Why Are PSAs Being Ignored?

[Goat Rodeo Cowboy]

The jock, if they are doing there job, can feel the music, can walk the ramp and hit the post with the beat of the track the are walking. It's all about flow for me. This, in my opinion, is what makes a stations sound GREAT and makes the station successful.

Fozzie, that is a great description of what you are trying to do. Those of us who worked in this business a number of years ago when an upcoming announcer sometimes had a freedom to experiment with things like you are describing know the thrill when it comes together and it flows, as you say.

I don't think "just anybody" can do a great job of the style you describe. It is a little bit like being an NFL quarterback or being a Top-Gun pilot. A bit like being a concert-grade musician. There are only so many available slots and not every college quarterback will have the level of skills to go on to the NFL. I assume there are more slots for broadcasters "who can flow" than there are NFL openings, but I think the number of stations that value what you do is a bit limited,..... but if you are good at it, go for it!!!!

Now, even if I have to restrict myself to Stop-sets or where ever the program elements do gather in that "dance" with your music flow, I still think I could make a fan of you with my plans on how to approach what we have always called PSAs. My first policy would be we don't call them PSAs. I have defined three distinct genre of 'verbal deliveries' that we have lumped together under the umbrella of PSAs and the three categories each cry out for delivery by a different set of "actors' which may or may not include the PROM QUEEN.

This whole thread started out with the question of why anyone would replace the PSAs in a network program with something local, commercial or PSA. My answer would be: If you sit down and define the purpose and legitimate use of 'announcements of public service' you might come up with different definitions and descriptions than my three, but none of the things I hear filling slots in network news and other programs on the network would fit any description I would agree to.

Fozzie: does you flow of music ever show in a web feed? Can I hear it somewhere?

 

[Stewy]

Many good points and ideas in this thread. If you've live jocks, this may work and keep from having the jocks accuse you of turning them into liner jocks. Once an hour coming out of a stop set on the programming clock (GRC can I'm sure design a good one for you) have the jock read live the psa, BUT you guys choose which one, rewrite them for a short delivery that fits the style of the station and delivery for which you are striving. Do the real local ones that really help someone and fit the listeners for your station(s). If done correctly the jocks will feel good doing them and they will endear the community. Don't list all the contact info and crap to be read on the air, just do the meat quickly and say for more info call (request line) and if/when someone calls the jock can give the contact info (more endearment).

 

[DouglasB]

Ever notice when a PSA (Public Service Annoucement) comes on during breaks on
network radio (and TV) talk shows, it's often "stepped in" by another ad?
I mean, many of these PSA's are very important at times. So why are radio and
TV stations are still doing this?

PSAs are "filler" from the network or a syndicated content provider. If the local outlet (tadio/tv station) has managed to sell a commercial, you'll see/hear that. If not, you get to learn all about global warming, the joys of venereal disease, and anything else the Ad Council has to offer. Remember, broadcasting is a business and not just an art form for PSA lovers. And I hope your rash clears up soon......