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Promoting A.B.A.T.E.

Public Services Announcements

To get your foot in the door there are a number of questions that you need to ask.

Radio:

  • What format does the station require? Live interview spots, prerecorded messages, scripts for their personnel to read?

  • How long should the PSAs (Public Service Announcement) last? 10, 20, 30, 40, or 60 seconds?

  • Will the station Provide production services, such as sound effects or background music? Should you bring tapes?

  • Who will write the copy? Should you submit the information, or attempt to write a script that the producers will then edit?

  • How much lead time (time between first notice and requested airdate) do they require? Two weeks or longer?

Television:

  • Who will appear on screen - you or the announcer?

  • Do you need to prepare a script or will the station take your information and do the writing?

  • Will the station want to dramatize your message?

  • Will the station provide production services such as remote film crews, studio effects, graphics?

  • Can they use 8x10 matte finish photographs? Should you restrict pictures to just horizontal images?

Talk Show or Interview Guests - Radio or TV

  • How long will you be on the air?

  • Does the host/interviewer need preparatory material, such as info sheets, biographic sketch, copy of book or pamphlet, list of questions and answers?

Media Kits

A comprehensive media/press kit provides the media with specific information on your Motorcycle Safety Month promotions, to promote an event or your Chapter. Media/press kits need to be clear, concise and simple in terms of content and layout. Media kits should be sent to the Assignment or Managing Editor of daily newspapers, the Editor in Chief of smaller papers, and public service or news directors of television and radio stations. Be sure to send your kit at least two weeks prior to the beginning of your activities.

Components of your media/press kit may include:

  • News release - including contact names for questions

  • Specific information and schedules of special promotions and events

  • Significance statistics - number of motorcycle deaths and injuries is your state, including percentage of crashes attributed to car and other vehicle drivers

  • Fact sheets

  • Common questions and answers

  • Feature article material

  • Photos