How to Write a PSA Script

Public radio and television stations are required to donate a certain amount of time to running Public Service Announcements (PSAs). PSAs are advertisements that announce community events or charity events, or support not-for-profit organizations. They are similar to press releases, but they are not as detailed.

Capture the attention of your audience by making the ad relevant to them at the beginning of the announcement. Ask questions or make brief points that will help the audience identify with the cause of your organization or event. For example, "Have you ever known anyone who has been the victim of a drunk driving accident? A friend, a relative, an old high school acquaintance?"

List the essential information listeners or viewers need to know. Think about who should attend or get involved, what it's about, where it's happening or where the business is located, when and why. Give directions or a point of reference for an event location. For example, "located next to Wal-Mart on the strip."

Use emotion to encourage the audience to get involved. Choose words that describe how the audience, or those benefiting from the charitable event, will feel as a result of their participation. For example, "Your decision to quit smoking won't only leave you feeling free and in control, but your family will benefit from having you in their lives for many more years."

Call the audience to action. Do you want them to make a monetary contribution, attend an event or volunteer their time? Maybe you want the audience to quit smoking or teach their children to look both ways before crossing the street. Make it clear what you expect the audience to do after listening to your message.

Include contact information, such as a name and phone number, or a website address where people can get more information. Repeat information that's difficult to remember, such as the phone number or website address.

Read your script out loud and have someone time you. Some stations air only 10-second public service announcements, while others will air 30- or 60-second messages. Adjust your script accordingly.

Tip

Have someone critique you when you practice reading your script out loud. While you may have a professional radio announcer actually read the script on the air, you still want to be sure your script reads smoothly within the allotted time.