WSLR PSA Guidelines and Submission Policy

What is a Public Service Announcement (PSA)?

A PSA is a brief, unpaid message that promotes programs, activities, or services of non-profit organizations, government entities, or other initiatives that serve the public interest. PSAs are subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) guidelines and WSLR policies to maintain a non-commercial tone and serve the community effectively.

Our Commitment to Community Service

At WSLR, we dedicate a minimum of two PSAs per hour as part of our mission to serve and uplift the community. These announcements provide valuable airtime to non-profit organizations and initiatives, ensuring that listeners stay informed about events, programs, and messages that benefit the public. This is a key element of our community service and reflects our commitment to being a trusted resource for local information.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a PSA on WSLR, PSAs must be for a non-profit or public interest initiative.

Not Accepted:

• Private events, fundraisers, or recurring meetings (unless featuring a notable speaker/artist).
• Religious events (unless concerts/lectures of general interest).
• For-profit company events.

Submission Process

All submissions must be made online or via email.

Preferred Method: Online Form

Fill out the PSA Submission Form on the WSLR website. The form is designed to collect all necessary details in one place for ease of processing.

Alternative: Email

Send submissions to psa@wslr.org with the subject line: “PSA Submission: [Event or Initiative Name].”

Required Information for Submissions

To ensure your PSA is considered, include the following:

For Event-Focused PSAs:

1. Event Details:
   • Name of the event
   • Sponsoring organization
   • Date(s) and time(s)
   • Location (including street address)
   • A concise description of the event (1-2 sentences)
2. Pronunciation:
   • Provide phonetic guidance for any unusual names.
3. Contact Information:
   • Name of contact person
   • Phone number and email
4. Website or Resource Link: Include a website or social media link for further information.
5. Deadline: Submissions must be received at least two weeks before the event date.

For General PSAs:

1. Message Details:
   • A clear and concise description of the message (e.g., community awareness, public safety, or educational campaigns)
   • The purpose and intended audience of the message.
2. Organization Information:
   • Name of the sponsoring organization
   • Mission or purpose (if not self-evident)
3. Contact Information:
   • Name of contact person
   • Phone number and email
4. Website or Resource Link: Include a website or social media link for further information.
5. Deadline: Submissions must be received at least two weeks before the desired air date.

WSLR PSA Formatting and Language Guidelines for Volunteers

PSA copy should be:

1. Concise:
   • 15-second script: 35-40 words.
   • Optional: 25-second script (50-60 words).
2. Non-Commercial:
   • Avoid promotional language like “Join us!” or “Don’t miss out!”
   • Use neutral phrasing such as “More information can be found at…”
3. Accurate and Clear:
   • Double-check all details, including dates, times, and contact information.
   • Use complete sentences and avoid jargon.
4. Closing Line:
   • End with: “More information can be found at [website] or by calling [phone number].”

Text Formatting for Volunteers

To ensure PSAs are clear and professional, please follow these formatting guidelines:

1. File Format: Submit PSAs as a Google Doc.
2. Font and Spacing:
   • Use 12-point Arial or Times New Roman.
   • Double-space the text for readability.
3. Sentence Structure:
   • Write in complete sentences using plain language.
   • Avoid abbreviations unless widely recognized.
4. Length:
   • 15-second PSA: 35-40 words.
   • Optional 25-second PSA: 50-60 words.
5. Phonetic Spelling:
   • Provide phonetic guidance for unusual names or terms (e.g., “Smithsonian” as “Smith-SO-nee-un”).
6. Closing Line:
   • End with: “More information can be found at [website] or by calling [phone number].”

Prohibited Content

WSLR will not air PSAs that:

• Promote fundraising for any organization (including ticket prices or “free” events).
• Advocate for or against political issues or candidates.
• Include comparative language (e.g., “best,” “finest”) or prices.
• Promote religious doctrines or ideologies.
• Mention individuals in political office or senior government positions.

Example PSA

BRASS ENSEMBLE

THE SMITHSONIAN BRASS ENSEMBLE WILL PERFORM WORKS BY BACH AND PAULUS ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, AT 8 P.M. IN THE TUCKER COMMUNITY CENTER. MORE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT 770-939-0000.

Timing: 15 seconds

For questions or assistance, please contact psa@wslr.org. We look forward to supporting your community initiatives!