What is the PSA Network?

The PSA Network is a community media cooperative that reaches diverse populations of New Yorkers in trusted community spaces around the City. It provides free media distribution to nonprofit organizations that have messages that protect and empower disadvantaged populations, highlighting community-driven efforts and resources. The PSA Network is a growing ecosystem of over 100 digital screens strategically placed in high-traffic locations across the five boroughs of New York City and Westchester. Additionally, the PSA Network offers access to influential social media assets, digital media properties, and remnant inventory made available by for-profit mission-driven media partners.

The nonprofit Hosts that make up the PSA Network are trusted messengers that leverage technology and their own real estate to share community-generated content that comes from other reliable sources. The PSA Network Hosts choose what messages to display and co-create the PSAs that are shared. F.Y. Eye does not advertise fundraising messages, government messages or commercial messages on our Network for free, but work with our nonprofit partner Hosts to accept these types of messages at a cost.

What is a Host?

A Host is an organization that is committed to sharing important community messages with their constituents and using their platform(s) to create equitable access to advertising. Whether your organization is attracted by the grant funding available for the purchase and installation of a digital screen, interested in having access to high-quality digital PSA content, or motivated by the democratic nature of the community media cooperative, the PSA Network offers different partnership models customized to your organization's marketing and communications needs.

There are two types of PSA Network Hosts: Gold and Silver. “Gold Hosts” are nonprofits that receive grant funding for digital screens and software required to become PSA Network Hosts. Gold Hosts commit to reserving 40% of screen time for F.Y. Eye-approved PSA messaging (and can use the remaining 60% of screen time in any way they so choose.) “Silver Hosts” can be nonprofit or for-profit organizations that already have digital screens and are willing to leverage them and their other media assets for good. Silver Hosts share their online and offline owned communication channels (e.g. e-newsletters, social media accounts, digital screens, print newsletters, website display placements) and may access fresh community-based content from New York’s great nonprofit sector. There are no PSA promotion requirements for Silver Hosts.

Why become a PSA Network Host?

An approved F.Y. Eye Host can receive grant funding for up to 85% of the purchase and installation costs of an indoor digital screen or outdoor digital billboard. Organizations that already own digital screens may obtain funding for the user-friendly and affordable digital signage software the PSA Network uses to share PSA content. Hosts are showcased on the F.Y. Eye website and receive early access to relevant information, opportunities, and other resources. The greatest benefits of all? Invest in our community, build New York’s first media cooperative and access fresh, community-driven content that highlights resources and information that your audience can benefit from.

Can I join the PSA Network if I don’t want or need an F.Y. Eye digital screen?

Absolutely! We welcome your partnership. Nonprofits and for-profits that want to share fresh community-based content with their audiences and help us to grow this community media cooperative are encouraged to join the PSA Network. Organizations interested in volunteering space on their digital screens, social media accounts, websites, e-newsletters, radio stations, print publications, television stations, t-shirts, billboards, street vendor carts, zoom backgrounds, and any other physical or digital spaces that reach New Yorkers are encouraged to become “Silver Hosts.” Silver Hosts will have the opportunity to be featured on the PSA Network map.

Can “Gold Hosts” use the digital screens to advertise their own organization?

Yes! F.Y. Eye Gold Hosts are encouraged to use their digital screen(s) to promote their own programs and products, advertise events, highlight staff and member milestones, thank sponsors, and share daily activities and menus. Gold Hosts that acquire grants through F.Y. Eye commit to reserving 40% of screen time for F.Y. Eye-approved messaging and can use the remaining 60% of screen time in any way they so choose. We recognize that digital screens are incredible assets for nonprofits to relay internal and external messages. We are eager for you to use your digital screens as an organizational asset and maximize the other benefits associated with joining the PSA Network.

What do you look for in a Host?

The ideal PSA Network Host is an organization that is (1) interested in building public awareness about important social, civic and educational resources, programs and messages, (2) has access to a high-traffic location with an inbuilt audience of New Yorkers who (3) could benefit from information about community programs and available resources. Nonprofits serving low income, underserved and/or marginalized New Yorkers are especially encouraged to join. Examples of fitting Host sites include lobbies, waiting rooms, cafeterias, libraries, public health clinics, concert venues, nail salons, barbershops, retail stores or street-level outdoor spaces on busy streets. Any organization that is committed to democratizing advertising by using their online and offline communications channels to share nonprofit messages on a variety of quality of life issues that affect New Yorkers is most welcome.

Are Hosts required to advertise all F.Y. Eye messages?

No. Each Host has the right to refuse any PSA for any reason and choose alternative PSAs from the PSA Gallery that are more appropriate for the population they serve. If a Host refuses a PSA, an F.Y. Eye representative may reach out for feedback.

What is the process for becoming a Host?

The 8-step process for becoming a Gold Host is simple and easy. For Silver Hosts, there are only four steps.

What are the other benefits of becoming a Host?

In addition to the core benefits, F.Y. Eye Hosts receive organizational recognition on the F.Y. Eye website, privileged access to our esteemed network of partners, VIP invitations to F.Y. Eye events, interview opportunities, and free nonprofit message distribution on the PSA Network.