Third Annual Kicking Butts on Film (... and Radio!)

Submitting Your PSA to Local Television and Radio Stations

I created a PSA — what else can I do with it?
Your PSA can make an impact on others. Thousands of local television stations across the country accept public service announcements (PSA) promoting information for the public good. PSAs are intended to modify public attitudes by raising awareness about specific social issues just like ours.

Here are some suggestions and tips:

Ask around about local television and radio stations in your area — You may know some of them by name, but ask your family and friends what stations are in your area so you can begin contacting them.

Research contact information — Go online and search the Web for the specific television or radio stations that you wish to contact and write down their telephone numbers and Web sites. Many stations also include guidelines on their Web sites for PSA submissions.

Talk to the right person — Many television and radio stations have a PSA department that handles all PSA submissions. Usually the main person to get in touch with is called a PSA Director, Community Affairs Director, or Program Manager. If they don’t have a person by those titles, ask for the best person who handles PSA submissions.

Describe your PSA — Television and radio stations usually only accept PSAs from non-profit organizations. Begin your conversation with the PSA Director by describing that your PSA is for Kick Butts Day, an event organized through the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. Also, describe what is taking place in your video or radio PSA and give an overall description.

Ask for the preferred length — For the Kicking Butts on Film (…and Radio!) contest, you had to submit a 30 second PSA. Many stations accept 30 second PSAs; however, others require 10, 15, and 20 second PSAs and sometimes up to one minute long. Make sure find out the correct length before submitting your PSA.

Ask for the correct format — Stations vary in the types of formats they want a PSA to be submitted in. Some stations require Beta SP or DVC Pro formats while others accept submissions online or on a CD or DVD. Make sure to ask for the appropriate format and if they prefer to receive your PSA through the mail (hard copy) or online (attached file).

When is the deadline? — Contact the station and find out how far in advance they need your PSA. We suggest submitting your PSA a few weeks ahead of Kick Butts Day. Some stations require you to submit your PSA two to six weeks prior to an event. Other stations accept PSAs throughout the year regardless of a specific event, but make sure to plan accordingly if you are planning on submitting your PSA for Kick Butts Day.

When will I see my PSA? — Most stations broadcast PSAs early in the morning or very late at night. Ask the station to consider placing your PSA in an available day or prime time spot.

Be easy to contact — Make sure to include your contact information, regardless if you are submitting online or via the mail, and a description of your PSA. The PSA Director should contact you if the station plans on using your PSA, but make sure to keep their contact information on hand if you need to follow-up in the future.