A combination of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and North Country Public Radio (NCPR) guidelines ensure that the message brought forth is clear, concise and non-commercial.

"If it sounds like a commercial, we can't air it."

FCC underwriting guidelines dictate that all public radio stations must refrain from using underwriting language which contains:

  1. Calls to Action (words such as "call", "stop by", or phrases prompting action)

  2. References to price (i.e., actual price, "free", "on sale", etc.)

  3. Superlatives (i.e., "best", "greatest", "most reliable", etc.) or other qualitative descriptors

  4. Inducements to buy, rent, sell, or lease

  5. Comparative language (i.e., award-winning, board-certified, etc.)

The "intent" of underwriting is to publicly acknowledge our underwriters and provide a brief description of location, services, notable business anniversary or relocation information, slogans used as a standard, traditional portion of the business's marketing mix and which do not violate FCC and NCPR regulations. Underwriting credits must fit in a 10-second time frame.

NOTE:  A maximum of two underwriter credits are scheduled in most available program breaks.  Each credit spot is sold separately.

NCPR Underwriting Guidelines:

NCPR complies, without exception, with all FCC underwriting guidelines.  Non-compliance subjects the station and staff representatives to severe penalties.

Other than accepted slogans and acceptable exceptions, we do not air words such as "you," "your," "our," and "we" when they suggest an endorsement on the part of this station.