Operations Manual in Review
• Mission Statement 3
• History 4
• How to become a DJ 4
• WETD Goals Music 5
PSA 5
EAS 5
Weather 6
• Policies Indecency/profanity/obscenity 6
Public File 6
Legal ID 6
Underwriter acknowledgement 6
Station logs 6
Music 7
Transmitter 7
EAS 7
Food/drink 7
Smoking 7
Missed shows 7
Security 7
Visitors 7
Professionalism 7
Mic use 8
Phone 8
Audience 8
Nonverbals 8
Mistakes 8
Plan program 8
Requests 8
Bodily sounds 8
Dead air 8
Interviews 9
• Events 9
BOD meetings 9
Staff meetings 9
Student Senate incentive points 9
DJ paying jobs 10
Mission Statement
of
WETD
Broadcasting at 90.7 FM, WETD is the College’s radio station composed
of student, staff and community member disk jockeys (DJs) and elected leadership
members. The station offers an environment for participation to experience the
professional operation of a broadcast facility abiding to Federal Communication
Commission (FCC) regulations. WETD provides diverse entertainment through the
musical medium, dissemination of news and information as well as reflect the
interests and concerns of the listening community. In addition, WETD provides
a proactive contribution to community service. WETD strives to integrate the
collective interests of the station with the individual interests of the listeners
of the city of license, Alfred, NY, which includes the College and surrounding
area.
WETD Board of Directors
October 15, 2004
Maria Terrigino, Jesse Cline, Jackie Deller, Branden Weinblatt
Ben Zimon, Cory Backer, Donnell Guichard
Jessica Voltaire, Joe McLaughlin, Lateyfa Hull, Mike Jones
Mark Amman, Rick Herritt
Welcome
Congratulations on taking the first step towards becoming a student DJ at WETD 90.7 FM! This manual will serve as a resource for you during your training and work with this exciting organization. Read it, know it, and refer to it often. As a student DJ, it is your responsibility to know all station policies and federal regulations that are contained within this manual. Ignorance is no excuse for violating policy. If you have any questions, please contact a Board of Director (B.O.D.) member. Their names, numbers, and email address are posted in the main WETD studio.
History
You are now on the brink of becoming part of a long standing tradition at Alfred State College. Students tinkering with radio paraphernalia in the early 60’s felt they could provide some entertainment to Happy Valley. A few Engineering Technology faculty and staff took an interest, and soon WETD (W Engineering Technology Department) was an official radio station broadcasting at 10 watts from the Engineering Building. There were strict programming and hours of operation….Mondays (12-2 am) Welcome Back to School, Thursdays (6-8 am) Pub Recovery, Saturdays (8-11 am) Beatle Invasion….. It was a character building time for WETD, but mostly engineering based. By the late 60’s, music and radio were a powerful means of social awareness, which drew more that just engineers to the studio. The 70’s saw a campus wide involvement by students from all curricula resulting in Student Senate funding the operation as a student club/organization. The station moved its operations to the basement of the Orvis Activities Center in the 80’s with much needed equipment improvements…. new turntables, cassette and reel to reel tape decks, cart machines and a 50 watt transmitter; yes, we passed on the 8 tracks. But visibility was an issue, so plans were drafted in the 90’s to have the studios in a more accessible space with much more transmitter power and technology options, as well as off air opportunities.
How to become a DJ?
The first step towards becoming a DJ is to attend the first Organizational
Meeting of the semester and pick up/read through this Operations Manual. By
lottery, you will select a time slot on the Air Shift Schedule for your future
show. The Program Director is responsible for making each semester’s Air
Shift Schedule. B.O.D. members have first priority, followed by returning DJ,
and then new DJ. In the event of a scheduling conflict, the DJ who has done
the most extra work around and for WETD will be given a higher priority. The
next step is to schedule a time for personal training in the studio. Upon completion,
you will fill out an application and schedule a time when you can shadow an
experienced DJ for at least two hours. When these prerequisites have been met,
you can start your own on-air show. At any time, please ask the B.O.D. members
questions no matter how large or small. It is important for all of us to work
as a team, and questions help us all to improve our on-air image. As a WETD
DJ, you are expected to maintain a 2.0 GPA…. academics first.
What is WETD?
WETD is a Federal Communication Commission (F.C.C.) licensed Class-A noncommercial educational FM broadcast station operating at 250 watts on an assigned frequency of 90.7 megahertz. WETD is owned by Alfred State College and supported through the Student Senate. The studios are located in the Orvis Activities Center and the transmitter tower is ideally situated on the hilltop above the sports fields. Our programming operates 24/7 with live student DJ shifts running typically from early afternoon until 11pm and our Digital Jukebox radio automation computer filling in the remaining hours.
Goals
The station offers an environment for participants to experience the professional operation of a radio station abiding to F.C.C. regulations. WETD provides entertainment through the musical medium, disseminates news and information as well as reflect the interest and concerns of the listening community. How do we do this? Through the music and public service provided by our WETD staff DJ.
1. Music – The style of music each DJ presents can be anything… ranging from thrashing metal and hip-hop to classic rock, blues, and jazz. The on-air delivery can be just as varied… some DJ are subdued and task-oriented, while others are very animated and hilarious.
2. Public Service – As part of our college service component, we are committed to supporting other clubs and organizations both on- and off-campus. This very important element comes in the form of Public Service Announcements (P.S.A.’s), interviews, live DJ opportunities, weather reports, underwriter acknowledgement, and by broadcasting the F.C.C.- required weekly E.A.S. test
a. Announcements – During each on-air hour, DJ are required to either read three (3) to five (5) Public Service Announcement (P.S.A.) scripts (located in the P.S.A. Handbook in the main studio), or air the pre-recorded 30 sec. and 60 sec. P.S.A. CDs (located in the black P.S.A. CD case). For a more professional sound, the audio P.S.A.’s should be alternated with the P.S.A. scripts.
b. Emergency Alert System (E.A.S.) tests – WETD is required by the F.C.C. to broadcast a weekly E.A.S. test at random times.
The B.O.D. will be responsible for scheduling the various E.A.S. test times. If you are asked to send an E.A.S. test, please follow the instructions (located in the Standard Operating Procedures, S.O.P.). Also, once per month, WETD must rebroadcast a monthly E.A.S. test, received from another radio station, then rebroadcast over WETD within five minutes by our ENDEC (E.A.S.) computer. In the event of an actual emergency, the E.A.S. will take precedence over all programming.
c. Weather Alerts – Current weather conditions can be found just above the mixing console…..data collected from our own weather station. For local weather forecast access Alfred’s intranet at web.alfredstate.edu select the weather link. Each DJ is responsible for checking and updating the weather conditions regularly during their onair shift.
3. Policies
A. What we cannot do on air – WETD must follow F.C.C. regulations in regards to what materials are considered indecent, profane, or obscene and if and when such material can be aired. This area of the law is hazy and open to interpretation. Basically, we operate under the F.C.C.’s “Community Standards Rule”, which includes the listener’s standards on- and off-campus, as well as Alfred State College’s policies included within the Student Conduct Code….. for more…. www.xcatweb.alfredstate.edu/alfred/Student_Conduct_Code.asp?SnID=1964761991. These local policies give little leeway for slander or obscenity. Every DJ and their guests must adhere to these policies, as these are WETD’s policies as well. It is very important that you understand that any listener either on or off campus may file a complaint of inappropriate broadcasting. If there is any question about whether or not to address something on-air, DO NOT SAY IT. A list of the F.C.C. fines per each violation can be found in the Appendix of this document.
B. Public File – The F.C.C. requires each station to have a public file available for viewing during our regular business hours. This file is located in the second drawer of the file located in the back production studio. Anyone requesting to see this must be allowed to view the contents under your supervision. Do not allow this file out of your sight during this time. WETD also maintains an electronic version of the public file found on our website…..www.WETD907.net
NOTE: If an F.C.C. inspector would stop by, they will usually request to view this public file first thing. Be courteous and professional, provide as much information as requested, and contact the Advisor (or station engineer) as soon as possible.
C. Legal ID’s – Within five minutes of the top of every hour, the F.C.C. requires a Legal ID. Our Legal ID is “WETD, ALFRED, NY”. “90.7” or other descriptions can be added around this, but the Legal ID must be broadcast as worded. The F.C.C. has stiff fines for each missed Legal ID.
D. Underwriter Acknowledgement - Some portions of WETD’s programming are in part being financially supported by local businesses and individuals. There are prepared scripts for you to read at least once during your shift.
E. Station Logs - In order to meet F.C.C. requirements, there are three different station logs: The Music Log, the Transmitter Log, and the E.A.S. Log. These will be more thoroughly described during your in studio training, but in general…..
1. Music / Program Log: Every music selection, P.S.A., E.A.S. test or alert,
and the broadcast time for EVERY shift must entered on a Log sheet in the Music
Logbook.
2. Transmitter Log: Before starting their shift, each DJ is required to enter
the transmitter information (via the TC8 Remote Control in the Transmission
Rack) and the time of each reading. Place the readings from Channel 1 in the
first column, Channel 2 in the second, etc. on a log sheet in the Transmitter
Logbook.
3. E.A.S. Log – Every time an E.A.S. alert is received or sent, a log
is printed out from the ENDEC E.A.S in the Transmitter Rack. Each of these must
be gently pulled out until the entire log can be seen, the information written
down on the log, and then each printout is stapled in the proper slot for that
test or alert printout.
F. Food and Drinks – Absolutely NO food or drink is allowed either in the Main Studio or in the Production Studio. A refrigerator and chairs have been provided in the WETD lobby for your convenience.
G. Smoking – Absolutely no smoking is allowed in the WETD studios or lobby. First, Orvis Activities center is a non-smoking building, and secondly, the smoke damages the equipment.
H. Missed Shows – DJ are expected to make each of their shows, and arrive a few minutes early in order to organize their music, the Weather Report / Alerts, and complete the Transmitter Log sheet. If a DJ must miss their shift, it is their responsibility to notify the PD, the General Manager (GM), or an advisor as soon as possible prior to that shift. If a DJ fails to make two or more of their shifts, the Executive Board has the right to suspend or dismiss that DJ from further shifts.
I. Security – The DJ who is on-air is responsible for the security of the whole station. If you encounter a suspicious situation such as someone staring at you, threatening phone calls or emails, a visitor who will not leave, or a suicide call, contact University Police (U.P.) at 4316 immediately. Especially for those working evening shifts, an escort service is provided by U.P. To further help security, please keep the front door shut as much as possible. Also, if at all possible, please use only your first name or your DJ title on-air.
J. Visitors – The total combined number of people permitted in the WETD station at one time is four (4). The DJ is responsible for the behavior and actions of their guests. No guest should ever be alone in the Production Studio or music library area. A larger number of people in the studio (touring band, alumni, special guests, etc) needs to be approved by the B.O.D. four (4) days in advance of the program.
K. Professionalism – Understanding that this is a Student Senate club,
and that your education has first priority, WETD seeks to improve the overall
sound of the station. This involves the manner and conduct DJs present themselves
on-air. The following are some ways to improving the DJs presentation:
1. Microphones – Every DJ or interviewee MUST have a mic. The mic must
be placed within six (6) inches directly in front of the speaker’s mouth
(not above, to the side, or two feet in front). All microphones have a specific
pattern, and all sound outside of this falls away or is distorted. If a person
is “Popping their P’s” or “Slinging their S’s”,
shift the mic slightly to the side and “talk through” the mic pattern.
2. Telephone – Answer the phone in a courteous way by identifying the
station…. “Hello, WETD, Alfred State College”.
3. Audience - Our audience is more than just Alfred State College… we
are being heard from as far away as Dansville on-air.
4. Non-verbals - Remember that the audience cannot see your nonverbal gestures
or hand movements, etc., so either describe what is happening, or drop it and
move on to something else.
5. Mistakes - Mistakes can happen to each of us, and it is best to correct them
as quickly as possible and move on. Do not bring them up to the audience, as
most listeners will never notice anyway.
6. Write it down – Use a pen and paper to write down what you would like
to say before saying it on-air. This will bring order to your thoughts, and
will give you confidence to know what needs to be said versus what is just rambling.
7. Music Requests – There are three ways to receive music requests.
A. Request Line - At least once per shift, give the WETD Request Line phone
number. Remembering that a lot of our listeners are off campus, give the number
as (607) 587-2907. If the music request is does not fit your programming style,
thank the caller and let them know that you will pass on the request. Do not
tell them to get lost or that they are stupid. Doing so could bring disciplinary
action from the B.O.D. Treat each caller as a customer.
B. Instant Messenger – The IM account is WETD907 with xxxxxxx as the password.
You can certainly use your own IM account if you have one. Try not to spend
much time “corresponding” since this will detract from you on-air
tasks. Just acknowledge the requests and move the programming forward.
8. Bodily sound – It is unprofessional to snort, sniffle, blow your nose,
burp, or pass gas over the air. If you have a cold, use precautions to keep
these distracts to a minimum.
9. Dead Air – According to F.C.C. regulations, it is illegal to have more
than five (5) seconds of dead air or silence while the transmitter is on. DJs
are encouraged to make smooth segues as quickly as possible between music and
programming. If something is not working properly, move to something else as
soon as possible.
K. Interview Techniques – Whether conducting live interviews on-air, or recorded interviews in the Production Studio, the following are basic steps to be done prior to, during, and after the interview.
1. Research - Know the type of Interview, and the person(s) being interviewed.
If the topic is new to you, go online and research basic points, and figure
out how they can impact the audience.
2. Plan Ahead – Line up the equipment, schedule the time and location
for the interview, and come up with organized questions on the topic. Know the
equipment; don’t try to learn it during the interview as this wastes both
your and the interviewee’s time. If you have a question, or need equipment,
contact the B.O.D. as far in advance as possible.
3. Interview – Be cordial when greeting interviewee… letting them
know basically what you are looking for. Keep on the topic; do not wonder so
far from the topic that the interviewee gains control. Watch out for any grunts
or “umms” that you as the interviewer might make while the interviewee
is responding.
4. Postproduction – Edit down the interview to meet the timeframe desired.
Add music intro and / or outro for a weekly show. Edit out coughs, unnatural
silences, “umms”, etc., so that the interview flows smoothly within
the time allowed. Have the GM, PM, or Advisor(s) authorize the finished product,
as there might be technical suggestions that would improve the interview segment.
5. Training – For further help and training, see the Advisor(s) for additional
tips or training for improving interviewing skills.
4. EVENTS
A. B.O.D. Meetings – Each week (with the exception of Holidays, Breaks, and as otherwise noted), the WETD Board of Directors will conduct a meeting. At these meetings, the B.O.D. members discuss relevant events, and coordinates personnel and equipment for upcoming productions and community public service activities.
B. Staff Meetings – These will be held at least once per month. During these sessions, all DJ are encouraged to address concerns or conflict. Attendance is required, as this is the time for team-building, training, goal setting, and passing on information on changes or schedules. Regular absences (without B.O.D. notification) could result in shift suspension.
C. Student Senate Points System - As part of the Student Senate funding requirements, WETD DJs and staff are required to be involved with public service activities around and off campus. Therefore, each DJ is strongly encouraged to do at least one Public Service activity per school year. The more activities that WETD completes, the more funding “points” will be given for WETD’s budget.
Examples of these activities are:
- Live DJ for each semester’s Blood Drive at A.S.C.
- Live DJ for dances, rallies, parties, etc. on-campus.
- Manning the WETD booth during Hot Dog Day.
- Attending authorized Leadership Training seminars.
- Having “live” DJs for each of the three Open Houses each semester.
- Hosting a manned WETD table for the Open Houses.
- Producing and airing Public Service interviews.
- Sponsoring concerts or giveaways for the college.
- Creating and airing Admission Department P.S.A.’s for WETD.
- Hosting a WETD table during Orientation days.
- Work with the Office of Residential Life on Community Clean-Up Days.
- Producing and airing P.S.A. spots for campus activities.
There are numerous ways for WETD to be involved in our community, and in return,
receive points towards meeting our budget. The more activities that a DJ completes,
the more funding for new WETD equipment and giveaways, and the better chance
that DJ has of getting a better shift the next semester. To find out how to
organize an activity, talk with a B.O.D. member. Upon completion, let them know
for record keeping purposes.
D. Live DJs for off campus dances – WETD now has the ability to provide music and lights for a large venue dance. These events are associated with financial compensation for the DJs. DJs will be selected by the Advisors to best match the needs of the customer.
CONCLUSION
This Operations Manual is your resource book as a DJ. Know what is expected both legally and technically, and then have fun. Be creative, and enjoy yourselves. Bring your own style, and you will soon have an audience asking for more.
Appendix
FCC VIOLATIONS AND FORFEITURES
Dealings with the FCC:
Misrepresentation/lack of candor... $ 27,000 to 275,000
Construction or operations without authorization... 10,000
Failure to permit inspection... 7,000
Unauthorized discontinuance of service... 5,000
Failure to respond to FCC communications... 4,000
Construction or operation at unauthorized location... 4,000
Failure to file required forms or information... 3,000
Technical:
Noncompliance with marking/lighting requirements... 10,000
EAS equipment not in and working... 8,000
Interference... 7,000
Failure to keep directional within licensed values... 7,000
AM tower fencing... 7,000
Exceeding authorized antenna height... 5,000
Use of unauthorized equipment... 5,000
Exceeding power limits... 4,000
Unauthorized emissions 4,000
Using unauthorized frequency 4,000
Failure to use frequency coordination when required... 4,000
Violation of transmitter control/metering requirements... 3,000
Failure to perform required measurements or monitoring... 2,000
Administrative/management/recordkeeping:
Violation of Public File rules... 10,000
Violation of political rules incl. access, rates, equal opp... 9,000
Unauthorized substantial transfer of control... 8,000
Alien ownership violation... 8,000
Violation of main studio rule... 7,000
Violation of enhanced underwriting requirements... 2,000
Failure to maintain required records... 1,000
Unauthorized pro forma transfer of control... 1,000
Programming:
Violation of Children's TV rules... 8,000
Violations of rules re distress/safety/false distress... 8,000
Obscene/indecent transmission... 7,000
Broadcast hoax rule... 7,000
Fraud by wire/radio/TV... 5,000
Broadcasting telecons without permission... 4,000
Violation of sponsor ID requirements 4,000
Violation of lottery/contest rules... 4,000
Failure to perform station ID... 1,000
Specific violations and base dollar amounts are shown; the FCC may adjust these amounts upward or downward depending upon circumstances.
wetd/operationsmanual ver 8/2007