TV Channel Re-Distribute Annoucements For American Library Campaign

From: Managing Information, UK - Jun 10, 2004

ABC Television Network in America will make its newest television public service announcements (PSAs) produced on behalf of The Campaign for America's Libraries available via satellite to all of its 193 affiliates on Monday, June 7 and Monday, June 14.

The American Library Association has urged librarians to follow up with local public service directors the week of June 7 to encourage them to take the PSAs off the satellite feed and use them in local broadcasts.

Distributed originally to affiliates in April and made part of the network rotation in May, the spots are being re-fed to affiliates as a way to encourage library use this summer.

The PSAs feature primetime stars talking about the importance of families reading together and libraries. They are part of the network's "A Better Community" series and reflect an ongoing relationship between ABC and the American Library Association (ALA) that began in 2001.

The PSAs feature Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon ("NYPD Blue"), Camryn Manheim ("The Practice"), Constance Marie ("George Lopez"), Sara Rue ("Less Than Perfect"), and Shoshannah Stern ("Threat Matrix"). Stern, who is deaf, presents her PSA entirely in sign language. The end of each PSA is tagged with "The Campaign for America's Libraries" and the American Library Association Web address.

To assist librarians in reaching out to local stations, the campaign has posted an online tipsheet on its Web site at www.ala.org/@yourlibrary. It includes ideas for working with local television public service directors now and throughout the year, as well as contact information for local ABC stations. The PSAs are not available for use on other networks or on cable outlets.

Libraries are encouraged to let the ALA Public Information Office know if their local stations are airing the spots. Send email to: atyourlibrary@ala.org or call 800-545-2433, ext. 4020.

© 2004 Managing Information