WSCA Station Handbook and Training Manual - Prometheus Radio ...

Gather and report information without fear or favor, and vigorously resist undue
influence from any outside forces, including advertisers, sources, news subjects,
powerful individuals, and special interest groups.
Resist those who would seek to buy or politically influence content or who would seek to
intimidate those who gather and disseminate facts.
Determine news content solely through editorial judgment and not as the result of
outside influence.
Resist any self‐interest or peer pressure that might erode service to the public.
Recognize that sponsorship will not be used in any way to determine, restrict, or
manipulate content.
Refuse to allow the interests of ownership or management to influence content
inappropriately.
Defend the rights of the free press for all broadcasters
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ACCOUNTABILITY: Broadcasters should recognize that they are accountable for their actions to
the public, the station, and themselves.
Broadcasters should:
Actively encourage adherence to these standards by all broadcasters
Respond to public concerns. Investigate complaints and correct errors promptly and with
as much prominence as the original report.
Explain broadcasting standards to the public, especially when practices spark questions
or controversy.
Recognize that broadcasters are duty‐bound to conduct themselves ethically.
Carefully listen to volunteers who raise ethical objections, and create environments in
which such objections and discussions are encouraged.
*Adapted 2‐3‐06 from the Code of Ethics of the Radio and Television News Directors Association
for interim use at WSCA
Adopted at RTNDA2000 in Minneapolis September 14, 2000
A. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
1. Underwriting:
Your show may have an underwriter. If you need to credit an underwriter during your show,
read the message provided for you. READ IT EXACTLY AS WRITTEN, NOTHING MORE,
NOTHING LESS. Do not ad‐lib (before, during or after),
embellish, add or subtract from it. Nothing more may be said about that sponsor at any other
time for the duration of their sponsorship. Practice reading it before you go on the air. Record the
word “Underwriter” and next the name of the Underwriter in the daily station log with the time
it was presented: 7:23 Underwriter: Girdwood Clinic No one will arbitrarily select underwriters
or another entity (even in jest) as their ʺsponsor of the dayʺ.
Here are the legal underwriting guidelines:
We are licensed as a non‐commercial, educational broadcaster. We are bound by the rules and
regulations of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in what we can do and say on the
air when someone gives money, or other consideration of value to us. We are an IRS 501 (c) 3 taxexempt
organization.