Urban Unrest

17 June 2005 | Community | Ernesto Aguilar

On suggestion from Program Council, I’m trying to craft a better penalty policy that deals with problems of profanity outside of safe harbor, but doesn’t hit too harshly on volunteers. Here is one idea, and I would like your input.

First violation:
Warning, with written notation in files

Second violation:
Suspension of individual programmer for four programs.

Third violation:
Suspension of individual programmer and producer for six programs (case-by-case review if programmer and producer and the same person).

Fourth violation:
Suspension of show as a whole.

We had two second violations this past week, which could’ve put the programs into a possible suspension status, but per suggestions I’m leaning toward shifting the policy somewhat to the above as a way to address the issue. Feedback appreciated.

Regarding safe harbor, listeners often report being confused that more sensitive language is sparingly permitted after midnight on KPFT; many call upset that their pledges could end up spent on fines over safe harbor shows. One of the youth volunteers, Eric, cut an advisory liner (one 15 seconds that gets to the point, and one 30, with explanation of safe harbor, station policy, etc.); if you’re on after 12 and aren’t sure whether your show could run profanity in a song, please run the short advisory liner at the start of your show, and the longer one at the top of the following hour, just so listeners know what’s up. Much appreciated, as it saves listener stress if there’s an aired profanity.

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