Underwriters are businesses and individuals who strongly support a certain aspect of our operation— usually a specific program— and to show it, they provide funds for that program. We enjoy thanking our underwriters on the air, and encourage you to thank them too. If one of your favorite programs is supported by a local merchant, tell him or her how much you appreciate it.

The Benefits of Becoming an Underwriter on HPPR

When you become an HPPR underwriter, you join a distinguished group of local and national businesses and organizations. These businesses and organizations benefit substantially by gaining:

• Direct access to a concentrated, affluent audience of consumer and business decision makers.
• Name recognition among professionals and business leaders likely to be interested in your products and services.
• Appreciation from your customers, peers and HPPR listeners who will recognize your commitment to the community and your support of a well respected public service.

HPPR's Underwriting Representatives can help you design a schedule of underwriting announcements that meets your financial, marketing and philanthropic needs. There are a variety of options available to underwriters ranging from rotating announcements to specific sponsorships and one-time promotions.

Underwriting Guidelines

Good guidelines make for a good message. A combination of Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) and High Plains Public Radio (HPPR) guidelines for underwriting ensure that the message brought forth is clear, concise, sophisticated and pleasing to the ears of our listeners.

FCC Underwriting Guidelines

The FCC dictates that all public radio stations must refrain from using underwriting language which contains:

• Calls to Action
  Avoid words such as "call," "stop by," or other phrases prompting action.
• References to Price
  Avoid phrases like "actual price," "free," "on sale," etc.
• Superlatives
  Do not use any qualitative descriptors like "best," "greatest," "most reliable," etc.
• Inducements to Buy, Rent, Sell or Lease
  Do not use copy which includes references to buying or selling products or services.

The Intent of Underwriting

The "intent" of underwriting is to publicly acknowledge our underwriters and provide a brief description of any of the following::

• location
• services
• notable business anniversary
• relocation information
• slogans used as a standard
• traditional portion of the business’s marketing mix

The description must not violate FCC and HPPR regulations. Underwriting credits must fit within a 10 second time frame.

HPPR Underwriting Guidelines

• The name of the business shall appear once in the underwriting credit, with the exception of website information.
• Website information may be included. As a cost-free service, we will provide a direct link from our Current Underwriters list to the web site of our underwriters.
• Other than accepted slogans, words such as "you, "your," "our," and "we" are not permitted as part of underwriting language, because it suggests a personal statement on the part of the station.
• Final approval of underwriting copy rests with HPPR.

Need more information?

Send an email message with your name and contact information to an Underwriting Representative or call toll free 1.800.678.7444

In Texas contact:
Ross Clopton

In Kansas, Oklahoma, and Colorado contact:
Leonard Hitz