MCPB Volunteer Handbook 2024

VOLUNTEER PROGRAMMER HANDBOOK MENDOCINO COUNTY PUBLIC BROADCASTING KZYX & KZYZ FM

Thank you for volunteering to become a part of our radio community here at KZYX. This handbook is the follow up to your program proposal. This document is an overview of the station, our history, the rules and regulations and hopefully will help guide you through what we hope will be a long and successful association with public radio here in Mendocino County. This is not intended as a Programmer Training Manual - that will be in addition to the Handbook. Welcome!

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND AS YOU READ THIS HANDBOOK: This Handbook is written to serve as the guide for the KZYX/volunteer relationship. You will be given a Programming Training Manual to supplement this Handbook. Unless otherwise noted, the Handbook applies to all regular programmers, volunteers and DJs. ● It contains only general information and guidelines. It is not intended to be comprehensive or to address all the possible applications of, or exceptions to, the general policies and procedures described. ● The procedures, practices, policies, and benefits described here supersede all prior personnel policies and procedures, and may be modified or discontinued. We will inform you of any substantive changes as they occur.

WHO ARE OUR PROGRAMMERS? A programmer at KZYX is a volunteer responsible for creating content that has been agreed upon by KZYX staff and the programmer after the training process.

Programmers provide new content for each scheduled time slot and are to provide at least one (1) evergreen show for operations to air in the event of emergency only. Volunteers will be asked to sign an annual agreement with KZYX regarding their program and their commitment. By volunteering, programmers are automatically given an annual membership in KZYX and occasional reduced pricing on KZYX merchandise and events.

DESCRIPTION OF KZYX & KZYZ MENDOCINO COUNTY PUBLIC BROADCASTING, Inc., was formed in 1988 to hold the “Class A” nonCommercial, Educational broadcast license for KZYX-FM, a not-for-profit, local access, public radio station for the communities of Mendocino County. The station went on the air for the first time on October 15, 1988.

KZYX-FM is an affiliate of NPR, PRX, Pacifica and NFCB. KZYX operates its main studio in Philo, along with three satellite studios: Willits, Fort Bragg and Talmage.

The station has three transmitter sites, including the primary signal at Cold Springs Mountain at 90.7, KZYZ at 91.5 from Laughlin Peak, and a translator 88.1 in Fort Bragg. tat

MENDOCINO COMMUNITY RADIO MISSION STATEMENT KZYX, Mendocino County Public Broadcasting, has been the community non-commercial radio station of Mendocino County since 1989, broadcasting from three transmitter sites with a reach including Humboldt, Lake, and Sonoma counties, and streaming online to serve listeners around the world. (continued next page)

More than 100 volunteer Programmers and a handful of Staff members keep KZYX on the air 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. KZYX is committed to broadcasting vital emergency information, local news, NPR programming, music, performing arts, quality entertainment, and timely local public affairs.

Our core mission is to promote community through increased communication, cultural offerings, diverse voices, and access to important information among all groups in our large and varied listening area.

This effort is made possible by generous donors and local businesses who believe that public radio has the power to connect everyone in our community.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION: KZYX is committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion.

KZYX’s diversity initiatives are applicable—but not limited—to our practices and policies on recruitment and selection; professional development and training; social and recreational programs; and the ongoing development of an environment built on the premise of gender and diversity equity that encourages and enforces:

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Respectful communication and cooperation between everyone.

Teamwork and volunteer participation, permitting the representation of all groups and perspectives.

Work/life balance through flexible work schedules to accommodate varying needs.

Both KZYX and our programmers’ contributions to the communities we serve, to promote a greater understanding and respect for the diversity of others.

All representatives of KZYX have a responsibility to treat others with dignity and respect at all times. All programmers are expected to exhibit conduct that reflects inclusion while on the air, at our studios, and at all other KZYX-sponsored events. Programmers and staff are asked to complete an annual diversity awareness training to enhance their knowledge to fulfill this responsibility.

KZYX is committed to achieving diversity and inclusion in its Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, Community Advisory Board and program schedule. We define diversity broadly including race, ethnicity, national origin, gender and gender identity, age, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance and social status.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Mendocino County Public Broadcasting (KZYX) is a non-profit 501c3 corporation governed by a volunteer Board of Directors which is elected by the general membership. One volunteer representative is elected by the programmers. Board of Director terms are 4 years with elections held bi-annually. A majority (or “quorum”) of the nine-member Board is the final authority on budget and policy matters. Day to day running of the station is conducted by the staff.

COMMUNITY ADVISORY BOARD: The Community Advisory Board advises the MCPB Board of Directors. As an advisory board that assesses the station’s service to the community, the CAB has no authority to exercise control, but CAB input is a valuable tool for the board of directors and staff members. The CAB meets at least once per year. The chair is appointed by the Board of Directors.

KZYX STAFF: The General Manager is hired by the Board of Directors, and is responsible for hiring the staff. The staff as a whole are in charge of programming, training, raising operational funds, adhering to FCC Rules and Regulations, and ensuring that the technical requirements of the station are met. KZYX staff positions are: General Manager; Production Director; News Director; Operations Director; Director of Membership; Director of Music; Director of Public Affairs; Director of Underwriting; and Bookkeeper. Staff maintain regular office hours during the weekdays and are available via the station phone number. Engineer and Operations ’mobile numbers are to be used only for emergencies.

FCC RULES & REGULATIONS WHAT IS THE FCC? The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is a government agency that regulates communication via radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable in the United States and U.S. territories. FCC enforces laws that all radio broadcasters must follow.

KZYX-KZYZ must also follow specific regulations that apply to noncommercial radio. Violating these laws can result in fines and jail time.

This training manual outlines several (but not all) important FCC regulations, and it also describes how Mendocino County Public Broadcasting interprets these regulations.

These interpretations form the basis of our station policy.

CONSIDERATION OF ON-SITE INSPECTION FCC inspections are not pre-announced. They happen during regular business hours, and can result in fines for the station. If an FCC inspector does come to the station, alert the KZYX Chief Operator (posted on the wall in the on-air studio) and the General Manager immediately. Answer any questions the inspector may have to the best of your ability.

COMMUNITY STANDARDS The FCC does not monitor stations for compliance. The FCC responds to formal complaints by listeners. The FCC then decides if that complaint is actionable. KZYX will only be notified about a complaint once the FCC has contacted us. That means our DJs and Show Hosts are ultimately responsible for keeping our airwaves compliant.

OBSCENITY, INDECENCY, AND PROFANITY

Obscenity is forbidden by the FCC at any time. It is defined as: ● ●

Direct reference to sex or bodily excretion that has no artistic, scientific, or literary value More than six uses of indecent material in a given song (see indecency/profanity)

The FCC has ruled that: Some indecent songs, content, etc. may be played on the radio during a time period called Safe Harbor between 10PM and 6AM. KZYX allows this language only if its removal affects the artistic integrity of the piece. Please consult your director if you wish to air some material in this category.

Racial epithets and other hate speech are not allowed at any time on KZYX-Z VIOLATING FCC LAWS CAN RESULT IN FINES AND JAIL TIME KZYX must abide by the FCC Rules or risk penalties including fines, or loss of broadcast license and frequencies. Be aware that not only listeners and community members, but other radio stations may notify the FCC of any violation, actual or perceived. The risk of losing the station’s license is too high to not enforce and comply with all FCC regulations and any failure by anyone on staff or volunteer may result in immediate termination.

STATING WHO WE ARE TO OUR LISTENERS: OUR LEGAL ID The operation of a broadcast station is considered a public trust. As such, stations are required to regularly identify themselves to the public as part of their continuing operations. These notices are called legal identifications, or legal IDs. They must occur at the top of every hour. These IDs can also be announced within 5 minutes of the hour, but that’s not recommended.

Acceptable legal IDs for KZYX-KZYZ must be read exactly as follows:

KZYX Philo 90.7 KZYZ Willits and Ukiah 91.5 Fort Bragg at 88.1

OR

Translator ID (Read at 8am, 1pm & 6pm only):

KZYX Philo 90.7 KZYZ Willits and Ukiah 91.5 K201HR, Fort Bragg 88.1 All other information is optional, for example: Altogether we are Mendocino County Public Broadcasting, Streaming online at KZYX.org and on the KZYX App

SPONSORED CONTENT Non-commercial radio is different from commercial radio because we are not beholden to advertisers and other commercial entities. Our programming is expected to be in the interest of the public, not specific sponsors.

UNDERWRITING As a noncommercial station, KZYX is allowed to air paid underwriting announcements that express support for the station. For example, “Support for KZYX comes from our members and….”. Local businesses, nonprofits and government agencies support KZYX in return for this messaging. This is not advertising and as a non-profit regulated by the FCC, we are not allowed to advertise.

The Underwriting spots must be read EXACTLY AS WRITTEN. KZYX has entered into a contract with underwriters and they have approved only the wording as it appears in the logs. KZYX could be reported to the FCC and its license called into question if any programmer is heard to violate FCC rules. Even saying “I love this place” or “I’m going to this event, see you there!” could be construed as a violation.

PAYOLA & PLUGOLA PAYOLA Taking money or gifts in exchange for playing content.

Payola refers specifically to the broadcast of material for which a station of its employees, producers, or program suppliers have received or are promised consideration without disclosing that the consideration was paid or promised. This could be in the form of CDs, clothing, gift cards, concert tickets, etc.

PLUGOLA Promoting content that will make you money. Plugola refers to the on-air promotion of goods or services in which a person with programming responsibility has a financial interest.

BOTH PAYOLA AND PLUGOLA ARE ILLEGAL

PRICE It is against FCC policy to mention price information or products or services. Free is considered a price.

CALLS-TO-ACTION Calls-to-action are prohibited as well. A Call to Action is when a Programmer directly asks the listener to engage in a behavior: “go” to a place of business, “check out” a product or website, or “grab tickets now” to attend a for-profit event.

THE EXCEPTION These restrictions do not apply to KZYX events, products, or on-air programming, nor do they apply to IRSdesignated non-profit organizations.

POLITICAL PROGRAMMING Noncommercial radio stations are prohibited from airing political editorials about candidates or issues. When you are on the air as a host, you represent the station, so this rule also applies to you. If you wish to make a political statement, you must arrange with staff a time that is set aside and caveated with a disclaimer, stating that your opinion does not necessarily represent the views of the station, station staff or board of directors.

KZYX-Z can air “issue programs” from political entities as long as there is no other consideration (especially financial) from the political entities.

KZYX is required to keep a political file that can be found inside of our public file. If an FCC inspection were to occur we would be asked to provide this file to the inspector.

BROADCASTING TELEPHONE CALLS The FCC’s “telephone conversation rule” protects the privacy of telephone conversations. Programmers must notify any and all parties on a phone call of the station’s intention to broadcast or record the conversation before recording begins.

DISCLAIMERS When expressing opinions, particularly opinions that may be controversial, the programmer needs to use a disclaimer to identify those opinions as his/her own: “The views expressed here are not necessarily the views of KZYX-KZYZ or its Board

of Directors. The views expressed are solely my own.”.

LOTTERIES & GIVEAWAYS The U.S. Criminal Code prohibits the broadcast of any “advertisement of or any lottery or any information concerning a lottery.” A lottery has three basic elements: prize, chance, and consideration. All three elements must be present to constitute a lottery. If any one element is missing, no lottery occurs. The definition of these elements varies from state to state, Ticket giveaways excite listeners and increase interest in your program, plus listeners get the opportunity to enjoy local music, films, festivals because they listen and support KZYX. These tickets come from our Underwriters who enjoy an extra PR boost when tickets are mentioned on the air during your show. This process must be conducted by KZYX staff.

EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM TESTS The Emergency Alert System was developed to provide an efficient and reliable means for the President, Federal, State, and local authorities to communicate with the general public during times of emergency. KZYX & Z is required to perform random weekly tests of the system, as well as the required monthly test which originates from other sources. E.A.S. tests are generated automatically by equipment in the air studio. We have a receiver attached to the EAS equipment, which constantly monitors for non-local genuine and test alerts. All programmers are required to understand how to respond to an EAS alert and how to send an alert should it be necessary. False or incorrect use of the EAS could result in fines for the station and criminal prosecution for the operator of the EAS under the National Security Act of 1992.

COPYRIGHT POLICIES Permission must be gained on any copyrighted materials, other than music, that you wish to air (i.e. books, dramatic works, complete operatic works, books on tape, or published items.) Permission is not required for material in the public domain.

Copyright fees for airing music are paid through agreements between public broadcasting entities and the major licensing societies (ASCAP, BMI, etc.).

KZYX does not condone illegal acquisition of music. Playing pirated music over KZYX's airwaves could threaten our FCC license.

PLAYLISTS, YOUTUBE, GOOGLE, STREAMING: As of 2023, Spotify now has recordings of over 2/3rds of all music ever recorded. When DJs research material for their shows, going to “Google” and “Spotify” or other online music services is the new reality.

In technical terms, KZYX’s ASCAP/BMI/SESAC licenses and the statutory license cover over‐the‐air performance of musical works, but do not cover reproduction of those works or the creation of bootleg or derivative works. A copy of a sound recording played on someone's YouTube video is a derivative work which would be unauthorized, but YouTube now has algorithms which accurately filter out any use of audio by anyone who has not licensed that work.

A different question arises when the content is a live performance of an artist at a musical venue. In this situation, a station is performing a recording of a live performance, possibly transmitted on someone's cell phone. The person shooting the video may own the copyright to the sound recording, but that person probably did not obtain a mechanical license from the owner of the musical work or receive permission from all the performers to record the live performance in the first place. Avoiding live content online is recommended.

STREAMING & AIR: All satellite studios are equipped with a board, computer, CD player(s), turntable(s), USB streamer, and auxiliary Apple streamer connections. You also will have a phone which connects directly to the main Philo station, as well as a telephone bank to make on-air interviews and answer calls on the air, as well.

PODCASTING: KZYX provides a podcast service as an extension to public affairs shows. KZYX will provide a platform to upload the podcast to Transistor, and create an RSS (Really Simple Syndication) for the show and upload to most common podcast platforms like Apple, Spotify, Google, etc.

KZYX will also create a show page on KZYX’s website with show information, social media links and access to the show podcast.

SECURITY: Every KZYX studio is considered station property. The security of programmers is a priority. Please be aware of your surroundings, especially during late night hours. Lock the doors, make sure lights indoors and outside are sufficient and if not, notify staff immediately. Notify staff of any suspicious activity around the studios.

KZYX programmers not only represent KZYX but are responsible for equipment from microphones to the main board and computer, while in our studios. When leaving, make sure doors are locked, Tieline is off (remote studio’s only), keys returned to their proper locations and that most importantly, you are safe to leave the studio knowing it is secure.

MUSIC LIBRARY KZYX’s music library is a resource for the community as well as for programmers, and it needs to be treated with care. All of the records and CDs have been donated or acquired by direct promotional agreements with record companies and promotion companies; KZYX has no budget to purchase new music or replace damaged or “disappeared” items. So, please, try to practice safe handling procedures: Use care when you handle discs and LPs. Hold them by the edges, don’t leave them lying around out of their jackets/cases, try not to drop them on the floor, etc.

KZYX volunteers are allowed to borrow music from the KZYX library for previewing. Please fill out the sign-out sheet, and return the CDs or albums as soon as possible. All satellite studios have a small collection of CDs and LPs which are considered part of the KZYX library and should be respected as such.

“Music Bee” is the app we are currently using to digitize our music library here in Philo. Once this is completed, you will be given access to this App which will have every title searchable by genre, artist, label and even date of release.

CONSEQUENCES FOR TYPICAL PROGRAMMING VIOLATIONS: Offense: Operations errors, no shows, not reading underwriting per logs 1st strike: Warning & scheduling of a re-training session 2nd strike: Replacement of show until re-training is completed 3rd strike: Termination Offense: FCC Violations (Indecency/Obscenity/Payola/Plugola/misc.)

1st strike: Warning & Re-training session (this depends on the severity of the violation. Some violations will result in immediate termination as required by the FCC.) 2nd strike: Three program suspension 3rd strike: Termination Offense: Slander/Defamation of Character 1st strike: Three program suspension 2nd strike: Termination ALCOHOL AND DRUG POLICY Possession of or being under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance while on KZYX premises or doing KZYX business is strictly prohibited. This is not only a security risk for you and those around you, but it puts the license of the station in jeopardy. 1st offense results in suspension until a meeting is set with the General Manager to determine appropriate action. If there is a second offense, the programmer will be terminated.

DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR POLICY The following acts are strictly prohibited while on KZYX premises or doing KZYX business: • Acts of physical violence or harassment, including sexual harassment • Willful or malicious destruction of KZYX property or premises • Negligent destruction of station property or premises • Smoking, lighting incense, or other fragrances in prohibited areas • Disrespectful speech or behavior to KZYX staff and/or volunteers • Uploading or downloading any inappropriate, derogatory, or otherwise offensive use of language or materials on KZYX’s equipment and computers.

1st offense: Suspension until meeting is set with General Manager and Board Programmer Representative to determine appropriate action 2nd offense: Termination

THEFT POLICY Theft of KZYX property will not be tolerated. If a volunteer or employee suspects another has stolen KZYX property, they have the right to privately report this to the Executive Director or the Station Manager.

1st offense: The person(s) in violation may be reported to law enforcement and the volunteer will be suspended or terminated.

If you are suspended or terminated, you cannot record new shows, use KZYX equipment and should you have any KZYX equipment in your possession, you must return it immediately.

GUEST POLICY KZYX volunteers are responsible for the actions of their guests.

Guests: • May accompany programmers and speak on the air • Are subject to KZYX Code of Conduct, its policies, and FCC regulations • Cannot operate KZYX equipment or access its musical collections • May never be left alone in the on-air room or in control of broadcast equipment 1st offense: Up to 3 week suspension 2nd offense: To be determined by the department directors and Station Manager.

STUDIO PRESENCE KZYX programmers are never to leave the studio unattended during live operation hours unless the programmer is in a considerable amount of danger, or if they have to run to the restroom. If you do need to leave the studio: 1) Make sure the playlist is running.

2) notify a KZXY staff member that you are leaving the studio.

1st offense: Up to 3 week suspension 2nd offense: To be determined by the Executive Director and Station Manager.

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY KZYX cannot govern what you post on your personal social media accounts; however, we do have some guidelines about the content of posts that specifically are connected to the radio station and its programs.

DJs are encouraged to set up pages/accounts for their programs in order to keep them separate from what is posted on personal profiles.

Public pages for programs connected to the station should never exhibit the following:

•racism or racial epithets • sexism • homophobia or transphobia • hate speech • pornographic images or explicit content, • encouragement of illegal activity • slander or defamation of character If there is a risk that opinions published on social media could be viewed as opinions of KZYX it is appropriate to post a disclaimer. For example: “These comments are my personal views and opinions, not the opinions of Mendocino County Public Broadcasting or its Board of Directors.”

DJs may choose to use Facebook Live or other live streams while recording their show. We expect all station rules to be followed on live streams, even if the content being recorded is not going out over the terrestrial airwaves. Reporting on social media requires the same diligence as reporting on-air. Please be sure to cite your sources and be clear about what has and has not been confirmed.

1st offense: Written warning and re-training session 2nd offense: Three-week suspension of social media activity directly connected to the radio station 3rd offense: Three week show suspension

THE LIST: 1. No smoking is permitted in KZYX studios, satellite studios, or indoors of any related buildings.

2. No files, equipment, or other property belonging to KZYX is to be removed without consent from the General Manager.

3. No pets inside the on-air booth at any time.

4. Keep food and drink off the same surfaces as broadcasting /computing equipment.

8. No sleeping in KZYX studios and/or out buildings.

11. No one under 18 is allowed in the studio without a competent adult present. Under-age interns must be supervised by an adult, no one intern may be left alone with an adult in a closed space/studio, interns ’last names are not to be used on air, nor their schedule in the studio(s) publicized at any time.

12. Visitors are allowed, but no more than three at a time in the studio. The KZYX program host on duty is responsible for the actions of his/her visitors, and must enforce KZYX and FCC policies with guests.

We ask for you to sign the following Acknowledgement as well as the appropriate Application Form so that we know you are aware of the general rules for being on board with us, and we have accurate contact information for you and a description of your show content.

PROGRAMMERS HANDBOOK ACKNOWLEDGEMENT (Please initial each provision and sign below)

1. ______ I hereby acknowledge that I have received a copy of KZYX’s Programmer Handbook which provides guidelines on the policies, procedures, and programs affecting my volunteering with NFCB. 2. ______ I understand that the procedures, practices, policies, and benefits described in the Handbook supersede all prior personnel policies and may be modified or discontinued from time to time and that KZYX will inform me of any substantive changes as they occur.

3. ______ Furthermore, I acknowledge that this Handbook is not a contract of employment and nothing in the Handbook creates an express or implied contract of employment.

4. ______ I accept responsibility for familiarizing myself with the information, seeking clarification of its terms or guidance, where necessary, and complying with the content.

5. ______ I understand that I should consult KZYX staff if I have any questions that are not answered in this Handbook.

VOLUNTEER NAME (Printed): ________________________________________

VOLUNTEER SIGNATURE: _____________________________________DATE: __________ Note: This form will be retained in the volunteer’s Personnel File.

Thank you for training to be a KZYX volunteer programmer! We look forward to helping you have a successful and rewarding experience, both on the air AND as a part of our KZYX family