Underwriting
What is an Underwriter?
Underwriting is when a business or individual donates a product, service, or funding to assist an access show in return for a non-commercial acknowledgement.
According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Underwriting Guidelines, an underwriting "spot" is (a) no longer than 15 seconds; (b) includes no calls to action (i.e.. "Come on down and BUY our products!); (c) includes no comparative language (i.e. "We're better than that other pizza place!").
Underwriting spots must be placed at the beginning or end of a show versus in the middle to avoid giving the video a "commercial" look.
Underwriting Opportunities
PLUG YOUR LOCAL BUSINESS... AND SUPPORT CMAP
CMAP is a non-commercial television station. You can’t lease time, or run commercials… but you CAN BE AN UNDERWRITER! As an underwriter , your professionally produced fifteen second video spot will run on CMAP's Channel 17, 19, or 20. CMAP is available on Charter Cable in 13,000 homes throughout Gilroy, Hollister and San Juan Bautista.
An underwriting spot can include a picture of your business locale, contact information, your logo, a voiceover, music, and all contact info. Click here for samples of real spots!
An underwriting spot airs three times a week for an entire year. That's 156 airings for just $1000!
If you are interested in becoming a CMAP station underwriter, contact Executive Director, Kathy Bisbee, at (408) 846-4983 ext. 6.
