Why Is a Homeland Security PSA on Your Hotel TV Screen?

The next time you stay in a hotel and flip on the television, you may see something new on the screen. It's a public service announcement from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security telling you to keep your eye out for terrorists.

Watch the PSA:

According to the DHS press release, as of today, 1.2 million hotels in the country including Marriott, Holiday Inn, Red Roof Inn, Radisson and others will be running the announcement with the DHS campaign phrase "If you see something, say something."

“This private sector partnership is another example of how DHS and our nation’s hospitality industry are working together to protect our country, recognizing that security and economic prosperity often go hand-in-hand,” said Secretary Napolitano in the press release. “Each of us has a role to play in helping keep America safe, and time and again, we have seen the value of public vigilance in thwarting terrorism. Sending the simple but effective “If You See Something, Say Something™” message to the millions of guests that stay at hotels and motels each year is a significant step in engaging the full range of partners in our homeland security efforts. America’s hospitality industry is a vital engine for job growth and sustainment—and with partnerships like this it is also becoming an increasingly important partner in our nation’s security.”

Scott Petersen, chairman and CEO of LodgeNet, which has teamed up with DHS to run these announcements, said that 98 percent of hotel guests turn on their televisions. He says he believes this PSA will help display a "vital message of vigilance to many millions of travelers throughout the United States.”

USA Today reports some, like Josh Meyer of the Washington-based National Security Journalism Initiative, as saying this could place a burden on local authorities, as that's who the PSA says to contact, with a slew of "baseless tips."