1 RADIO STATION POLICY MANUAL07 FCC LEGAL ID: WWPH, Princeton Junction STATION FREQUENCY: 107.9 FM (NOTE: While not required by the FCC, we prefer that our announcers state the frequency before the FCC legal I-D.) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 107.9 FM Home Page: www.wwph1079fm.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- STATION MASCOT: The Green and Blue Snake Symbolizes Campus Unity ONE UNITED STATION FOR NORTH AND SOUTH --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SOUTH CAMPUS INFO: Nicknames: Pirate Radio OR The Pirate 107.9 FM Transmitter and Main Studio are located at South Campus: West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South 346 Clarksville Road Princeton Junction, New Jersey 08550 SOUTH STUDIO LINE: (All 107.9 FM staff members must memorize this number): (609) 897 7360 SOUTH REMOTE LINE: (NEVER GIVE OUT THIS NUMBER; use only for North Remote): (609) 750-9430 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NORTH CAMPUS INFO: Nicknames: Knight Radio OR The Knight 107.9 FM Primary Remote Studio is located at North Campus: West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North 90 Grovers Mill Road Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536 NORTH STUDIO LINE: (All 107.9 FM staff members must memorize this number): (609)716 5145 NORTH REMOTE LINE: (NEVER GIVE OUT THIS NUMBER; use only for North Remote): (609) 716-5144
2 107.9 FM PHILOSOPHY AND OBJECTIVES: The Federal Communications commission has issued a license to WWPH with the requirement that the station must serve the public interest, convenience and necessity. In other words, 107.9 FM must serve the local community by providing information and entertainment that fulfills the community s needs. Since WWPH is licensed as a public educational station, it must also serve as a training tool for students at West Windsor- Plainsboro High Schools North and South. Therefore, the 3 MAIN OBJECTIVES for 107.9 FM are: 1. to INFORM the local community. 2. to ENTERTAIN the local community. 3. to EDUCATE students at West Windsor-Plainsboro High Schools North & South. OUR TARGET AUDIENCE: WWPH strives to broadcast to our varied local community, including: students, administrators, faculty and staff, parents, residents of West Windsor, residents of Plainsboro, residents in neighboring towns and alumni. FULFILLING OUR INFORMATIONAL OBJECTIVE: 107.9 FM does this in a variety of ways, including local news, local sports coverage, public service announcements (PSA s), community datebooks (announcing local events), school datebooks (announcing school events), local weather forecasts, participation in the Emergency Alert System (EAS), interviews, community based programs, community and school on-air discussions, coverage and participation in local and school events, and other informative and community based functions. FULFILLING OUR ENTERTAINMENT OBJECTIVE: 107.9 FM does this in a variety of ways, including music and talk programs (in which students select their own appropriate music and ad-libs), special programs, theme shows, talk shows, holiday shows, music specials, radio plays, teacher appreciation week, live sportscasting of high school games, etc. FULFILLING OUR EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVE: 107.9 FM does this through an intensive licensing program, which can lead to further advanced study. Some students learn and master broadcasting throughout their entire four year high school career. The radio station also educates through an after school club. In courses, students learn broadcasting history, Federal Communications Commission Rules and Regulations, 107.9 FM policies and procedures, terms, production and on-air techniques, etc. Upon mastery of the first year course, BROADCAST WRITING, and passage of a licensing test, students earn a WWPH high school radio license, which earns them the right to engineer radio shows on their own, as well as special radio (and video) equipment privileges. The license is NOT an FCC issued license; it is a high school issued license, good for the entire high school career, and then sometimes accepted as a credential for proof of broadcasting mastery in college. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AN IMPORTANT PHILOSOPHICAL STATEMENT: A high school radio station is unique and rare. It is considered a special privilege, and provides an experience that only a very small percentage of high school students ever receive. We at 107.9 FM are honored, proud and privileged to be one of the unique schools in the country that has a high school radio station, and we are dedicated toward honoring our station license by fulfilling our commitment to our community, by taking care of our very expensive equipment, and most importantly, by always taking the high road, in actions, in language, in program content, etc. As a high road, public educational station, we understand that our standards must greatly exceed those of other stations. Anyone who does not share this dedication at all times will not be allowed to continue the honor and privilege of participating in the broadcasting program. All staff members and students must follow all laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures, must strive to be professional and appropriate, and must serve the community and make sure 107.9 FM is regarded positively in our community. To sum up our philosophy, all actions and decisions at 107.9 FM must always be dictated by the slogan, ALWAYS TAKE THE HIGH ROAD.
3 107.9 FM ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION: 107.9 FM is governed by the FCC, the governmental body that rules broadcasting in the United States. The FCC issues our school radio station a license that must be renewed periodically. A station must apply for renewal WITHIN ONE YEAR OF THE EXPIRATION DATE on the license. The first license issued to WWPH was in November of 1975. The FCC will only renew a station license if the station proves that it has served the public interest, convenience and necessity. Therefore anyone involved in the radio station must: STRICTLY FOLLOW ALL FCC RULES AND REGULATIONS, AND MUST ALWAYS STRIVE (ON AND OFF AIR) TO SERVE OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * STATION OWNERSHIP: The West Windsor Plainsboro Board of Education 107.9 FM is owned by the school board, and thus must represent the ideals and goals of the school district. All stations are subject to the philosophy, rules, policies and standards of their ownership. That means that 107.9 FM has much higher standards than most professional and college radio stations. All broadcasts and actions at the station must fully represent the highest standards of the board of education. Additionally, all staff members and students in the broadcasting program are responsible for following ALL SCHOOL RULES AND LAWS. Also, when deciding what is appropriate for programming, music, language and behavior, the standards are drastically different than most other stations; the standards are based solely on what would be appropriate for ANY classroom in the district. A guiding question to follow in all decision-making and broadcasting is, Would any member of the board of education, school administration or district faculty and staff even slightly object to the action, decision or content? If the answer is yes or maybe, then the action, decision or content should not take place. FOLLOW THIS DECISION-MAKING GUIDELINE: WHEN IN DOUBT, LEAVE IT OUT!!!! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * THE GENERAL MANAGER: The Faculty Advisor The person in charge of overseeing the day-to-day operations of the radio station, of ensuring that the station operates according to the philosophy and rules of the FCC and the board of education, of making sure the station fulfills its objectives of informing, entertaining and educating, is the general manager who is also the faculty advisor. On each campus, the general manager has the final say on all matters. STUDENT LEADERSHIP: 107.9 FM is a student radio station, and therefore the day-to-day operations are run by students. Each year, the general manager selects a leader or leaders to run the station. The managerial structure varies from year to year based on station needs and goals, personal characteristics of the staff, etc. In some years, a station manager is appointed who is in charge of the entire station. Other managers often work under the station manager. In some years, instead of one station manager, a leadership team is established. The managerial structure each year is decided by the general manager. All student leaders have earned their roles, and therefore deserve the respect and support of the staff at all times. FAILURE TO DEMONSTRATE FULL RESPECT AND SUPPORT FOR ALL MANAGERS AND LEADERS WILL RESULT IN DISMISSAL FROM THE PROGRAM. At WWPH, we are a team, and all actions must be in support of our team, which we sum up with the following saying: THERE IS NO I IN RADIO. (except when spelling, of course )
4 107.9--FM UNITY IN HONOR; HONOR IN UNITY. * * * * * * * * * * * * THE 107.9 FM HONOR CODE: The entire broadcasting program, especially the radio station, relies on trust and integrity. The program is built on students committed to, do the right thing and to always take the high road. Honor and pride are mandatory character traits of all staff members. Everyone associated with the broadcasting program is required to report all major infractions of rules and regulations, any abuse, loss or problem with equipment, all major problems, mistakes or deviations from the norm, and anything else that could have a negative impact on what we do or what we stand for..reporting should be done immediately to the teacher and to the station manager. (If there is no station manager, then report to the highest ranking student leader.) All infractions and problems during a show should also be written on the discrepancy log. If you witness a major infraction or problem and fail to report it in a timely manner, you may be dismissed from the program. Furthermore, the Federal Communications Commission AND the 107.9 FM honor code both require SELF REPORTING, which means that all staff members are required to immediately report their own infractions. Failure to self-report in a timely fashion may result in dismissal from the program. ALL BROADCASTERS ARE REQUIRED TO ACT HONORABLY AT ALL TIMES, and must NEVER BETRAY THE TRUST granted to them as members of the program. * * * * * * * * * * * * THE 107.9 FM CODE OF CONDUCT: Everyone associated in any way with the radio station and the broadcasting program is required to conduct himself/herself in a professional, courteous, respectful, law-abiding manner. Being associated with the radio station is a privilege, and must be treated as such at all times. Even when not involved in station activities, a staff member is still always a representative of the station. Any action that reflects poorly on the station, the program or the staff may result in consequences, including dismissal from the broadcasting program EXAMPLES OF PROPER CONDUCT: (This is not an all-inclusive list) 1. Broadcasters must use appropriate actions and language at all times (on and off the air). 2. Broadcasters must obey school rules at all times, even when not directly involved in station activities. Major or repeated school infractions AT ANY TIME IN SCHOOL or in school activities or when on school grounds may result in dismissal from the broadcasting program. 3. Anyone associated with the broadcasting program in any way is expected to only speak positively about 107.9 FM and the broadcasting program at all times. Negative talk about the station or about any individual member of the station or broadcasting program is grounds for dismissal. 4. Everyone must be treated with respect at all times. The broadcasting program will not tolerate harassment of any kind. 5. Everyone must always show respect for all managers, leaders, etc. (and their decisions). 6. Smoking, drinking, drug use and other self-abusive behavior is not tolerated if you are a member of the broadcasting program, even when you are not involved in broadcasting activities. Students who engage in these types of activities or who perform any illegal acts at any time may be dismissed from the program. 7. The broadcasting program, and thus 107.9 FM, is a HIGH ROAD PROGRAM. Anyone associated with the program must act responsibly and with honor, must strive to do the right thing, and must take the high road at all times.
5 TOP GENERAL RULES AND POLICIES 1. Everyone associated with 107.9 FM must follow all FCC rules and regulations, laws, school rules, station policies, all that is taught in broadcasting courses, and must demonstrate high moral qualities and take the high road. 2. The ENGINEER: The engineer is ultimately in charge and responsible for everything that happens in the studio and that goes out over the air. However, everyone involved in a show can be held accountable for any infractions and could face consequences. ENGINEERS MUST WEAR HEADPHONES. 3. EQUIPMENT: Nobody is allowed to use broadcasting program equipment without the permission of the faculty advisor. Use of equipment is always under the condition that the user takes full responsibility and will be responsible for restitution (paying for) all broken or missing equipment. WILLFUL ABUSE, MISUSE OR THEFT OF EQUIPMENT MAY RESULT IN DISMISSAL FROM THE BROADCASTING PROGRAM, LOSS OF BROADCASTING PRIVILEGES, STATION PENALTIES, SCHOOL PENALTIES, FCC PENALITIES AND OTHER POSSIBLE LEGAL CONSEQUENCES. The teacher and manager must be notified as soon as any equipment problem exists. NOTE: COMPUTERS and TABLETS ARE CONSIDERED EQUIPMENT. Also, all school computer and electronics rules apply in the broadcasting program. 4. STUDIO CAPACITY: Nobody is allowed in any studio without permission of the faculty advisor. The live studio is treated as almost sacred. Only people directly involved in the show that is on the air live should be in the studio during the show. Nobody should ever hang out during a show. Nobody should cut through the studio during a show to get to another room. (Go around.) 5. GUESTS: Guests are NOT permitted in the studio without permission from the faculty advisor. Permission must be requested at least 24 hours in advance. A guest must have a specific, important purpose for the listening audience. The engineer and the person requesting permission are responsible for the guest s actions on and off the air. 6. LOGS: Program logs are legal documents that must be kept in the station public file for 2 years. Logs must be typed or (when doing a written log) filled out in black or blue ink, neatly, correctly, completely and legally. All log times must be followed. The engineer and logger (and all advanced broadcasters during class) must sign on and off the sign on/off list The engineer is responsible for the log, but anyone competent, capable and trained to do logs may fill out the log. Any error on a hand-written log or any hand-written part of the log packet must be corrected by the person who made the error. Besides neatly writing in the correction, the person must take 3 steps: Put one line through the error, initial the correction and put the date next to the correction. All major errors, changes, straying from the format or log, problems, incidents of leaving the studio, etc. should be noted in the discrepancy log. 7. FOOD AND DRINK: Food, drink, gum, etc. are prohibited in any studio. (On rare occasions, the faculty advisor may waive this rule for special circumstances.) 8. PROFESSIONAL COURTESY: At 107.9 FM, we strive to be professional at all times, and that means all staff members are expected to show professional courtesy at all times. That includes cleaning up after yourself and setting up all studios the way the studios are supposed to be set up. It also means getting everything organized for the next person who will use the studio or do a show (or use any set of equipment). Anything you can do to show professional courtesy to another teammate, should be done. The engineer is responsible for the condition of the studio and for all sign on and off tasks, but all members of a show may be held accountable for all tasks, all equipment, the condition of all studios and for professional courtesy. All students and/or show members are also responsible for cleaning up all broadcasting program classrooms, studios, etc. at the end of their shift or class period. WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER!!! 8. PHONES, PRINTERS, computers and all equipment are for RADIO STATION and BROADCASTING PROGRAM BUSINESS ONLY. Permission from the faculty advisor is required for use. (The same rule applies to cell phone and all personal electronics.) 9. APPROPRIATENESS AND LANGUAGE: Only high road language, music, topics and actions are allowed on and off the air at all times. Never bring inappropriate music into the studio. 10. NEWS: Our news functions are at the core of what we do and at the core of how we fulfill our license requirements. News must be taken seriously at all times. Dedication is required. Negative comments or lack of effort toward news will not be tolerated. All news rules must be followed at all times. The most important rule about news is: Be correct and factual. This includes being objective (having no bias or opinions in your news stories). DJ s/show hosts may give opinions as long as they are fair to all sides & avoid personal attacks BUT NEWSCASTERS MUST AVOID OPINIONS. STICK TO THE FACTS!
6 A FEW MORE IMPORTANT RULES: 11. EMERGENCIES: (FIRE DRILLS, CRISIS DRILLS, OTHER DRILLS, ALL CRISIS SITUATIONS). THE MOST IMPORTANT AND FIRST PRIORITY IN ANY EMERGENCY SITUATION IS TO GET OUT SAFELY AND QUICKLY, OR TO SAFELY GET TO THE DESIGNATED LOCATION FOR THE EMERGENCY, following all school rules and policies for emergency situations and drills. No broadcaster should EVER put himself or herself in any kind of danger. While securing equipment is important in other cases, in emergency situations, the priority becomes YOU and your peers. During drills, you must go to the designated location for the particular drill. After you return from a drill, then you should make a note of it on the discrepancy log and let the audience know what happened. 12. FCC INSPECTIONS: If an FCC inspector or any legal authority arrives at the station, then the station manager and faculty advisor should immediately be contacted. If that is not possible, then get a school administrator. 13. TRANSMITTER READINGS: The 107.9 FM transmitter sends out the signal to our radio tower, which then allows listeners to pick up our signal. The transmitter is located at SOUTH CAMPUS. The FCC requires the transmitter to be working properly at all times, and a transmitter has meters on it to measure the power and direction of our signal. The FCC requires us to check our transmitter by reading these meters. When possible, TRANSMITTER READINGS SHOULD BE TAKEN AT SOUTH CAMPUS at least EVERY 3 HOURS when we are on the air live. (However, just to be safe, South policy is for transmitter readings to be done every Advanced period, and when possible, during club, etc.) Transmitter reading results are recorded on our transmitter log. They are legal documents so log rules apply: Black or blue ink, error correction rule, etc. 14. LEGAL STATION IDENTIFICATION: The FCC requires a legal station I-D at the top of each hour. An FCC legal I-D consists of the call letters and the community of license. For our radio station, an FCC legal I-D is: WWPH, Princeton Junction. Some additional preferences for I-D s at our radio station (BUT NOT REQUIRED BY THE FCC): The FCC info above is all that the government requires for legal I-D s. However, at our school radio station we prefer giving the frequency, 107.9 FM, before you do the FCC legal I-D. We also like staff members to do a legal I-D at the bottom of the hour, and whenever you start and end your show. Other legal I-D s are optional. REMINDER: THE ONLY LEGAL I-D THE FCC REQUIRES IS AT THE TOP OF THE HOUR. 15. OTHER STATION I-D s: Besides legal I-D s, a station often does other types of station identification. Anything that a DJ or show host says that tells the audience what station it is listening to is considered a station I-D. (Examples: WWPH or 107.9 or The Great 108 or The Pirate and the Knight, etc.) OUR RULE ABOUT STATION I-D s: Whenever a microphone is turned on, there must be some type of station I-D stated before the microphone is turned off. 16. ENGINEER s RESPONSIBILITIES REGARDING I-D s: The engineer is responsible for all aspects of a show, including legal I-D s and station I-D s. The engineer is responsible for making sure of the following: 1. A legal I-D is played or stated at the top of every hour to fulfill the FCC requirement. 2. A legal I-D is played or stated at the bottom of every hour, and at the start and end of all shows (not an FCC requirement, but still desired by the management at our school radio station.) 3. 107.9 FM is stated before all legal I-D s. 4. Whenever a microphone is turned on, some sort of I-D is stated before the microphone is turned off. 5. No more than two songs are ever played in a row without stating an I-D or playing a sweeper in between. 6. Never go from a song into a spot, or from a spot into a song, without either stating an I-D or using a bumper. (If you don t follow this rule, then it is considered crashing which is considered a bad thing in radio.)