ON-AIR OFFERS

For questions regarding this section, contact PBS Program Underwriting at (703) 739-5291

PROGRAM-RELATED GOODS AND SERVICES

	Videos/DVDs
	Books
	Transcripts
	CDs
	Other Program Specific Material

Certain related goods and services may be mentioned or offered for sale at the end of the program. The appropriateness, content, and placement of any program-related offers are subject to the "PBS Guidelines for On-Air Announcements Promoting Program-Related Goods and Services." The guidelines spell out the types of items generally acceptable for an on-air announcement, the language and visuals to use for these announcements, and the options for placement.

All on-air offers of program-related goods and services must be approved by PBS Program Underwriting Policy (PUP). The deadline for approval is 10 weeks prior to broadcast and prior to final picture lock.

Remember, all forms must be filed and approved in ORION before a program can be delivered.

OFFEROR CRITERIA AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Only a nonprofit producer, presenter, or distributor of public television programming can make an offer

The offeror must be identified in the offer announcement

PBS may ask for verification of nonprofit status.

The offeror ensures that the item will be available through that phone number and/or address for the duration of the broadcast rights period. The offeror must own the item being offered and accept responsibility for any difficulties encountered by viewers. The offeror must abide by the On-Air Offer Guidelines including the revenue share requirements, and report on revenue to PUP at 6-month intervals as required.

ON-AIR OFFER ANNOUNCEMENT

Split screen offer treatments are the most ideal format

Offers generally appear only once at the end of the program. If a program has a mid-program break approved by Program Management, the same offer might appear at the intermission.

An offer should never come between the underwriting credits and production credits.

Split-Screen with Production Credits

Although several options are available, PBS highly prefers a split-screen treatment to reduce on-air clutter and maximize the time available for program content.

Specifications for acceptable offer placement

1.	Offer can be no longer than 15 seconds
2.	Program content should end prior to the offer (if program content extends into the production credits, for example).
3.	Offer should not begin until production credits run at least 17 seconds to allow for local station voice over announcements.
4.	Addresses are not required, and are particularly discouraged for split-screen offers.

End of Program and before Production Credits

1.	Offer can be no longer than 15 seconds
2.	Dip to black before offer announcement.
3.	An offer may appear immediately following the program content with PBS approval.

End of Production Credits and before the PBS System Cue

1.	Offer can be no longer than 15 seconds
2.	Producer/Presenter identification must appear before the offer language begins.

Post System Cue

Offer can be no longer than 30 seconds

CONTENT OF ON-AIR OFFER ANNOUNCEMENT

Hosts or talent from the program may not be used in the on-air offer announcement.

Web addresses are NOT permitted, with the exception of shoppbs.org.

No credit cards, delivery services or shopping services may be named

Offer announcements should be consistent with the tone and substance of the program. Offers are to be informational and not promotional in nature, e.g., no calls to action.

Audio must include:
1.	Title of item (preferably include program title)
2.	Type of item
3.	Phone number (may be voiced only once)
4.	"...or write to the address on your screen." (if address is included)

Video must include:
1.	Title of item (again, be specific and include the program title)
2.	Type of item (product may be depicted or fonted, e.g., "audio cassette")
3.	Phone number and possibly address (but no address in split screen offers)
4.	"Offer Made by XYZ" (this disclosure is required by law)

Price of the item is also helpful but is not required.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: This manual is a set of "guidelines" and should be treated as such. PBS staff members will continue to consult with producers and provide direct guidance on issues concerning final delivery of programs. Please read through the Red Book carefully and make sure that the members of your production team familiarize themselves with the relevant sections. Updates to the Red Book will occur when information or policies change.

 
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