Definition of PSA

• Messages intended to educate the audience about issues of public concern, encourage public support and awareness of a worthy cause, or promote the work of a non-profit group or organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in local communities or in society or the world at large.

Examples of PSAs’

• Information that would be of interest to the general public

• PSAs’ can be in the form of print, television or radio– Anti-smoking ads– Local event mentions– Non-profit initiatives– Government initiatives

Why The Media Accommodate PSAs’

• The media need content• Promotes good will statues in the community• Inform the public about an issue that they

support• Serves as media’s community service

Public Services Announcement

• One page document• Answers Who? What? Where? When? Why?

And How?• Written for the audience that you would want

to reach• Keep in mind the space or time the media

would allot for your PSA• Write in a grade 7 level, Do not use jargon

Public Services Announcement Cont…

• Grab your audience’s attention– Effective headline, strong descriptive words

• Empower the listener and play with their emotions– Engage the audience’s feelings and help them

relate to your message• Call to action– Tell your audience what to do, how they can help

and how they could take part in your initiative

PSA Mandatories

• Date• Your organization’s name• Your contact information• Your phone number• Date you want your PSA to run• Attractive Title/Subject line

PSA Sample

CompanyContact NameContact Info

Date that you want your PSA to

run

Type of media you want your PSA to run inTitle of your PSA

Engaging copy that answers Who? What? Where?

When? Why? How?

Call to Action

An end tag

PSA Tips

• KISS it! (Keep It Short & Simple)• Error-Free• Send it at least 2 weeks before you want it

published or broadcasted• Don’t make it sound like an ad, PSAs’ are more

informative than promotional