Contacting and Distributing the PSA to local TV and Cable Stations
and ordering Beta-SP and/or Mini DV Tapes

If you decide to do this, contact your local TV network or cable stations and ask for the name and number of the Program Director.  The Program Director or the contact he/she provides will be the person who you will work with to get the PSA on the air. Make sure the station understands who you represent and the importance of this PSA’s message when you contact them.  

NHPCO has created a page that providers can share with local media as you reach out to ask for airtime (download this PDF). It helps the broadcaster understand the intention and the importance of this PSA. Additionally, if providers have already downloaded the PC or MAC compatible file from www.itmustbelove.org to their computers, they can share this file as a preview of the PSA to local broadcasters. Remember, the PC or MAC compatible file cannot be used for broadcast.

Versions of the PSA play 60 seconds and 30 seconds; additionally, versions running 55 seconds and 25 seconds have been created to use with sponsors. An additional five seconds would be added to the 55 and 25 second versions with the five seconds used to recognize the sponsor/advertiser. This method has worked successfully for many non-profit organizations that are unable to pay for broadcast time on their own. 

TV stations prefer 15 and 30 second PSAs while our preferred version is 60 seconds long, with the 30 second cut also available.  While longer time slots are harder to secure, it is worth the additional effort due to the impact these PSAs have when they are played. If the station says they have no time slots available, tell them you will try again later and ask if there is a good time to call. You may need to be persistent and keep contacting them – again, stress the value of helping educate the community about hospice care. 

You may want to wait and purchase the PSA tape(s) once a broadcaster has agreed to air the PSA. This is the time to check what format is preferred by the broadcaster – Beta-SP or Mini DV.

These tapes may have the national tag which references NHPCO and directs viewers to www.itmustbelove.org for more information. Or you can have the tapes customized with your organization or coalition’s logo and tag line and/or Web site address. NHPCO has selected a vendor to do this customization for you. This vendor has also been active in the pre-production work for the PSA and is committed to helping us get this PSA out to stations across the country. These tapes should be ordered through NHPCO Marketplace. Once the order has been placed, the vendor will communicate with you to get the necessary information for customization. 

Complete order information and pricing will be available within the next several days.

*MAKE SURE YOU CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL NETWORK TO CONFIRM THEY CAN USE A BETA SP OR MINI DV TAPE.