Regarding Public Service Announcements....

I have a potential PSA I'm considering for a certain 501(c)(3). There is a chance that an actress I worked with a few years ago might be willing to join the project.

I'm interested in finding out the proper way to distribute a PSA and how the tracking through Nielson for example, is set-up.

Anyone in the forum have experience in this area?

I believe I can get some crew to donate some time and possibly a studio can give some time..BUT maybe I can locate a sponsor to help cover some of the costs like the distribution of it all, not to mention the duplication of the project to send out, flight for the actress, etc. It's not a project that can be produced totally at no cost.

Does anyone know of any resources on the subject?

Thank you.

As far as distribution, it depends on the market that you want to reach. The last few times I used Comcast, they have varying rates depending on what market you want to target and times you want it to (generally) run. You might even consider their On Demand service I'm not sure if that would be what you want though, that's pretty small exposure for PSAs. Comcast can set up the tracking as well (at extra charge of course). You can also contact a TV ad agency, they may be willing to do this at a reduced rate depending on who and what is involved and how it affects them.

For sponsorships see if there are businesses within the 501c3 that may want to contribute through the 501c3 (to get tax right-off) toward this project. I've gotten a lot of funds towards my budget that way!

Resources: The Ad Council http://www.adcouncil.org/default.aspx?id=15
Check out some other non-profits and how they did theirs, if there are other organizations in your area how they did theirs... each region seems to be different in how they are run.

Doug,

Thank you for this very helpful information. I'll check into Comcast and the Ad Council website.

The organization that I spoke to briefly is a Hispanic oriented organization that I believe might have access to some outside funds. The idea of producing a PSA is just an idea at this point. At this point I don't even have a budget for it or know what it would run but fact gathering right now to get input and see what my options are in case they decide to have a PSA produced.

Thank you again,
Lisa