On-Air Underwriting on The Saturday Light Brigade A Great Value and Investment (download this information as PDF) Background The Saturday Light Brigade is an educational public radio program for children and adults, broadcast from 6 to noon each Saturday. The Saturday Light Brigade has long been recognized for its innovative approach in delivering high-quality content. Originating from studios in the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. and hosted by public radio veteran Larry Berger, the program features a blend of high-quality folk and acoustic music, live performances and interactive puzzles designed to elicit on-air phone calls from people of all ages. Children listen with adults, adults listen with children, and everyone has fun together. Coverage Area and Audience The Saturday Light Brigade airs across a 15-county network covering Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, Clarion, Clearfield, Forest, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango, Washington and portions of Beaver, Crawford and Westmoreland counties with webcasts at slbradio.org. SLB has a loyal following that includes children, parents, and people who value arts, education and community. While SLB serves a broad community, SLB affiliate stations are aligned with colleges and universities and, as such, have deep ties to their respective communities, including those of Carnegie Mellon University, Washington & Jefferson College, Grove City College, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Underwriting Announcement Guidelines Underwriting announcements are different than advertising. The copy used is subject to FCC rules and SLB guidelines that protect the integrity of the public broadcasting system and value of its programming. These standards also increase the value of underwriting announcements by maintaining higher standards with respect to tone, clarity and message. In short, audiences regard underwriters as partners who support programming that both find valuable. This leaves the audience with affinity and respect for the underwriter on a deeper level than a mere commercial announcement could ever establish, while also conveying the information the underwriter wishes to convey..
General Rules All announcements can be no longer than 20 seconds in length, and are read by SLB staff. Announcements can include: Underwriter identification Value neutral description of product, trade name or service Location, phone and web address Organization mission or mention of particular portion of program to be underwritten Content cannot include: Use of qualitative, quantitative, comparative or promotional language (including pricing information) A “call to action” directing listeners to do a particular thing (generally, this is avoided using the passive voice) Inducements to buy, sell or lease, including special offers or discounts The use of personal pronouns such as “you” or “we” Announcements of a religious, political or controversial nature. For protection of our underwriters, all copy is subject to final approval by SLB staff. Underwriting announcement examples: Carnegie Museum of Art Joins you in supporting the Saturday Light Brigade. Located at 4400 Forbes Avenue in Oakland, Carnegie Museum of Art Houses a distinguished collection of American and European works from the 16th Century to the present as well as the Heinz Architectural center, deticated to the collection, study and exhibition of architectural drawings and models. Family activities include classes and workshops as well as Artcat activities for children to experience fine art firsthand. Additional information is available at 412.622.3131. J.E. Stewart Photography joins you in supporting The Saturday Light Brigade. J.E. Stewart Photography is a Cranberry Township Pennsylvania-based studio providing artistic portraits of children and families. More information is available at (724) 776-7322 or jestewart@stargate.net. Sample Packages -- Other Options Available On-Air Reads* Sample Pattern(s) Link at slbradio.org In-Studio Signage Newsletter Mentions News Release $500 10 Saturation during one weekly program for special recognition of birthday, anniversary or event Use two to three weeks prior to event Text -- 4 issues -- $2,500 52 1x per weekly program Logo -- 4 Issues -- $5,000 156 3x per weekly program Logo Included 4 Issues Included $10,000 360 5x per weekly program Logo Included 4 Issues Included * Reads air across network of all stations (currently five) at times chosen by SLB at approximately 0:07, 0:27, 0:37 and 0:57. Specific times are available upon request. The official registration and financial information of SLB Radio Productions, Inc., may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Acoustic Music & Interactive Family Fun, Saturday Mornings, 6 to noon or (v)412.586.6300 - (f)412.321.0692 || P.O. Box 100092, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 U.S.A || email:slb@slbradio.org webmaster email: webmaster@slbradio.org  ||  slb on myspace © 2007 SLB Radio Productions, Inc. All Rights Reserved.