As with any radio station, WFRScc is subject to rules laid out by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission). Any violation of these rules may result in heavy fines which WFRScc cannot afford to pay. Please read carefully and live by these rules to save the station money and hassle.
Ask any communications major about George Carlin's "Seven Dirty Words" - the FCC strictly forbids the use of those words, with the exception of previously recorded materials. Also, U.S. Criminal Code Section 1464 states: "Whoever utters any obscene, indecent, or profane language by means of radio communication shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than two years or both." (1.Bittner, 112) In 1970, the FCC defined indecency as "(a) patently offensive by contemporary community standards, and (b) utterly without social value" (2.Bittner, 114) The word "community" here refers to that of the University; any obscenity or indecency broadcast over WFRS, pre-recorded or otherwise, will not be tolerated and will result in immediate dismissal.
Copyright Infringement
If you read portions of plays, poems, or novels on the air, you are putting on a performance. Since this all falls under copyrighted material, permission must be obtained, or the DJ is guilty of copyright infringement. Rebroadcast of another station's signal or a syndicated show without permission or outside the agreed upon time is also copyright infringement. Bootleg recordings can only be played with written permission from the artist. Copyrighted records, tapes or CD's can be played because permission is given when the music is given to the station by the artist (provided that the music is licensed by ASCAP or BMI, the two organizations we pay royalties to).
Legal ID's
A legal ID must be given within five minutes of the top of the hour, which must include both the call letters and the city of origin. A legal ID for us would be "You're listening to the Franciscan Spirit, WFRScc FM 88.3, Steubenville." Never use fake or another station's call-letters.
Call to Action
If a DJ asks, urges, or suggests that a listener take action which may result in a for-profit organization making money, that is a call to action, and is forbidden by the FCC for a non-commercial station like WFRS. This includes urging listeners to buy a record, attend a concert, patronize a club or record store, or mentioning the price of a record or concert ticket. Calls to action for non-profit organizations, such as the March for Life, are allowed. Promoting benefits for WFRScc is allowed and encouraged.
Defamation of Character/Slander
If you say something about a public figure or official, be absolutely certain that it is not only true but also provable. If you are commenting on someone, that person must be a public figure or public official, defined as a person who has a) thrust him- or herself into a public controversy or b) is an elected or appointed governmental official.
Never put a phone caller on over the air without first obtaining the caller's permission off-air, or give out personal information about a person without their permission, as such acts are considered invasion of privacy and are subject to criminal prosecution. Also, don't tell stories about people who are not public figures/officials (see above).
False Information
Giving out false information or deceptive communications over the radio is illegal and is a serious FCC offence.
Editorializing is expressing your opinion on some issue other than the music you are playing. It is allowed, but be aware that (a) it is against FCC rules to endorse political candidates, (b) you must be clear that the opinion given is solely yours, and not that of WFRScc or its management or staff, and (c) listeners are often bored by long political speeches.
Programming Logs
All DJ's must fill out the program logs, which are a written account of what is going out over the air every hour. Sign in and out for your shift, and be aware that you are responsible for everything in the DJ-booth, as well as everything that goes over the air. During this time, it is in your power to ask people to leave if they pose a threat to either of these responsibilities. Logs must also contain a complete list of songs played, including artist and category, and the exact times at which promos, PSA's, newscasts, and bible verses are broadcast. Never falsify the logs for any reason. If you don't play a song, or can't find a PSA, newscast, etc., don't write down that you did. Any problems should be written at the bottom of the log under "operator's comments."
VU Meters
Located at the top of the control board, these meters show the strength of the signal going out over the air. Keep the levels at the point at which the needle peaks at the red zone, or the listeners will hear distortion. If the signal exceeds 100% of the licensed power output more than 6 times a minute, the FCC can issue the station a fine.
Click here to return to the Contents.