Writing a public service announcement is simple if you follow a few key guidelines.
A PSA, or public service announcement, is often confused with a press release. Although both have similar purposes---to gain the attention of the local media and community---the rules for writing each are different. The rules for writing a PSA can vary by the media outlet to which you are submitting the information, so make sure you request the individual outlet's rules before submitting the PSA. General guidelines to writing a PSA, however, do apply.
Instructions
1. Type "PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT" on the top line and centered in the middle of the paper. Capitalize all of the letters in the statement.
2. Add the date. Skip two lines after the Public Service Announcement statement and type in the date of the PSA. Type it out long hand, so it reads similar to October 18, 2010.
3. Type the contact information for the PSA. In block format, include the full name of the contact on the first line of the block. On the second line, include the phone number with the email address and fax number following on subsequent lines.
4. Add a headline. After the last line in the contact block, leave two blank lines and type the headline for the PSA in bold letters.
5. Type a short description of the information you want shared in the PSA. Skip down to the next line under the headline and write out a short description of the information you want the PSA to include. Remember to include the five major details that answers the questions who, what, when, where and why. Include what type of coverage you want---be it a calendar listing, TV commercial or radio spot.
6. End the PSA. To indicate that the PSA is finished, center three number signs (#) at the bottom of the one-page PSA. You can also simply write the word "End."
Tags: description information, description information want, information want, rules writing, service announcement, short description
