[grc] Programmers promoting personal Patreon page on their LPFM show

[Bill Simmon]

Interesting. The wording of the ask is problematic because it is pretty
clearly within the "call to action" sort of language that is prohibited for
noncommercial stations. It's interesting that they don't actually say the
Patreon subscriptions support the radio show -- like what if it was to
support the creative work that the DJs do generally, and not just limited
to the show? The policies at our station would probably allow for it if it
was less direct, like "We do a lot of cool creative stuff and we are
supported in this effort by members of our community. You can learn more at
patreon.org/ourgreatshow!"

The language "for as little as $1/month" is definitely a no-no. That would
get someone kicked off the air at our station if there was any pushback
after being told not to do it. Good luck!

Bill

--
Bill Simmon
Director of Media Services
Vermont Community Access Media

208 Flynn Avenue #2G
Burlington, VT 05401
802.651.9692

vermontcam.org
facebook.com/vermontcam
twitter.com/vermontcam
vimeo.com/vermontcam
youtube.com/vermontcam

On Wed, May 2, 2018 at 8:22 AM, David Goodman via grc <grc at maillist.peak.org
> wrote:

> Well, you've discovered the holy grail for every independent producer and
> the pandora's box for every station manager. Here's the thing: you run a
> non-commercial station, right? When you fund raise over the air and offer
> premiums, the STATION as a whole benefits, yes? Who is benefiting from
> these calls to "sign up;" just them, correct?
>
> Your organization should have by-laws outlining what it means to be
> non-commercial.
>
> Good luck. Asking people to stop doing something is never easy.
>
> cheers, dg
>
>
>
> <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&
> utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail>
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>
> On Wed, May 2, 2018 at 7:03 AM, Danny via grc <grc at maillist.peak.org>
> wrote:
>
> > We have new programmers that aired this the other day on our LPFM:
> >
> >
> >
> > "If you would like to support our creative endeavors and the expansion of
> > our offerings, consider subscribing to our Patreon at
> > Patreon.com/[redacted]. You can subscribe for as little as $1/month and
> we
> > have cool rewards available."
> >
> >
> >
> > It seems to me this is problematic on multiple levels like FCC rules,
> > non-profit status and just setting a horrible precedent for programmers
> to
> > all start directly monetizing their shows.  And FWIW, they flipped out
> when
> > we asked them to stop doing this, which strongly suggests this is central
> > to
> > their show and to me smacks of airing an infomercial at best.
> >
> >
> >
> > Thoughts???
> >
> > _______________________________________________
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> > grc at maillist.peak.org
> > http://maillist.peak.org/mailman/listinfo/grc
> >
>
>
>
> --
> I.B.I.S. Radio
> Jamaica Plain, Boston, MA
> [
> *Producers of "SOUND and FURY" & *
> *"LOCAL EDITION: The BINJ Report"*]
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