Media asked to devote airtime to PSA

In keeping with the Duterte government’s unofficial call for unity and cooperation among all sectors, a solon recently urged media outlets to contribute in spreading more information about important topics affecting the country today

Broadcast media should devote 20 minutes of regular airtime a day for Public Service Announcements (PSA) to inform the people of social issues such as drug abuse and prevention and emergency preparedness, which directly affect their lives.

“Public service announcements (PSA) are effective ways to generate public awareness on critical issues and in the end, promote behavioral change,” said Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, chair of the House of Representatives’ committee on dangerous drugs.

“If done correctly, PSA may foster an informed discourse among community members on societal problems,” he also said.

In his House Bill 7981, Barbers said media should help in educating the public on welfare rights and benefits, environmental issues, education, suicide prevention and voter and civic education.

The public should also be made aware of policies and laws, road and traffic rules, physical and mental health, government processes, disaster preparedness and public safety thru PSA.

Barbers said laws that grant broadcasting companies the franchise to construct, install, operate and maintain television and radio broadcasting stations in the country mandate them to allow sufficient time for public service.

“The problem is the franchise given to media companies doesn’t stipulate a preset number of hours, and the truth is, these companies seldom comply with their mandate,” Barbers said.

“To whom much is given, much is expected,” he stressed.

Under the measure, a 30-second PSA shall be aired before the primetime news of all television and radio stations.

Barbers said the PSA shall be non-commercial, non-denominational and non-political and may be changed every six months to cover a wide array of social issues.