Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) Patient Education and Support Meeting

Public Service Announcement - Script Template  

      PRC-­‐1824  

What  is  a  Public  Service  Announcement  (PSA)?   A  public  service  announcement  (PSA)  is  a  free  advertisement  that  broadcasts  a  public  cause,  event  or  other  important  information.  This  short  radio  advertising  spot  is  approximately  15  to  60  seconds  long  and  is  played  for  free  as  a  service  to  the  community.      A  PSA  is  a  way  to  promote  larger  reoccurring  IPF  group  meetings  or  patient  forums.  A  patient  forum  is  a  presentation  to  a  larger  audience.  These  may  happen  less  often  and  take  place  in  person  or  online.      If  you  would  rather  lead  a  smaller  local  support  group,  a  PSA  may  not  be  necessary.      Creating  a  PSA  All  radio  stations  or  newspapers  are  different  and  they  may  have  different  guidelines  for  PSAs,  so  it’s  important  to  contact  your  local  radio  stations  or  newspaper  to  familiarize  yourself  with  their  preferences.  There  are  three  basic  ways  to  get  a  PSA  aired  or  printed:  

1.  Provide  a  pre-­‐recorded  PSA  2.  Provide  a  PSA  script  3.  Provide  information    Getting  Your  PSA  on  Air  or  in  Print  

• What  are  the  radio  stations  /  newspapers  in  your  community?  • Who  is  the  right  person  to  contact?    

• It’s   important   to   get   in   touch  with   the   right  person  at   each   station  or  newspaper.  Their  title  may  be  different  for  each  organization,  but  you’re  looking  for  the  person  responsible  for  airing  or  printing  PSAs.  If  at  first  you  don’t  succeed,  ask  the  staff  to  help  you  find  the  right  person.    

• What  should  I  ask?  • Ask   if   they   accept   PSAs   and   ask   about   their   PSA   process.   Would   they   prefer   a  

recorded  PSA,  a  written  PSA  or  would  they   like  to  create  one   in  collaboration  with  you?  

• Should  I  follow  up?  • Absolutely.   If   you   don’t   hear   back   from   the   station   or   newspaper,   call   or  write   to  

gently  remind  them  that  you  made  contact.  If  you  don’t  succeed,  don’t  give  up!  Let  them   know   that   you’re   ready   to   work   with   them   when   PSA   airtime   becomes  available.  

 Sample  PSA  Script:    Idiopathic  Pulmonary  Fibrosis  or  IPF  is  a  progressive  and  severe  lung  disease  involving  scarring  of  your  lungs,  which  often  happens  without  a  known  cause.  If  you,  a  friend,  or  a  family  member  has  IPF,  please  join  us  on  (insert  date)  at  (insert  location)  for  a  free  education  and  support  session.  You  are  not  alone.  Meet  others  living  with  IPF  and  share  your  story.  For  more  information  please  visit  (insert  website)  or  call  (insert  phone  number).