For those working in the radio industry, maintaining a broadcast schedule involves following guidelines for providing the public with relevant, issue-oriented programming and information. These guidelines are set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to help AM and FM radio stations meet their legal obligation to address public issues. Here is some information that will assist with choosing and including public affairs programming in your station’s broadcast schedule.
What is Public Affairs Radio Programming
Public affairs radio programming is broadcast media that addresses matters of public policy and interest. Educational, informative, cultural, and appropriate for all listeners of a station, this programming covers a wide range of topics important to the community. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires AM and FM radio broadcast stations to act as public trustees. Providing public affairs programming as part of their regularly scheduled broadcast time fulfills this obligation. This ensures the public has access to vital information that pertains to the community which is not primarily marketing, advertising, or entertainment material. In addition, certain types of material, such as political campaigns or children-friendly programming, must also be accessible for audiences.
Providing Public Affairs Programming
Radio station owners, general managers, and program directors may all be involved in the decision to develop locally-produced public affairs programming, air syndicated public affairs programming, or a combination of both. In addition, stations must comply with FCC reporting requirements and list the issues covered in these programs in an online file accessible to the public. Otherwise, you risk your broadcast license due to non-compliance for your FM or AM radio station.
Choosing a Third-Party Programming Provider
This is where choosing a syndicated program provider for your public affairs radio programs may come into play. A third-party provider of public affairs radio programming will ensure you meet your requirements with the FCC and maintain compliance. MediaTracks handles these requirements by providing both the programming and all the programming issues covered in a ready-to-upload format for your station’s public file. In addition, you have access to new content and new programs every week, 52 weeks a year.
Select Public Affairs Radio Programs
At MediaTracks Communications, we are experts in the production and syndication of public affairs programming. Our Radio Health Journal and Viewpoints Radio programs are heard weekly across more than 900 radio stations in the US and by more than 6 million listeners.
As a leader in developing high-quality programming, we have been serving the needs of radio stations since 1989. Contact us at 847-299-9500 and speak with an affiliate relations professional today. Or send us a message online and we will respond quickly to your request.
