How short can an underwriting announcement be?
Granted, this question isn’t frequently asked, but you should be aware that the FCC requires that underwriters be disclosed on the air at the time of the broadcast and that the disclosure be of sufficient length to be understood by the average viewer or listener. There are to be no anonymous contributors behind a broadcast. At PBS we usually think the minimum disclosure is three seconds. If there are too many funders to name them all on the air in a reasonable length of time, the on-air announcement will refer viewers to the complete list of funders available from PBS or from the producer.
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Regulations Overview
- Who governs underwriting credits on public television?
- What is the FCC?
- How does the FCC affect public television?
- What are FCC guidelines regarding underwriting credits on public television?
- What underwriting copy is acceptable to the FCC?
- What underwriting copy is unacceptable to the FCC?
- What are some other factors to consider concerning underwriting credits?
- What are the PBS National Underwriting Guidelines?
- What are the distinctions between national & local underwriting guidelines?
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PBS On-Air Guidelines
- Can we use a TV commercial as an underwriting announcement on public television?
- Are there clear language categories or techniques that PBS cannot accept as part of an underwriting message?
- Can we use a company slogan or tagline?
- How long can an underwriting message be?
- How short can an underwriting announcement be?
- Can we show products? What about products in use?
- Can we show people?
- Can phone numbers or Web addresses be included?
- Must an underwriting spot include language specifically relating to its sponsorship?
- Are there special rules for underwriting children’s programming?
- What about nonprofit underwriters? Do all the same rules apply?
- Can we accept underwriting from beer, wine and tobacco companies?
- Is underwriting considered tax-deductible?
- What about on-air promos or interstitial content? Can I feature an underwriter on these or other on-air assets?
- Where can I get more details and information about PBS National Guidelines?
- What are the relevant federal statutes?
- What is the approval process for national underwriters?
- What are considerations for a local underwriting approval process?
- Print Guidelines
- Online Sponsorship Toolkit
- Contact Us