How to Write Your Radio PSA and How to Get Your PSA On the Air

SAY WHAT?

Have an event, issue, accomplishment or cause to shout from the rooftops? Don't bother. Instead, ride the waves. The radio airwaves, that is.

Create a radio PSA (Public Service Announcement). There's less climbing involved, and you'll reach more people.

Download the COAHSi (Council on the Arts & Humanities for Staten Island) guide: "How to Write Your Radio PSA and How to Get Your PSA On the Air." That Assistance in Marketing guide, and other valuable content, are downloadable at StatenIslandArts.org >> Professional Development Resources. Although targeted to Staten Island artists, these resources are universally applicable.

WHAT ELSE?

COAHSi's guide is excellent, but I'll add these caveats:

• Airtime for non-profit PSAs is not always free; some radio stations and producers charge fees to air PSAs, although non-profits may qualify for discounts.


• PSAs are only means of getting broadcasat exposure. In fact, radio profiles, on-air interviews, infomercials, and regular, sponsored "tips" (such as those USPS sponsors on the Lisa Tolliver Show) garner more airtime than PSAs and may include interactions with listeners.

Want airtime on my radio shows? :

• First, visit - LisaTolliver.com to review the programming information and audience demographics.


• Then - Contact me:

Email - ltolliver AT 360meridian DOT com,

Telephone or fax - (01) 309 279 7528,

Or Send Mail to - 360 MERIDIAN, LLC, 648 Central Park Avenue, Scarsdale, NY 10583-2512 1 Wolfs Lane, Box 655, Pelham, NY 10803-9998 USA.

• Although I cannot guarantee airtime to everyone who requests it, I will review all pitches.

NOW WHAT?

If you like what you see at COHASi's website, StatenIslandArts.org, why not submit a contribution? COHASi (promounced "ko-see," like "go see" with a "k") is a non-profit organization with the mission "to develop, foster and promote the arts, cultural and humanities activities on Staten Island."

Similarly, if you like my work on air, online or on demand, why not support my creative, educational and cultural productions? They are made possible, in part, by support from The Field (dba Performance Zone: a non-profit arts service organization; they grow art!), USPS (they deliver!) and 360 MERIDIAN (they’re all around world class!).

IMPORTANT NOTES: Since I am a sponsored artist, contributions, donations and other support addressed to “The Field in care of Lisa Tolliver” are tax deductible. Sponsorship dollars qualify for matching funds, too, which can double, even triple, your money! Now THAT's worth shouting from the rooftops airwaves.

[See mini-podcast: "Give me a hand (or two)."]###

"10 Tips on How to Cultivate Relationships with Editors" actually addresses all media gatekeepers

Friends, readers, courters of the press: lend me your ears. I come not to bury Elizabeth Kirwin's article, but to raise the volume on it.

Today I ran across her two-year old, but timeless article: How to Cultivate Relationships with Editors >> Creative Weblogging. The intro says: "If you are an aspiring writer, or you simply want to augment your professional qualifications by publishing material related to your field of expertise, listen up."

I did. Here's my reaction.

The article is worth "hearing." Too bad the title and introduction muffle its important message by addressing a narrow audience.

Firstly, the title talks about courting editors. But Ms. Kirwin's excellent advice actually addresses all media gatekeepers, including those who work on air and online as well as in print.

Then the intro hails writers and professionals. It doesn't bespeak the article's value to others seeking a media mouthpiece. Consequently, large pockets of people, ranging from under-served populations requiring help to give voice to important issues, to purveyors of stupid, but potentially popular, pet tricks, could easily miss Ms. Kirwin's words of wisdom.

That would be a pity. Her ten tips should be shouted from mountaintops.

Maybe this post will help them get heard.

I hope so. Teaching as many people as possible to "come correct"(ly) to editors, producers, bookers, publishers and talk-variety show hosts would be a triple win. The benefits would spread like yodels through the Alps, benefitting those seeking media coverage, media gatekeepers who are open to good stories that are barely audible above a din of poor pitches, and media consumers.