Guidelines for WVSU underwriting announcements

WVSU is licensed as a "non-commercial educational" radio station, and is therefore restricted from airing advertisements that promote for-profit entities. However, the Federal Communications Commission does allow the identification of donors who support station programming. This identifying announcement can include the name and location of the business, contact information, and a brief description of products or services offered.

Based upon the FCC's 1986 order regarding "the noncommercial nature of educational broadcasting," and upon subsequent rulings in cases of alleged violations of this order, WVSU has established these guidelines for donor acknowledgements:

1. Announcements from donors in general support of station programming may be up to 20 seconds in length. Announcements during the broadcast of athletic events or other special programs may be up to 30 seconds in length.

2. Announcements may NOT refer to the quality of products or services offered. Neither should the announcement state or imply that those products or services are superior to those of competitors.

3. Announcements may NOT include pricing information, promote sales or discounts, or state or imply that the value of products or services is superior to that of competitors. Inducements, such as "a special gift for the first 50 customers," are also prohibited.

4. Announcements may NOT include a "call to action." Examples of prohibited language would be asking listeners to "visit our Homewood location," "call now," or "get yours today." However, it would be permissible to say, "ACME Products can be reached at 555-1234, or on the internet at acme dot com."

WVSU reserves the right to edit or reject announcements deemed improper according to FCC guidelines. However, we will gladly work with any prospective station supporter to find the most appropriate way to identify itself and connect with WVSU listeners.