Table of Contents >
Chapter 6. Promoting Interest in Community Issues >
Section 7. Preparing Public Service Announcements >
Preparing Public Service Announcements |
Tools & Checklists | Contributed by Chris Hampton Edited by Phil Rabinowitz and Kate Nagy |
Checklist
Here, you'll find a checklists summarizes the major points contained in the text.
___ You have considered whether PSA's may be a good idea for your group and you meet some or all of the criteria for a group to use PSA's.
___ You have decided upon and clarified the purpose of your PSA.
___ You have targeted your audience.
___ You have surveyed your media outlets to best reach that audience.
___ You have prioritized your media outlets.
___ You have approached your preferred media outlets.
___ You have chosen points to focus on.
___ You have brainstormed for ideas for the PSA.
___ You have checked your facts.
___ You have identified a "hook".
___ You have written your PSA, following the basic guidelines for PSA format.
___ You have gotten an outside professional or somebody who has radio/television experience to review your work for you and offer suggestions, if possible.
___You have pre-tested your script.
___ If you're going to send in a produced PSA, you have decided whether you should produce it yourself or bring in outside help.
If you're producing the PSA yourself:
___ You have found out if anyone in your group has broadcasting experience.
___ You have approached area advertising agencies and production companies to see if any of them would donate personnel, studio time, or equipment for your PSA.
___ You have considered tapping into broadcasting students at any area universities.
If you're paying a professional production or advertising company to produce your script:
___ You have asked about getting a reduced rate for nonprofit agencies.
___ You understand the basic tips for radio production.
___ You understand the basic tips for television production.
___ You understand the overall tips for PSA production.
___ You understand how to get your PSA run.
___ You have found out the day and time that your PSA will start playing.
___ You have listened to or watched the station for the first airing to make sure your PSA is shown (and that it is shown correctly).
___ You have followed up by sending a thank you note and, if you can, some small token of your gratitude.
___ You understand that the best way to judge effectiveness is to request a specific action, and then to monitor the actions taken
___ You have tried to use the PSA to get more extensive media coverage, such as a media story on your work, or being a guest on a panel show, or possibly being able to do a radio editorial or getting editorial reply time.