How to Write Radio Public Service Announcements for Radio

• 1). Contact the local station(s) to which the PSA will likely be sent. Request information about their specific requirements, restrictions and limitations. Most will provide a hard copy of this information, along with a sample PSA.
  
  
• 2). Ascertain the length of the PSA option (30-, 60-, 90-second spots) into which the organization or business fits.
  
  
• 3). Write down the key points that must be covered with the PSA. Always try to answer the obvious questions of who, what, when, where, why and how.
  
  
• 4). Decide how to best capture the audience's attention at the beginning of the PSA. This can be done with humor or a quotation, by asking a question, making a thought-provoking statement, by sharing a fact, or any other method that will make the audience want to listen. That will become the first part of the PSA.
  
  
• 5). Draft out the PSA with all of the components in place. Use words that will garner the public's attention and urge them to listen to the piece. Example: The Oklahoma Small Business Development Center provides free training and support in developing your company's business plan, a key component to obtaining a small-business loan. Join us on Saturday, June 10, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., at Northwestern State University at 2929 W. Broadway, Tulsa, Oklahoma, Room C. We will help you finalize and submit your business plan to the Small Business Administration or to local loan authorities. Your business is our business!
  
  
• 6). Time the drafted PSA to make certain that it fits within the timeframe allowed. If it doesn't, rewrite the PSA until it does.
  
  
• 7). Determine who will record the PSA, if the business or organization is required to provide their own "voice talent." If the radio station will record it, send them the PSA for final approval. If changes are required at the time of recording, perform the rewrite as suggested.