The FCC's underwriting policy has evolved from the tension between two
mandates of the Communications Act. Section 317 requires all stations to
identify those who pay or promise remuneration for the broadcast of any matter.
Section 399B of the Communications Act prohibits noncommercial stations from
broadcasting any "advertisement."

An advertisement is defined as programming
material, broadcast in exchange for any remuneration, which promotes a service,
facility, or product which is offered on a "for profit" basis. Thus, noncommercial
stations are tom between a duty to make "sponsorship identification
announcements" and a duty not to include certain types of information in those
announcements.

The preceding is an excerpt from 
HOW NOT TO WRITE UNDERWRITING
ANNOUNCEMENTS
By John Crigler
GSBLaw.com

 John Crigler is a member of the law firm of Gamey Schubert Barer. He can be reached at 202-965-7880 or jcrigler@,asblaw.com. The material presented here is intended solely for informational purposes and is of a general nature that cannot be regarded as legal advice. Please consult a communications attorney if you have specific questions.