Adapt these sample PSA scripts and send to local stations. Localizing them with any details of your Red Ribbon Week 2006 event and your phone number will increase the likelihood that a radio station will run the PSA. Call each station’s public service director in advance to learn guidelines for submitting PSAs. Making personal contact and introducing your organization will also increase the chances of your PSA receiving airtime.

PSAs usually need to be specific lengths. When editing PSAs, time them to fit the lengths preferred by the radio station. Use the format below and print the PSAs on your own letterhead. In addition to popular music radio stations, do not forget to try non-commercial, religious, or other public stations such as National Public Radio (NPR) affiliates. Public service directors like to receive scripts well in advance, often as much as 3 or 4 weeks before the start date of the event. Use this celebration as an opportunity to build a long-term relationship with your area’s public affairs directors, who can offer valuable publicity.

Note: Some stations expect exclusivity. When calling public service directors, determine which ones are most likely to support you, and concentrate on those. Some stations run a community events calendar. If you have a Red Ribbon Week 2006 activity, consider calling the public service director to find out about getting your event listed.

A thank you note afterward is a great way to lay the groundwork for getting other PSAs aired in the future.

Tips for Writing PSAs

• Submit announcements to the Public Service Director as far in advance as possible, but no less than 10 days in advance. Make sure releases are legible and on 8½" x 11" paper.
  
  
• Include all facts — the who, what, why, when, and where of your event. Be sure to give specific starting and ending dates.
  
  
• Use organization letterhead and put a contact name, address and telephone number on each release.
  
  
• Contact the Public Service Director at each station to ascertain their specifications regarding PSAs.
  
  
• Stick to the facts. Avoid superlatives, over-enthusiasm and acronyms or nicknames the general public may not be familiar with.
  
  
• Include a telephone number where people can get more information about your event. Provide any telephone numbers at least twice. Because this number will be used on the air, indicate any time restrictions.

Sample PSAs

1
From: Your Name
Your Organization
(123) 456-7890

START DATE: October 22, 2006
END DATE: October 29, 2006

:30

What are you willing to do to create a drug-free Texas? The Red Ribbon Committee of City Name invites you to support Red Ribbon Week by attending a Health Fair on Saturday, October 26, at the city park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come to the park to get your red ribbon and participate in fun-filled, drug-free activities.
For more information call Organization Name at (123) 456-7890, that’s (123) 456-7890.

2
From: Your Name
Your Organization
(123) 456-7890

START DATE: October 22, 2006
END DATE: October 29, 2006

:30

Want to protect your children from drugs? October 22-28 is Red Ribbon Week in Texas – a time to show your support for creating a drug-free community. Surveys show that children whose parents warn them about the dangers of alcohol and other drugs are less likely to use them. Talk to your child about drugs today, and pin on a red ribbon to demonstrate your commitment to supporting a drug-free lifestyle.
For more information call Organization Name at (123) 456-7890, that’s (123) 456-7890.

3
From: Your Name
Your Organization
(123) 456-7890

START DATE: October 22, 2006
END DATE: October 29, 2006

:30

Talk with your kids about drugs. No matter how young children are, talking with them is one of the best things you can do to help keep them drug free. Join parents, schools, and communities across Iowa in support of Red Ribbon Week, a national celebration of anti-drug education and drug abuse awareness. Free publications from Iowa Substance Abuse Information Center, offer important insights and resources for parents who want to help keep their kids drug free.

To learn more about Red Ribbon Week call Organization Name at (123) 456-7890, that’s (123) 456-7890.

Tag: A message from Organization Name and this station.

4
From: Your Name
Your Organization
(123) 456-7890

START DATE: October 22, 2006
END DATE: October 29, 2006

:30

Join parents, schools, and communities across Texas to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse by wearing a red ribbon from October 22 to 28. During Red Ribbon Week, Americans across the country participate in special activities in support of drug abuse prevention. For free information about Red Ribbon Week and a schedule of upcoming events, call Organization Name at (123) 456-7890, that’s (123) 456-7890.

Tag: A message from Organization Name and this station.

5
From: Your Name
Your Organization
(123) 456-7890

START DATE: October 22, 2006
END DATE: October 29, 2006

:30

Do you want to help protect your kids from drugs? Here are a few tips: Spend quality time with your kids, talk to them, and join parents, schools, and communities across Iowa in support of Red Ribbon Week from October 22 to 28. Take a stand against drug abuse, wear a red ribbon, and help keep Texas drug free. For information call Organization Name at (123) 456-7890, that’s (123) 456-7890.

Tag: A message from Organization Name and this station.

6
From: Your Name
Your Organization
(123) 456-7890

START DATE: October 22, 2006
END DATE: October 29, 2006

:15

Wear a red ribbon. Help keep our youth drug free. Join parents, schools, and communities across Iowa in support of Red Ribbon Week October 22-28, a national celebration of anti-drug education and drug abuse awareness. To learn more, call Organization Name at (123) 456-7890, that’s (123) 456-7890.

Tag: A message from Organization Name and this station.

7
From: Your Name
Your Organization
(123) 456-7890

START DATE: October 22, 2006
END DATE: October 29, 2006

:15

Wear a red ribbon October 22-28 in unity with Texans who are concerned about drug abuse. For free information about Red Ribbon Week and a schedule of upcoming events, call Organization Name at (123) 456-7890, that’s (123) 456-7890.

Tag: A message from Organization Name and this station.