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)."]###

The pod people are coming! Come join us.

The pod people are coming! And I'm one of 'em. Come join us at summer camp on July 28, 2007. We'll be pitching tents at PodCamp City Online, the virtual “un-conference” about everything podcasting.

1. WHEN IS IT? - July 28, 2007 from 9:00 AM – 9:30 P.M., Eastern Time.

2. WHERE IS IT? - PodCamp City Online is, well, online. You can register access information and participate at the PodCamp City Online wiki. NOTE: webcam owners who intend to participate in the underwear should first read: WHAT HAPPENS AT PODCAMP STAYS AT PODCAMP, SORT OF.)

3. WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE? Anyone interested in podcasting, from beginners to experts, from tire-kickers to techno-geeks. In particular, I invite members and friends of The Field and SCORE: Counselors to America's Small Business who have something to say, show, sell or learn – that means YOU! - to participate in sessions we are hosting.

4. WHAT ARE PODCASTS? Anyone who asks really should attend PodCamp City Online! Good defnitions are available at Yahoo! Podcasts and at Podcast –Wikipedia.

5. WHAT IS A PODCAMP? – PodCamp.pbwiki.com states:

A PodCamp is a FREE BarCamp-style community UnConference for podcasters and listeners, bloggers and readers, and anyone interested in New Media. The first PodCamp was held September 8-10, 2006 in Boston, Massachusetts. PodCamps are now being held worldwide.

You do NOT need to be a podcaster to attend a PodCamp. If you're interested in podcasting or blogging, if you're a podsafe musician (or want to be), or just someone curious about podcasting and new media, then please join us -- and bring a friend or colleague.

6. WHAT HAPPENS AT PODCAMPS? PodCamps (in New Media parlance) are “meet-ups” by the pod-people, for the pod-people, where everyone from tire-kickers to techno-geeks participate in panel discussions, seminars, demonstrations, chat fests, and meet-and-greets. Most live sessions are interactive.

7. WHAT CAN PERFORMING ARTISTS LEARN AT PodCamp City Online? Come learn how podcasting can promote you and your work, build and engage stakeholders, raise funds, and sell tickets and wares. (Yep, there can be gold in them thar podcasting hills.)

8. WHAT IS THE PodCamp City Online ITINERARY? You can access scheduled sessions and add new sessions at the PodCamp City Online wiki. Learn about how to participate in The Field’s sessions below.

9. WHAT IS THE FIELD DOING FOR PodCamp City Online?

• Hosting Sessions and Artist Showcases: The Field’s Membership Director Patricia Burgess and member/multimedia artist Lisa Tolliver have “pitched tents” to host interviews, case studies, and show-and-tell sessions with members and friends of The Field. They invite you to join them.
• Transforming The Field’s members into pod-people. Lisa Tolliver offers seminars on Harnessing the Power of the World-Wide Web and on The Power of Pocdcasting. She can also help create your pod-presence before (and after) PodCamp City Online. She is offering special rates for The Field’s members. Contact her at ltolliver AT 360meridian.com.

10. HOW CAN MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF THE FIELD PARTICIPATE IN PodCamp City Online?

• Be a voyeur and voyear: watch and listen.
• Be an active audience member: ask questions, get answers, get noticed, and network.
• Be a session leader.
• Be featured in a case study, interview or feedback session.
• All of the above!

11. HOW CAN ONE GET FEATURED IN THE FIELD’S PodCamp City Online SESSIONS?
Send an email to patricia AT thefield DOT org and copy ltolliver AT 360meridian DOT com.

• Include PodCamp City Online in the Subject Line.
• Provide the following information:
  

  .Your name, phone number and email address.
  .Your discipline.
  .Your company/tour name and website.
  .Brief description of your goals for the session (e.g., to get advice on how podcasting can help you, to obtain feedback and pointers for your podcast, to participate in a meet the artist interview, other – please specify).
  .URLs to relevant home page(S), blog(s), podcast(s),
  press kit(s), reviews, etc.
  .URLs to media you’d like to include in the
  session, e.g., photographs, videos, audio files.
  .The title of your podcast site, if you own one or want to create one.
  .Your preferred time to participate.

• After reviewing your materials, we’ll contact you to schedule your session and to discuss any other relevant, open items.

12. WHERE DO I REGISTER/LEARN MORE/CHECK IN? Visit the PodCamp City Online wiki.

13. WHAT HAPPENS AT PODCAMP STAYS AT PODCAMP, SORT OF. - - All PodCamp City Online sessions will be archived to permit on-demand access, in perpetuity, to the world, free of charge. They’ll be accessible at the PodCamp City Online wiki.

Support for Lisa Tolliver's creative, cultural and educational works is now tax-deductible!

It's now easier than ever to become my patron of arts, culture and education.
(Click here or read on.)

Support for my creative, cultural and educational works is now tax-deductible! In April 2007, I became the first sponsored artist at The Field (d.b.a. Performance Zone) who works in electronic (broadcasting and digital) media. Come see what I do (visit lisatolliver.com to access my bio, credentials, portfolio and more)!

The Field grows art. The not-for-profit, tax-exempt, 501 (c) (3) organization serves the New York City performing arts community. Contributions to artists through The Field are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. (Read on to learn how to double, even triple your contribution funds, at no additional cost to you!)

For more information about The Field contact: The Field, 161 Sixth Avenue, New York, NY 10013, (212) 691-6969, fax: (212) 255-2053, email info@thefield.org. A copy of The Field's latest annual report may be obtained, upon request, from The Field or from the Office of the Attorney General, Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271.

Why that's "deep." Air's free for breathing, but not for broadcasting. (On air time is charged by the minute.) Moreover, it takes a boatload of resources to produce broadcasts, new media, multimedia cultural projects, exhibits, courses and appearances.

Come make a splash with me! Support my "four-eyed" productions (whose mission is to inform, instruct, intrigue and inspire listeners). Here's how:

• Follow the directions below (or here) to make donations and/or purchase advertising.
• Become my media partner; sponsor topical tips and content.

Cash or charge? You can contribute in several ways:

• 
  
  By mailing a check, money order or travellers check:

1. Make checks money orders and travellers checks out to: The Field.
2. 
   
   Write "Lisa Tolliver/360 MERIDIAN" in the memo line.
   Mail checks, money orders and travellers checks to:
   360 MERIDIAN, LLC
   Attn: Lisa Tolliver, Principal
   648 Central Park Avenue, #405 New York, USA 10583-2512 26 First Street, PO Box 8549 Pelham, NY 10803 USA

• By phone: dial 212-691-6969, Extension 22
• 
  
  By fax*: access this Donation Fax Form
• 
  
  Online*: Click here (www.thefield.org/t-sponsoranartist.aspx).

* Enter Artist's Name (required): Lisa Tolliver. Enter Artist's Group/Company Name (optional): 360 MERIDIAN, LLC.

Double (or triple) your money! Many organizations offer matching gift programs, which also make contributions tax deductible.Forms can be obtained from your company’s Matching Gift Administrator, and then mailed to us with your donation.
Questions? E-mail ltolliver AT 360meridian DOT com, or contact the 360 MERIDIAN at: (01) 646.53.LisaT.

Click here to contribute now.###

Tomorrow's 'Lisa Tolliver Show' features DRESS FOR SUCCESS and the DARIO VACCARO DANCE PROJECT

Come turn us on! Hear and share in to tomorrow's Lisa Tolliver Show from noon-12:30 PM, Eastern Time.

Make a splash with us! Tune in New York Radio WVOX 1460 AM, listen live online at www.wvox.com, or hear and share via telephone call-in line: (01) 914.636.0110. If you're listening, we're listening. Talk with us!

Here's who's making waves:

• Lisa Tolliver Show Arts & Culture Correspondent Patricia Burgess (the musician/composer is also Creative Director of WATER MOON ARTS). She deserves to be heard!
  
• DRESS FOR SUCCESS Bronx Regional Director, Regina Howard. What a suitable guest!


• DARIO VACCARO DANCE PROJECT Founder, dancer/choreographer Dario Vaccaro. He's one moving dude!###

Air's free for breathing, but not for broadcasting. Did you know: you can now support my "four-eyed" broadcasts (whose mission is to inform, instruct, intrigue and inspire listeners) tax free? To contribute or purchase advertising now, click here.

A word for my sponsors: today's show was made possible, in part, by support from The Field (they grow art!) and USPS (they deliver!).

My next broadcasts will be back-to-back on Wednesday, June 27:

• 11:30 AM - Noon, Eastern Time: SCORE RADIO: COUNSELORS TO AMERICA'S SMALL BUSINESS. Visit my SCORE profile.
• Noon - 12:30 PM, Eastern Time: THE LISA TOLLIVER SHOW. Who's Lisa Tolliver?

ON AIR: I was silenced by laryngitis, so guests Tanya Calamoneri and Patricia Burgess of The Field interviewed each other

As I wrote in "ON TV: One monkey(wrench) don't stop no show - exhibit A is Jackie Warner," if you've really got the goods, you don't always have to flash them. Jackie - sans samples - muscled her way, verbally and conceptually, through what should have been a show-and-tell for her new clothing line.

In contrast, I was everything but verbal during yesterday's Lisa Tolliver Show on New York Radio WVOX 1460 AM and www.wvox.com. Silenced by laryngitis, I was a talk show host who couldn't talk. Nevertheless, I had the goods: one solid set of talking points and two great guests: Tanya Calamoneri and Patricia Burgess of The Field. Combining those critical ingredients made for a darned good show (if I say so myself).

The Lisa Tolliver Show listener who sent the following email message agreed. His subject line read: "Good Show!"

Hey Lisa. At least you had one chatterbox there. I could hear you but it was kinda painful to listen to. A good show all in all.

I appreciated the feedback. As painful as it might have been to hear the few lines I croaked out, it was more painful to speak. Talking was, for me yesterday, a classic case of "this is going to hurt me more than it hurts you."

About yesterday's featured guests and non-profit organization:

Tanya Calamoneri is a teacher, performer and choreographer. She is also the Co-Director and Manager, Sponsored Artist Program at The Field. Her bio at TheField.org shares:

Tanya Calamoneri came to New York after nearly a decade of working in the San Francisco Bay Area arts scene as an arts administrator and performer. Among her roles, she was Executive Director of Dancers’ Group, a Co-Director at 848 Community Space and Temescal Arts Center, Founding Faculty Member of the Experimental Performance Institute at New College, and a company member of InkBoat, a Butoh performance company, and Kim Epifano’s Epiphany Productions. In New York, she has helped found Studio 111, and is a member of The Fifth Floor, so.go.no. and CavEnsemble performance companies.

Patricia Burgess is a composer, saxophonist and multimedia artist. She is also Creative Director, Watermoon Arts, as well as Manager, Membership at The Field. (I first met her in March, when I attended Patricia's orientation for Sponsored Artists at The Field). Her short bio at Watermoon Arts.com shares:

Patricia Burgess is a composer, producer and musician. Her works include the opera, The Dream of the Four Directions, produced off-Broadway, and music for theater classics including Hamlet, Trojan Women, and The Seagull. Collaborations with theater writer and director Ariane Smith include an original score for Lysistrata-The Human Cartoon which played in New York for nine months and The Decameron, which ran on Theater Row for Toontheatre Co. She also scored The Venus Cycle, produced by the Tribeca Performing Arts Center. Burgess studied classical composition with Dominick Argento, jazz performance with Ruben Haugen and Joe Viola, world music with Jerry Granelli, and computer music with Charles Dodge and Brad Garton; she also worked with the Art Ensemble of Chicago in the study of new music. She served as Resident Composer for the Independent Theater Company of New York.

The Field is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is:

to serve independent performing artists on a completely non-exclusive basis. This means that everything we do is open to artists from all aesthetic viewpoints, cultural backgrounds, and levels of development. Our priority is to create a climate where risk-taking and originality are championed, and where the broadest range of voices are included. Field programs are affordable, accessible, and rigorous. To support independent performing artists, The Field's programs are directed toward the creation of new work and its dissemination.

In terms of creation, The Field: assists artists in making clear, cogent work through peer-oriented feedback groups;

• produces performance festivals focused on the exhibition of new work;
• sends artists on retreats at arts colonies such as White Oak (FL) and Earthdance (MA) to create new material and developnew collaborations;
• provides free rehearsal and performance space grants in the FAR Space, our new Chelsea gallery district studio.

Tanya and Patricia described the programs and resources offered by The Field, the benefits enjoyed by the organization's 600 or so members, the Field Network, and other organizations with which The Field has strategic alliances, e.g., Freelancer's Union, Fractured Atlas and Materials for the Arts.

According to my guests, these are some artist must-haves:

• a calendar to keep track of funding opportunties and residencies,
• a clear mission statement, artist's statement and boilerplate for use with proposals and promotional materials,
• and resources such as those listed here.

And now, some messages from our sponsors:

The May 9, 2007 Lisa Tolliver Show was made possible, in part, through the sponsorship of The Field, and with funding provided by 360 MERIDIAN (they're all around world class!), Dee Hargrove (she's the best!), and USPS (they deliver!).

The USPS messages shared in today's show addressed the USPS Help Stamp Out Hunger campaign, and Click 'N Ship options for Mother's Day.

On May 6, many New Yorkers were caught between a run and some round places

Sunday, May 6 was a big day for many New Yorkers. Thousands of athletes, sports spectators and drivers within the New York metro area were affected. Whether picking from among the 35th annual Long Island Marathon, the 30th annual Five Boro Bike Tour, or the Yankees-Mariners Major League Baseball game to participate in or watch, or plotting a path of least resistance among the traffic-jammed down-state arteries, countless people were caught between a run and some round places.

The run, specifically the Long Island Marathon, started near and ended at one of my favorite sites in Nassau County (Eisenhower Park , formerly known as Salisbury Park). According to Wikipedia, the annual, 26.2-mile foot-race "was first run in 1970 as the "Earth Day Marathon" and was "renamed the Long Island Marathon in 1978." A half marathon (13.1 miles) was added in 1984 and a 10K run was added this year "to encourage greater participation in the event by providing a less vigorous run and one in which families can take part."

"2007 RexCorp Long Island Marathon Date Set for May 6" reports:

For the first time in its history, the marathon weekend will also incorporate a family-friendly "Kids’ Fun Run" at the Mitchel Athletic Complex as well as a "Museum Row Family Festival." Both activities are in the "Hub" area by the Nassau Coliseum.

Despite my fondness for Eisenhower Park, if I hadn't had to teach a course, and then go to bed to nurse a bug, I'd have made the rounds in the Five Boro Bike Tour. Bike New York says it's "the largest recreational cycling event in America." The proof is in the pedaling: 30,000 registered riders geared up to cyle around the 42-mile, traffic-free circuit around Manhattan, da Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island.

Northwest of Nassau County, the New York Yankees were hosting the Seattle Mariners at "the House that Ruth Built." The Yankees-Mariners Major League Baseball game at Yankee Stadium in da Bronx was probably the most-watched of the events, what with its capacity of 57,545 and international news and sports coverage, including MLB multimedia.

I didn't watch any of the events live, but was affected nonetheless - all the way up in Westchester County - by the resulting traffic tie-ups along the New York State Thruway System and its tributaries. I let radio traffic reports guide me and tried to be cool, calm and collected.

Traffic was not all that was congested. . Fortunately, my trusty tissue box and I reached our destination promptly and I kept my cool - and my voice - until class ended. Ironically, though, when I shut the books and doused the lights, my voice shut off, too.

Never fear, I'll lick the laryngitis by any means necessary; certainly no later than high noon on my next big day (Wednesday, May 9). That's when I'll interview dancer-teaching artist Tanya Calamoneri, Co-Director and Manager, Sponsored Artist Program and Co-Director of (Performance Zone, dba) The Field. Join us on the Lisa Tolliver Show on New York Radio WVOX 1460 AM and wvox.com.

PHOTO CREDITS:

Top Left: Commerce Bank Five Boro Bike Tour Logo.

Middle Right: Nassau County of Parks, Recreation and Museums. Caption: "The magnificent Veterans Memorial in Eisenhower Park pays tribute to those who have served the country."

Bottom Left: Yankee stadium exterior.jpg accessed at Yankee Stadium - Wikipedia.

Bottom Right: The Field logo.###