WUNC defends choice to edit questionable announcement
Public radio 91.5 FM WUNC issued a statement Tuesday regarding its position on corporate underwriting announcements.
The statement, a response to criticisms that WUNC overstepped its bounds by editing a message from the Chapel Hill-based women's health organization Ipas, stated the station's commitment to abide by Federal Communications Commission regulations.
The station recently refused to broadcast an Ipas announcement that included the phrase "reproductive rights," saying the wording might violate FCC regulations that prohibit noncommercial broadcasters from airing messages advocating religious, political or social causes.
"My primary responsibility is to safeguard the station listeners to make sure we comply with regulations with the FCC," said General Manager Joan Rose.
Anu Kumar, Ipas executive vice president for development and communication, said her organization would negotiate the language of the on-air announcement. It is currently being broadcast with the phrase "reproductive health" instead of "reproductive rights," Rose said.
