Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to your questions below
For any questions we might have missed, feel free to reach out to psacentral@adcouncil.org for general PSA Central questions or banners@adcouncil.org for digital asset questions. Thanks for your support, always!
General
How does the Ad Council distribute PSAs?
Here at the Ad Council, we want to make sure you have everything you need to get our PSAs out there. Through our emails, we distribute our TV, Radio, Magazine and Newspaper materials, all free and ready to run! We've also partnered with Extreme Reach to provide all Ad Council TV and Radio PSAs to Extreme Reach subscribers. In addition, we send out our PSA Catalog quarterly, PSA Calendar annually, and postcards for our new campaigns. Let us know at PSACentral@adcouncil.org if you'd like to sign up!
For more information, please check FAQs specific to your media type below.
For more information, please check FAQs specific to your media type below.
How do I stay up to date on new Ad Council PSAs?
When you register for PSACentral.org, there’s a checkbox to sign up for our email updates. Additionally, contact PSACentral@adcouncil.org to receive our printed materials. You can also regularly check PSA Central, which features new campaigns on the homepage and is easily sorted to what has most recently been released.
What is the cost of downloading PSAs?
All Ad Council PSAs are provided to the media free of charge. Broadcast-quality and production-quality tv, radio, newspaper, magazine and outdoor ads can be downloaded on PSA Central.
I'm an educator, how do I use your site to access PSAs?
Thanks for your interest in spreading our PSAs to your students. All of our available assets can be found in the "Our Work" section of our site. You can register with the site by selecting the "Educator" user type during the sign-up process. All PSAs will be available for your use, per the Terms of Use.
How do I download multiple assets/ads in bulk via the Download Center?
You can download multiple files at one time using our revamped Download Center tool. First, add all of the assets you want to the Download Center by clicking on the "plus" icon next to each asset. When you are done adding items to your Download Center, go to "Download Center" in the top right, and then click the "Download" icon.
In the Download Center, there are 3 icons: "Download Assets Selected", "Share Assets Selected", and "Clear Assets Selected".
If you have added banners or online video, you will see a 4th icon: "Request Access to Selected Assets".
You may either download assets all at once or download a few at a time by clicking "Download selected."
If you would like to deselect any assets you can do so by hovering over assets in the gray bar, going to the specific asset and clicking the select box or selecting "Deselect All On Page".
Please note that the "Download Center" operates very similar to, and has replaced, the "My Cart" functionality.
In the Download Center, there are 3 icons: "Download Assets Selected", "Share Assets Selected", and "Clear Assets Selected".
If you have added banners or online video, you will see a 4th icon: "Request Access to Selected Assets".
You may either download assets all at once or download a few at a time by clicking "Download selected."
If you would like to deselect any assets you can do so by hovering over assets in the gray bar, going to the specific asset and clicking the select box or selecting "Deselect All On Page".
Please note that the "Download Center" operates very similar to, and has replaced, the "My Cart" functionality.
What are the general terms of use for Ad Council PSAs?
Below are six basic rules, however please refer to our extended Terms of Use page for more detailed information.
- You may not modify, create derivative works from, or otherwise attempt to alter, or use the PSAs in any way other than expressly authorized.
- The PSAs may only be placed in donated media and not on any media that is purchased in any way.
- The PSAs may not be placed on any piracy or other illegal sites or media outlets; they also may not be placed on pornographic sites.
- You may not use the PSA in any manner that would imply an association with any commercial enterprise. You cannot, for example, exhibit the PSA with corporate logos appearing in conjunction with it.
- Use of the PSAs is only permitted through the applicable expiration period.
- We reserve the right, at any time and in our sole discretion, to ask you to remove the PSAs from any media channel where you have placed them.
- You may not modify, create derivative works from, or otherwise attempt to alter, or use the PSAs in any way other than expressly authorized.
- The PSAs may only be placed in donated media and not on any media that is purchased in any way.
- The PSAs may not be placed on any piracy or other illegal sites or media outlets; they also may not be placed on pornographic sites.
- You may not use the PSA in any manner that would imply an association with any commercial enterprise. You cannot, for example, exhibit the PSA with corporate logos appearing in conjunction with it.
- Use of the PSAs is only permitted through the applicable expiration period.
- We reserve the right, at any time and in our sole discretion, to ask you to remove the PSAs from any media channel where you have placed them.
Can an advertiser sponsor an existing Ad Council PSA?
If you are interested in attaching corporate sponsorship to existing Ad Council PSAs, several campaigns are potentially available.
Please note that each sponsorship opportunity must be considered and approved on an individual, case by case basis. We do this to ensure that the campaign in question is comfortable with the sponsor's product, etc.
The following categories would be unacceptable as sponsors for any Ad Council campaign:
-Tobacco Products
-Alcohol Products
-Pharmaceuticals (in most cases)
-Any for-profit lobbying groups, organizations and other products that clearly conflict/counter the PSA's message
For more information about sponsorship opportunities, please email PSACentral@adcouncil.org. If you have a specific sponsorship opportunity in mind, please provide all applicable information including your media outlet's name and DMA, proposed sponsor's name, proposed sponsor's business type, and the campaign of interest.
Please note that each sponsorship opportunity must be considered and approved on an individual, case by case basis. We do this to ensure that the campaign in question is comfortable with the sponsor's product, etc.
The following categories would be unacceptable as sponsors for any Ad Council campaign:
-Tobacco Products
-Alcohol Products
-Pharmaceuticals (in most cases)
-Any for-profit lobbying groups, organizations and other products that clearly conflict/counter the PSA's message
For more information about sponsorship opportunities, please email PSACentral@adcouncil.org. If you have a specific sponsorship opportunity in mind, please provide all applicable information including your media outlet's name and DMA, proposed sponsor's name, proposed sponsor's business type, and the campaign of interest.
Why do I need to register to download?
We would like to provide you with a customized user experience. By logging on to the site, PSA Central can store your preferences, maintain your Download Center, and provide you with a record of your site activity and user profile. You can still preview our PSAs without registering!
I'm having troubles resetting my password, how do I fix this?
We're sorry for the inconvenience. In some cases, this may be due to the use of an old format from several years ago. To resolve this problem, please reach out to psacentral@adcouncil.org at your earliest convenience.
I represent a cause/issue, can I post my PSAs on your website?
PSA Central is only used for Ad Council PSAs. You may want to reach out to your local media outlets for further assistance. If you're interested in partnering with The Ad Council, please contact Megan Sigesmund at MSigesmund@adcouncil.org
Where can I find former PSAs?
To find PSAs that are no longer active, please reach out to PSACentral@adcouncil.org. If you're looking for some of the classics, you can learn more here.
I've found a glitch, what should I do?
PSA Central is optimized for Google Chrome, so a change in browsers may solve many problems. Always feel free to reach out to our team at PSACentral@adcouncil.org who will assist in any way or connect you with our IT team.
I'm a media partner looking to donate space, how do I use your site?
First things first, thanks for your interest in supporting us! You can do so by signing up - completely free - for an account. You'll need to select "Media Partner" and provide us with your organization, role, and other pertinent information. After registering, you'll have complete access to all of our PSAs and can either download one-at-a-time or in bulk, by adding to your download center.
I'm a campaign sponsor, how do I use PSA Central?
Thanks for being our partner! You can sign up on PSA Central by selecting the campaign sponsor option. You'll be required to enter a campaign code for verification, which you can obtain by reaching out to your campaign team or by emailing PSACentral@adcouncil.org. After registering, you can navigate to your campaign by either searching in the search bar or finding your campaign on the "Browse Campaigns" page.
Do PSAs come with specific traffic instruction?
While we generally don't dictate specific times and dates to air our PSAs, we have a variety of tools to help you run PSAs that are seasonally or topically relevant. In the footer below, you can find the PSA Catalog, updated quarterly, and the PSA Calendar, updated annually. Both tools discuss when campaigns would be most effectively shared. If you'd like more recommendations on what to air and when, feel free to reach out to PSACentral@adcouncil.org.
Do PSAs have expiration dates?
Yes! All Ad Council PSAs have an expiration date. You can find this information listed next to each asset you see. Additionally, you can find a personalized expiration list in your account. Simply click your name at the top right, when logged in, and you can see your account activity, with expiration dates.
How do I find the specific PSA I'm looking for?
This is where our handy advanced search tool comes into play! On the homepage, you can click "Advanced Search" which will open up a whole lot of options and filters to find exactly what you are looking for. Be sure to select your media type first, as the filters are tailored to each type.
Television
Why am I unable to preview files on the site?
We suggest viewing the site using Chrome for optimal preview capability. For any other issues, please reach out to PSACentral@adcouncil.org.
The downloaded videos do not play on my PC.
Most of the file formats are intended for broadcast and editing systems. Use the appropriate PC player for to preview the files. You can download the free VLC player available at http://www.videolan.org which will play all formats on this site.
I can not use digital assets; can I order a physical tape?
Please reach out to PSACentral@adcouncil.org or your media contact in this situation.
I am an Extreme Reach subscriber, how can I receive via the Extreme Reach platform?
Please check with your Traffic Department to access the latest PSAs via the Extreme Reach Platform. For technical support, or to determine if your station is currently an Extreme Reach affiliate, please email support@extremereach.com or call 800.324.5672. If you can't find the spots you are interested in on the Extreme Reach platform, please let us know at PSACentral@adcouncil.org and we'll be happy to help.
Where can I download SD files?
We have removed SD files from our site. If you have any questions or need for SD videos, please email PSACentral@AdCouncil.org.
Radio
I am a Triton Digital user, can I get your spots there?
Go to www.tritondigital.com to access Ad Council PSA Wire. Ad Council PSA Wire makes it easy to browse, preview and insert our radio PSAs into your online audio stream.
Can I receive alerts when new radio PSAs are available for download?
To receive email alerts about new radio materials, contact PSACentral@adcouncil.org.
I am an Extreme Reach subscriber, how can I receive via the Extreme Reach platform?
Please check with your Traffic Department to access the latest PSAs via the Extreme Reach Platform. For technical support, or to determine if your station is currently an Extreme Reach affiliate, please email support@extremereach.com or call 800.324.5672. If you can't find the spots you are interested in on the Extreme Reach platform, please let us know at PSACentral@adcouncil.org and we'll be happy to help.
I can't download digitally; can I still get PSAs?
Please reach out to us at PSACentral@adcouncil.org and we will find a solution.
Live Announcer Copy
Do you have scripts for our radio announcer to read on air rather than playing a spot?
Yes. Every Ad Council campaign with Radio assets also produces Live Announcer Copy in various lengths (:30,:15, :10, etc.). Search on PSA Central by campaign or by length to find a script that works for you.
Banner/Online Video
How do I download these?
Note: Banner and Online Video assets must be "Requested" and cannot be "Downloaded."
In order to keep track of our digital placements, we have removed the direct download feature for digital assets on PSA Central and shifted to a "by-request" option.
While you are still able to preview our PSAs, we will provide you with a tracking tag in order for you to run the asset on your platform. Simply enter the URL on which the asset will run into the request form popup for the digital content you are looking for. After requesting, our team will work to get the tagged banners/streaming video out to you. Typically, tagged assets are available within 24-48 business hours of the request.
In order to keep track of our digital placements, we have removed the direct download feature for digital assets on PSA Central and shifted to a "by-request" option.
While you are still able to preview our PSAs, we will provide you with a tracking tag in order for you to run the asset on your platform. Simply enter the URL on which the asset will run into the request form popup for the digital content you are looking for. After requesting, our team will work to get the tagged banners/streaming video out to you. Typically, tagged assets are available within 24-48 business hours of the request.
Do I have to request digital PSAs one-by-one?
Not at all! You can add multiple assets to your Download Center then request all of them at once with a single request form.
What is Online Video?
The assets under the online video tab are strictly for online use and are formatted those purposes.
Can I get the original files and resize print PSAs myself?
The Ad Council does not permit cropping or modifications of our print PSAs. Resizes can be requested, and if the campaign(s) budget(s) allow, they will be done by the Ad Council design studio and sent to the publication.
My publication would like to donate space for sizes that are not listed on PSA Central. Do you offer resizes?
Yes, whenever our campaign budgets allow. Please complete the Contact Us form with the specifications and details of the requested resize.
Out Of Home
How can I order flex, paper, and vinyl outdoor?
Our current outdoor materials are available for previewing on www.adcouncil.org/outdoor. Contact PSACentral@AdCouncil.org to place an order.
How can I access digital outdoor?
Select "Out of Home" from the drop down menu to access digital posters, bulletins, bus shelters, and square displays. Submit self reporting to SelfReporting@AdCouncil.org.