.

 

Some radio stations require that the PSA proposals are taped and ready to air. Call ahead of time and ask the public service director if he prefers a cassette tape or reel-to-reel for the finished product. Double check that you have the appropriate length and formatting for the live radio copy.

 

Submit a printed copy of the PSA, along with your prerecorded tape, to the station and type, "Tape Enclosed" at the top or end of the PSA script. Type: Public Service ANNOUNCEMENT at the top of the page so the journalist immediately knows what she s reading.

 

Time your copy with a stopwatch. Read it aloud to see how it sounds. Write 12 seconds of script for a 15-second spot, and 27 seconds for a 30 second spot. This allows for the variation in the announcer's speech pattern and will assure that all your information gets read.

 

 

Public Service Announcement

 

From: (Name of Organization)
(Address)
Contact: (name of contact person in your organization with phone number)
For use: (list the dates for use of this item)
Length: (time it takes to read the PSA)

 

The body of your PSA message should be typed in paragraph form. Make sure to include the basic who, what, where, when, and why information. Include relevant contact information and phone numbers.

 

Very Important: at the bottom of the page, make sure you specify that your organization is a non-profit organization that serves the public. In another sentence, describe the service available to the public through your organization.

 

If the text copy spills over to the second page, try to finish the first page at the end of a paragraph, or at least at the end of a sentence. Also, put "-more-" at the bottom of the first page. This will alert the station managers to the extent of our programming. At the top of the 2nd page, type a brief heading (flush left or flush right, but not centered) that includes the name of your organization, the date, the page number, and topic of the announcement. Mark the end of the story with a "# # #."

 

From: Community Action Agency
Main Street
Anytown, USA 55555

 

Contact: Linda Evanston
Phone: (xxx) xxx-xxxx
For Use: January 19 February 10
Length: 30 seconds

 

Wondering how to cut your energy bill and make your home warmer this winter? Come learn about basic weatherization measures for your home. The Community Action Agency is sponsoring a free home weatherization workshop for all community residents.

 

Join these trained technicians on Saturday, February 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at the Harris Community Center. In addition to energy-saving tips, you'll learn how to avoid common health hazards, such as carbon monoxide poisoning. For more information contact Ms. Linda Evanston at (xxx) xxx-xxxx.

 

The Community Action Agency is a non-profit organization that serves low-income residents in the tri-county area. Our Weatherization Program reduces the energy burden on low-income residents by installing cost-effective energy efficiency measures, while ensuring their health and safety.

 

A chill in the night air. Frost on the car windows in the morning. There's no doubt about it, winter is here. Energy $aving Partners provides no cost Weatherization services to low-income, senior and disabled Coloradans. Call toll-free 1-888-HEATLINE (1-888-432-8546).

 

Radio Public Service Announcement Sample