Questions & Answers

Q: What is underwriting?

A: Underwriting is a way of supporting KWVA (a non-profit, non-commercial educational radio station) and getting the name of your business heard by KWVA listeners (a wide variety of people).

Q: What's the difference between advertising and underwriting?

A: Advertisments are paid announcements in the print, broadcast, or
electronic media. Underwriting is a support statement. As a non-commercial educational radio station we are prohibited from airing advertising but we can air underwriting.

Q: So what can underwriters say?

A: Underwriting announcements are consice and gimmick-free. As a
non-commercial radio station, KWVA's underwriting announcements are
regulated by the FCC and must conform to specific guidelines. Underwriting
breaks occur at the top and half of the hour so as not to interrupt
programming.

There are three parts of underwriting announcements:

1. The business name.
2. A brief description of business or service.
3. Repeats your business name and gives location or contact information.

Q: What is allowed on the announcement?

• Value-neutral descriptions of products and services
• Brand name of products (maximum of 3)
• Products or services offered or sold (maximum of 3)

Q: What is prohibited on the announcement?

• Comparisons and endorsements
• Expression of viewpoints
• Price or value information (including discounts)
• Calls to action ("come on down," for example)

Underwriting Examples

"This hour of broadcasting is brought to you in part by Club Cool. Club Cool
provides live entertainment every night and comedy every Tuesday night.
Club Cool is located on 11th, between Pearl and Oak, and is a proud
sponsor of KWVA, Eugene."

"This hour of broadcasting is brought to you in part by Maxine's. Maxine's
offers local cusine with specialty drinks and a dance contest every
Saturday night. For more information call 555-FOOD. Maxine's is a
proud sponsor of UO's campus radio station: KWVA, Eugene."

"This hour of broadcasting is brought to you in part by Numero Uno Cinemas.
Featuring of variety of foreign, domestic, and independent films,
Numero Uno Cinemas is open seven days a week. For more information
call 555-FLIX. Numero Uno Cinemas is a proud sponsor of campus
radio at KWVA, Eugene. "

2005 Underwriting Rates

Underwriting or financial contributions of any dollar amount will be accepted. Please contact the underwriting director for details or to donate.

Current Underwriters

House of Records
John Henry's
Holy Cow Cafe
Luckey's Club Cigar Store

Jim Lachman
Underwriting Director
(541) 346-4091
Email: jimlachman@gmail.com