UNDERWRITING GUIDELINES FOR Community 106.1 WYCO-LPFM, York, PA
Non-commercial educational radio stations are forbidden by the FCC from airing commercial “spot announcements”, paid programming from business/individuals, or raising money for any purpose except the station’s own expenses.
Educational radio stations are permitted to:
- Air “enhanced underwriting announcements” acknowledging financial support from businesses and “for-profit” organizations.
- Accept financial underwriting to air programming provided by non-profit organizations such as churches, ministries, civic clubs and associations, and schools.
- Solicit donations from individuals and families. These are tax deductible and receipts must be mailed to all donors.
UNDERWRITING FROM BUSINESSES AND OTHER “FOR-PROFIT“ ORGANIZATIONS:
Donations may be acknowledged by a brief announcement, generally 30 seconds or less.
Permitted: Name of donor; audio-based slogan or logo identifying the donor; brand name; value-neutral description of products, goods, and services; address, telephone number, and website.
Prohibited: Price information; comparative or qualitative statements; calls to action or statements encouraging listeners to contact or patronize the donor; and repetitive statements such as repeating names several times consecutively.
UNDERWRITING FROM CHURCHES, MINISTRIES, AND OTHER NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS:
Stations may air programs and announcements from bona fide non-profit entities if the material aired is deemed as advancing the public interest, rather than in return for consideration.
Permitted: Every guideline of a for-profit entity is allowed, plus:
Calls to action; price information or suggested donation amount; offers of printed materials and audio recordings; and requests for donations with comparative or qualitative statements.
Prohibited: Announcements of more than three minutes out of thirty-minute program encouraging the listener to send a donation.
Non-commercial educational stations are forbidden to interrupt regular programming to raise money for any purpose except its own operating expenses.