Underwriting: Nonprofits

Nonprofit underwriting messages provide an effective and affordable vehicle for making the public radio listener aware of events, showcase a new product or service, brand their business or build credibility in the community. The three stations under the Texas Public Radio umbrella provide the perfect venue for reaching a desirable target market that is educated, affluent and active.

We offer a direct business-to-business connection which includes access to key community leaders. Businesses can benefit by using underwriting messages to reach these vocal advocates who have strong community ties that give them greater influence in their social and political networks. Research further suggests the public radio listener is significantly more likely than other Americans to drive social trends, influence mass opinion and create buzz.

Non-commercial radio is required to acknowledge contributions from our funders on the air. We refer to these announcements as enhanced underwriting credits which serve to identify businesses and organizations that support our mission. These 15-second announcements include our required preamble, “Support for KSTX/KPAC comes from…” plus a value-neutral description of the company, their product or service. No additional costs are incurred for production of these pre-recorded messages.

Sample Underwriting Messages:

Support for KSTX comes from Ballet Conservatory of South Texas, kicking off the upcoming performance of Synergy 2012 with a benefit, “Swan Lake Ballet Tea Party,” February twenty fifth from two to four. More at Ballet South Texas dot org.

Support for KSTX comes from the Barshop Jewish Community Center, presenting the San Antonio debut of Augus, “Osage* County,” at the Sheldon Vexler Theatre, August twenty-third through September sixteenth. Tickets at three zero two, six eight three five.

Sponsored nonprofit messages are designed to offer non-profit organizations an expanded vehicle for educating the public radio listener about their mission, initiatives and special opportunities. These messages differ from traditional underwriting messages in their format, length and funding options. They may be purchased by the non-profit organization itself or by a sponsoring for-profit entity that would like community to know they support your specific institution or organization. The message reads much like a public service announcement and ends in the following fashion: “This non-profit message was underwritten by…” The content should appeal to the Texas Public Radio audience and/or provide a benefit or service to the community at large.

Sample Sponsored Non-Profit Message:

Registration is still open for Any Baby Can’s 8th Annual Walk for Autism benefitting their Reaching Families Facing Autism program April 14th at the AT&T Center. Children’s activities and entertainment will be spaced throughout the two-mile, Autism-friendly course, which will include a fifty plus exhibitor resource fair. Details and registration are at Walk For Autism SA dot com. This non-profit message was underwritten by H-E-B.

UNDERWRITING GUIDELINES:

In the world of public radio, we use a little different jargon than that of the commercial radio industry. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has articulated specific guidelines emphasizing the difference between these permissible donor and underwriter announcements and commercial advertising. In order to maintain compliance with the Commission’s regulations, Texas Public Radio observes the following rules taken from our published “Underwriting Policies and Practices”:

Permissible language:

a value-neutral description of the product/service/initiative

location, phone number or web address for more details about the funder

brand or trade names that help identify the underwriter, but do not promote

the underwriter's well-established corporate slogan, identified as such, as long as it complies with other standards

Language that is NOT permissible:

pricing info (such as "5% interest rates available")

an inducement to buy, which is promotional by nature (such as "special gift for first fifty callers" or “inviting you to pick up a free gift”)

audio logos, jingles, sound effects or pre-recorded creative production elements

language that speaks directly to the listener (you, your, we, understood you, etc.)

expression of personal views, subjective, comparative or qualitative language (such as "the first name in Fords" or "the best BBQ in town")

any language comparing your business to that of another or suggesting your business is better than another (such as “award winning” or “recognized by”)

calls to action (“visit,” "call," "go to," "join," etc.)

RATES:

Rates vary depending on the station of choice, the time of day, and the quantity of messages placed within the schedule. Ask your Corporate Relations Associate how to customize a package for your particular marketing needs. You may want to consider taking advantage of our first-time underwriters offer that allows you to use any of the radio stations under the Texas Public Radio umbrella at a special introductory rate.

Search form

Now Playing

Connect with Us

Podcasts & RSS Feeds

Underwriting: Nonprofits

Texas Public Radio

Categories

Other Resources

About Us

Listen Live

Support

Credits

Events Calendar