Support DUQ: Business & Organization Program Underwriting
Guidelines for Underwriting Announcements

Because of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations, public radio stations such as DUQ must adhere to strict guidelines regarding the language that is used in on-air announcements. The FCC guidelines are the basis for determining the specific content of underwriting announcements.

Your DUQ underwriting representative will work with you to create an appropriate underwriting announcement that fits your budget, complies with FCC regulations and relates to your marketing and public relations needs.

Length of Your Underwriting Announcement:
Underwriting announcements on DUQ are a maximum of 20 seconds in length.

Content of Your Underwriting Announcement:
Your underwriting announcement will begin with the following words:
"Support for DUQ comes from (your company/organization name). . . ."

The following elements or guidelines should be considered for the rest of your announcement:

• The underwriter must be identified in the announcement.
• Announcements may include a value-neutral description of a product-line, trade name or service. Qualitative, quantitative or promotional words or phrases must be avoided. Established slogans may be included if they identify but do not promote.
• Announcements can not include a call to action, price or value information.
• Announcements of a religious nature, associated with a political position, cause or issue of controversy, are unacceptable, regardless of the merits of the particular cause, issue or party.
• Announcements may include a location, telephone number and/or web site address.
• Music beds and sound effects are not permitted.
  
• The use of personal pronouns (such as "you" and "we") are not permitted.

Here are two examples of acceptable underwriting announcements:

"Support for DUQ comes from ABCD Group--since 1994, providing financial planning and asset management services to individuals, businesses and retirement plans. For information, 412 - 123 - 4567."

"Support for DUQ comes from XYZ Theater Company, presenting a national touring production of Shakespeare's Hamlet, from May first to tenth, at the A & B Theater. For information, XYZ Theater Company dot com."

Scheduling and Cancellation:
If necessary, DUQ reserves the right to pre-empt regularly scheduled radio programming, due to breaking news or other circumstances and developments. All program underwriters must agree to accept make-good announcements of equivalent value.

DUQ requires two weeks advance notice to cancel underwriting contracts.

Why Should Your Business or Organization Underwrite on DUQ?
DUQ Broadcast Range