Promo copy writers: Avoid "Simulcast"

Recently -- on a station big-enough to know better -- I heard someone say "PSA." An otherwise helpful broadcast informing coastal residents about the hurricane season now upon us offered that the station would be airing "PSAs." Huh?

Similarly, "simulcast" is industry lingo, Greek. Instead, speak English. Say-what-you're saying in listener-actionable terms. Simulcasting is what you do. What do you want the listener to do?

Examples of how to translate "simulcast" into benefit statements:

If your partnership with a local TV station includes simulcasting their newscast, tell busy listeners how convenient you are. "RUNNING LATE? NOW YOU CAN HEAR LIVE-AT-FIVE IN THE CAR, DIRECT FROM THE NBC15 NEWS CENTER!"

If sister stations are sharing programming, say what-that-means-to-the-listener: "NEWSRADIO NINE HUNDRED JOINS CAT COUNTRY NINETY FOUR SEVEN AND YOU -- FOR A VERY SPECIAL BROADCAST, OUR ANNUAL CHILDRENS' HOSPITAL RADIO-THON."