Public Service Announcements PSA

PSA Short “non-commercial” announcement that provides information to the public. Contains information that benefits the intended audience. Most are for nonprofit associations. Commercial for-profit organizations can use them to promote their non profit activities and events.

Length of PSAs Length: 10, 15, 30, 45, or 60 seconds. Free time donated due to the Federal Communications Commission’s public service requirements. Everything needs to be included in the time frame. Short PSA’s are preferred.

Uses of PSAs Publicize community events Provide health and safety tips Assist in fund raising efforts Inform and influence public opinion

PSA Messages Must contain information that is beneficial to the community. Should not include controversial or self-serving material. Television needs a visual component.

The PSA Message Include the most essential information in the first paragraph (lead paragraph) Use Active Voice Use short, upbeat sentences written in everyday language

The PSA Message Tell how this information can help the viewer/listener Ask for action Tell viewers/listeners where they can go, what they can do, or who they can call Edit tightly

PSA Examples Student parking problems at WKU (60 sec.) Video Audio WS Full school parking lot Parking is always an issue at Western Kentucky University once the school semester has begun. MS Car looking for parking Students will spend an average of 20 minutes driving around campus looking for parking. WS Large 6 story parking structure 1 This parking structure is one of 2 located on WKU’s campus with one still under construction WS Parking structure that is under construction MS Line of cars trying to enter structure There is not enough room on Western Kentucky University's campus to accommodate all the cars that students and faculty drive. This is very frustrating for students and faculty who pay between 70 an 400 dollars for a parking pass, which they may not be able to use. TS Upset driver STS Parking structure is full sign WS Rush hour traffic at WKU Western Kentucky University's parking problems affect not only students and faculty but also the any member of the community who has to commute past campus. Contact information for WKU Parking and Transportation Department Help to solve WKU’s parking and traffic problems by calling (###)###-#### and finding out what you can do to help.

PSA Script Writing Your topic is Bullying Video Audio (Shot type WS, MS, TS, STS) (Location/person/item) (Script) Voice Over(VO) or Sound Over Tape (SOT) WS (Location/person/item) Write a narrative here to describe what will be said throughout your PSA. MS/TS (Location/person/item) MS (Location/person/item) TS (Location/person/item) STS (Location/person/item) Information