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WGMU Radio Policies and Procedures

WGMU RADIO’S RULES, REGULATIONS, SUGGESTIONS, AND PROFESSIONALISM POLICY FOR WGMU MEMBERS

Introduction:  

Hello and welcome to WGMU Radio! We’re excited to have you as part of our team. As you will soon learn, the station is highly multifaceted, with many moving parts. Reading through this whole document is crucial to understanding how the station works. It also contains the requirements one will need to know to be a broadcaster. If you’re in COMM 148/348, not all of our participation requirements pertain to you. If you’re coming aboard working solely behind the scenes and not performing any on-air work, you still must agree to everything set forth. If you’re not on-air, then the things we require of on-air broadcasters do not pertain to you. 

Table of Contents  

  • 1. Three Strike/One and Done 
  • 2. Participation Policy 
  • 3. Guest Policy 
  • 4. Marketing and PSA Policy 
  • 5. Pre-emption 
  • 6. Production Studio 
  • 7. On-Air Studio Use and Music Policies  
  • 8. FCC Policy of Professionalism and Regulation 
  • 9. Suspensions, Enforcement, and Tallying 
  • 10. Guidance for General/Executive Staff Members 
  • 11. The WGMU Radio Alumni Foundation 

  

Glossary of terms/Explanations:  

  • WGMU Radio is George Mason University’s student-run and operated radio station. We are a division of University Life’s Office of Student Media. We have staff offices in The Hub within the Office of Student Media. Our on-air and production studios are located on the ground floor of the George W. Johnson Center on the Fairfax Campus. Our practice studio, used to train new broadcasters, is situated within our staff offices. 
  • The General Manager, at times, may be referred to as GM. The Music Director may be referred to as MD. 
  • The MD and Program Director are the broadcaster’s first point of contact for most matters here at WGMU. The broadcaster shall consult the GM if they can’t solve the matter. If urgent and both the MD and Program Director are not available, contact the GM.  
  • PSA refers to public service announcements. 
  • The Executive Staff is comprised of the departmental directors. Here’s what they do and how they can assist you: 
  • General Manager (GM): The GM is responsible for leading the station and its members. They oversee WGMU’s staff, its studios (including the practice studio), the broadcasters, approving on-air shows and broadcasters, training broadcasters and approving them to go on-air, creating the on-air program schedule, implementation/formulation of policies, the stations budget, being WGMU’s link to university administration and other duties. The GM has final discretion on all matters regarding WGMU Radio, such as the hiring of staff and termination of staff and broadcasters. 
  • Marketing Director: Charged with promoting the station to the George Mason University community and the DC Metro area. Works with broadcasters to help promote their shows and develop a promotion plan to attract listeners. Works in close proximity with local concert venues, promoting shows and conducting ticket giveaways. Oversees all social media under WGMU Radio. Takes the initiative in booking guests and performances on air. The marketing director is the main staff member charged with attracting people to WGMU. 
  • Music Director (MD): They approve any and all music played on WGMU, along with the music placed in the studio (except locals). The MD is responsible for reviewing music that is submitted to WGMU for on-air play. The MD is responsible for the rotation selection, music being played through our off-air rotation on the RadioDJ computer, charting to Spinitron, and other duties. Additionally, this person programs content highlighting the rotation selection on WGMU. The MD is our representative to record labels, large or small, and works with them closely to gain music for our station’s rotation, along with forming partnerships. 
  • Production Director: The director oversees all recorded and produced content on WGMU, such as commercials, PSAs, and promos. The Production Director directly oversees the production studio, including its scheduling. The Production Director also aids in general maintenance between all three WGMU studios. 
  • Studio Engineer: The engineer is the first responder to immediate studio maintenance. Engineer additionally aids in routine website upkeep and editing, as well as updates and additions to WGMU facilities. 
  • Faculty Adviser: The faculty adviser of WGMU is a full-time Communication Department faculty member who assists in overseeing the station. They are our sole advisers and link to the university staff/faculty community. 
  • Executive Staff members are scholarship-based stipend students who assist in the overall operation of the station under the management of the GM. They are here to assist all members of WGMU and others in the community regarding our station. Members of the Senior General Staff are also scholarship-based stipend students. Positions can change to volunteer or credit basis at the discretion of GM. 
  • General Staff refers to our Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors, Special Coordinators. 
  • WGMU volunteers refer to all those who are associated with WGMU. 
  • The RadioDJ computer is direct to the left of the main on-air soundboard. RadioDJ is our audio automation system responsible for playing music and commercials when there isn’t a live DJ in the studio. 
  • The Internet Computer refers to the computer directly to the right of the main soundboard in the middle. 
  • Streaming computer refers to the computer on top of the cd rack to the far right of the studio – this is the computer which WGMU broadcasts through. 

  

  • 1: Three Strikes/One and Done:  
  • 1.1 Three Strikes and You’re Out: Failure to abide by any rule or regulation within this document now constitutes a strike. Upon the third strike, there will be grounds for immediate expulsion from being an on-air broadcaster for WGMU. A strike can constitute not attending a mandatory DJ Meeting (refer to §2.9), failure to meet the marketing or participation requirements (refer to §4 and §2), notification of show cancellation less than 24 hours beforehand (refer to §2.6), starting your live scheduled on-air programming late (§7.6), ending your live on-air programming late (noted in section § 7.7), failure to read and play two PSA’s per hour (refer to §4.1), leaving the studios in an untidy manner, and breaking any other policy or regulation of the production or on-air studios (refer to §6 for production studio). The GM shall keep a record of all strikes and keep a record that every member has completed their requirements. The GM will notify each on-air broadcaster within one week of their violation if they have received a strike. There are no appeals to have a strike removed. All strikes are wiped clean at the end of every academic semester. Rules and conduct of professionalism are still in effect over winter and summer terms. 
  • 1.2 Show excuse policy: As noted in this policy, with an appropriate excuse, you can miss your on-air show(s) with appropriate notice. Excessive excuses will not be accepted. 24-hour notice for matters such as illness, work conflict, and other personal matters that need not be disclosed is required. Please contact a GM or the Program Director if you need to cancel your show for the week. 

  

  • 2: Participation Policy: 
  • 2.1 Writing and submitting a DJ bio/show description to be placed on the website. 
  • 2.2 Adhering to WGMU social media rules when on-air in the studio 
  • 2.3 Creating a social media page for your show (preferred) 
  • 2.4 DJs are responsible for informing the GM at least 24 hours beforehand if they cannot make their show. Less than 24 hours beforehand or no notification will result in a strike or expulsion, respectively. Exceptions are made at the discretion of GM. 
  • 2.5 DJs may be suspended if found responsible for failing to return a CD or piece of equipment to its proper place. It does more work for WGMU’s staff or the following broadcaster to clean up after someone else. One may be reported to University Police if found responsible for theft of station property. 
  • 2.6 Violation of one of these points will result in a strike against that DJ; three strikes result in the expulsion of that DJ and its program. Refer to §1.1 for more details. 

  

  • 3. Guest Policy: 
  • 3.1 Appropriate staff directors must be notified before a DJ seeks to schedule an interview. Guests should know before they are on the air the basic rules and regulations of an on-air edict. If a guest breaks any rules of the station, you will be held as the responsible party resulting in a strike. This also includes call-ins. Proper notification of a guest, friend, or co-host must be given to the General Manager. Refer to appendix §3.2 for more details and guidance 
  • 3.2 Guest co-hosts that regularly appear on your program (two times a month) are not considered guests. If this is the case, they must agree to all of the rules set forth within this document and sign a copy of the agreement/contract, plus be trained by a WGMU staff member. A regular co-host that isn’t a trained DJ does not have to abide by the marketing/PSA policies or strike policy; for example, that is still under the responsibility of the main host of the show. Although at any time due to inappropriate behavior, a co-host may be removed under the discretion of the GM. 
  • 3.5 When broadcasting on WGMU, it is required to have prior training in the practice studio. This training can be completed by registering for Communication 148, Radio Workshop I, or by personal appointment with one of the Executive Staff. Once deemed proficient, the individual will receive certification from the Office of the General Manager. Shows that include three or more hosts are required to have at least two trained personnel that appear full-time on the show, one of them being the main host. A trained host is defined as someone who is proficient in board work, usage of the CD deck, and phone line and is approved by the GM. This will help eliminate show cancellations if there is only one person out of the three or four that can’t operate the board. No excuses will be made for those who miss shows due to training problems; it will constitute immediate suspension. 

  

  • 4. Marketing and PSA/Commercial Policies: 
  • 4.1 Every DJ is required to read and/or play three breaks per hour. At times, there might not be PSA or commercial recordings in our automated system (must be a message that is promoting an event, events that WGMU is partnering with, or another show on the station); if that is the case, the DJ must live-read typed PSA’s. 
  • 4.2 Every DJ will have a bio/show description section on the WGMU website. This section is required before going on air. Bios can contain the following: DJ and show name, weekly content, and unique features. 
  • 4.3 It is suggested to record a promo for your show that will run in the station’s commercial rotation. This is a benefit to you and your listeners and a chance for free advertisement. When planning to create a promo, you should contact the Executive Staff prior to creation. 

  

  • 5. Pre-emption: 
  • 5.1 This will occur when a Mason show or athletic event overtakes the regularly scheduled program for purposes of engineering in the on-air studio. WGMU and the staff reserve the right of pre-emption for any currently scheduled show. Pre-emption is non-negotiable; all notifications will occur 48 hours in advance unless in the event of a last-minute circumstance. Full pre-emption is the result of a fully canceled show for that day/time. Partial pre-emption is partial cancellation of your show, resulting in the time left on your regularly scheduled broadcast.  
  • For example, if the engineer needs access to the studio by 7:30 pm for an 8:15 pm game start and your show starts at 7 pm, you must still air your show for those 30 minutes. The same rules apply if this was vice versa and your show would start late. You have the option to cancel your show for the day if more than half of it is affected as a result of pre-emption. We ask that under these guidelines, you will keep the utmost respect and professionalism for WGMU. 

   

  • 6. Production Studio: 
  • 6. 1 Signing up for Production Studio time. The student/DJ must sign up for the production studio before using it. The student/DJ may only sign up for a maximum of two hours per seven-day week (Sunday through Saturday) unless prior consent was given from the GM. If a student/DJ is using the studio without signing up and another student/DJ comes and signs up for that slot, that first student/DJ must leave the studio. 
  • 6.2 Cleanliness. Food and drink are in no way, shape, or form allowed into the on-air, production and practice studios. If caught with food or drink, you will be asked to remove such items from the studio. Trash is not to be left in the studio. Trash includes paper, pencils, pens, wrappers, and anything that is not supposed to be left in the studio. The student/DJ must take everything with them that they brought into the studio. 
  • 6.3 Saving Files on the production studio computer are subjected to deletion by WGMU Faculty Adviser, General Manager, or Music Director at their discretion. It is advised that students/DJs save their files on their own personal flash/jump/external hard drives. Do not download anything to Student Media computers without prior approval. 
  • 6. 5 Lost and Found If an item is found in the production studio (flash/jump drive, headphones, wallet, etc.) without an owner present, the item will be taken to the Office of Student Media, where it can be claimed by the owner. We also ask that if you find a lost item, you bring it to the WGMU Staff Offices in the Student Media Office, The Hub, suite 1201, and notify GM via email. 
  • 6. 6 The following rules and regulations of the WGMU Production Studio are to be followed by all operators using the studio; if the student/DJ is found to be in violation of any of the aforementioned regulations, the General Manager reserve the right to discipline the violator in accordance with the WGMU Professionalism Policy. 

  

  • 7. On-Air Studio Use and Music Policies: 
  • 7.1 There is one webcam in the on-air studio that serves a dual purpose. The webcam adds a new dimension to our broadcast by adding video. The other purpose of the webcam is that it produces audio in real-time. This means when people watch the webcam; they receive the same audio that would be going out through our live windows media stream. It gives people without windows media capability the ability to listen to WGMU. If you feel uncomfortable with the webcam facing you during a broadcast, you are permitted to move it. Please do not touch the webcam – it is voice activated!  
  • 7.2 If the live video stream (linked to the webcam on the Internet Computer) that starts automatically when you visit our website happens to ever go down, you must notify the GM immediately during your off-air music or commercial break.This is not grounds to halt your broadcast. The first step in rectifying this problem is to restart the feed into the webcam. Even with the webcam feed down, listeners can still tune in through our “listen to live” MP3 stream at the top of our WGMU website. The MP3 stream can be monitored on the Streaming Computer. If the stream or computer crashes, immediately contact the GM. Use directions in the black binder in the on-air studio for instructions on setting up the live video stream. 
  • 7.3 The on-air studio is used on a daily basis by WGMU members, and it is their responsibility to keep it clean. There is no eating or drinking allowed in the on-air studio except for water. Please be mindful that some equipment in the studio is older and can be easily damaged by a spilled beverage. The image of WGMU is important. Please keep our studios tidy and professional at all times. 
  • 7.4 You are required to create a Spinitron account using your Mason email and the access code below.  
    • EVERYONE BROADCASTING ON-AIR MUST MAKE AN ACCOUNT. Contact the Music Director (MD) well before your first shift for information on establishing your Spinitron account. All CDs used during a broadcast must be returned to their proper location. Failure to do so will constitute a strike. Charting is vital to WGMU’s ability to stay updated with music; not charting has detrimental consequences. 
  • 7.4 Any and all music not originating from the WGMU studio must be radio clean prior to airing. It must be processed through CD or any other legally obtained medium through our Music Director/Intern. Music must be catalogued through Discogs before airing. 
  • 7.5 Removal or destruction of any WGMU property will result in judicial action. Both University Police and the University’s judicial arm will be notified of any instances. WGMU will prosecute to the full extent of the law. The WGMU Faculty Adviser and Office of the General Manager can access all codes that are entered into the studio doors and the times they were entered. If you have a code for the on-air studio, do not share it with anyone. Please, make our lives easy and don’t steal or destroy anything with malicious intent.  
  • 7.6 Under no circumstances shall a show end past its regularly scheduled time. This becomes particularly problematic if one has a show immediately following another. By infringing on the time of another show, it is disrespectful to the following DJ and cuts into their airtime. When a DJ is being followed by another show, we suggest you end around 60 seconds prior to allow for the other DJ to start on time. Never end a show more than 120 seconds early. Sharing time and space can be difficult with one on-air studio; we just ask you to show respect for not only your show but also all those aired on WGMU. If a DJ cuts into someone else’s show time, they are subject to discipline from GM. 
  • 7.7 All content produced in any WGMU studio that is then aired through WGMU is the property of both WGMU Radio and the creator. WGMU reserves the right to use said content in any preferred means through the station and its mediums. This does not include music or other original forms of intellectual property. Use of the content in any other context or medium that is not WGMU Radio must gain prior approval from the General Manager. 
  • 7.8 Violation of the above rules and/or regulations will result in a strike and/or immediate suspension if they fall within the one-and-done policy. Refer to all of §1 for more details. 

  

  • 8. FCC Policy that WGMU has set forth 

The below is taken directly from WRGW’s FCC Policy guidelines with permission from their General Manager. Even though we are strictly web radio and technically do not have to oblige by any of these rules, we still apply them as a guideline for professionalism. If you have any questions, consult with the Office of the General Manager in order to clear up questions:  

The FCC policy basically describes what is indecent and, therefore, not allowed 

on-air. This includes descriptions or depictions of sexual or excretory organs or activities. This also includes double entendre and innuendo if the meaning is unmistakable. 

The three factors significantly used by the FCC to make decisions are the material: 

1) Describes or depicts sexual or excretory organs or functions in an explicit or graphic manner; 

2) Dwells on or repeats at length the description; 

3) Appears to pander, is used to titillate, or is presented for shock value. 

It must be noted that when the FCC assesses explicitness, the commission does look at the audibility of the material. This is not a way out, though; material that is partially obscured or difficult to understand will not prevent a finding of indecency if some of the material is understandable or recognizable. 

1) Always remember: ALL PERSONS CALLED MUST KNOW THEY ARE ON 

THE AIR; PERSONS WHO CALL INSIDE NUMBERS BY MISTAKE MUST 

ALSO, BE INFORMED. 

2) Forbidden words: SHIT, FUCK, PISS, TITS, CUNT, MOTHERFUCKER, 

COCKSUCKER, MASTURBATE, FISTING, ASSHOLE, and FINGERING. 

3) You can’t say oral sex/anal sex, but you can say oral/anal. 

4) You can say pee/poo, but you can’t ingest it, and you can’t go to the bathroom on someone. 

5) Piss is okay if you are referring to anger, but you cannot use it to refer to excretory functions. You can be pissed off but not pissed on. 

6) You can talk about farting and hear farting, but you cannot talk about farting at someone. For example, “He farted on her face” is not okay. 

7) The words “dick” and “pussy” are much the same. It can be said, “He’s a dick,” 

or, “he’s a pussy.” However, “My dick” or “My pussy” is not allowed. As long as these words are not used to describe someone’s specific “dick” or “pussy” the words are allowed. 

8) Sex. Graphic descriptions of any sex act are not allowed. 

9) This includes oral sex. “Blow job,” “going down on,” and phrases like these, as well as any graphic descriptions of fellatio/cunnilingus, are not allowed. 

10) Sex sounds, masturbation sounds, or excretory sounds are not allowed if it is clear what the sounds are related to. For example, sound effects of excretory or sexual noises are okay to play only if the noises are not attributed to a specific excretory or sexual function. 

11) “Cum” and “come” (in reference to having an orgasm) are not allowed because they are graphic descriptions. 

12) The “A, B, C” (substitution) game is allowed only if the letters are not made clear or obvious as part of the graphic description. For example, “You take your C, put it in her P, stick it in her A, and shoot a wad of C in her face” would not be allowed because the rest of the words make C, P, and A clear enough to be a graphic description. It is okay to use letters if they do not become defined and are fleeting. 

THIS SUMMARY IS TAKEN FROM THE WJFK GUIDELINES AND IS USED WITH PERMISSION. 

FCC POLICY for Late Night DJs 

Because you go on-air after 10 pm, you have slightly different rules to follow as to what you can and cannot say on-air. However, you still have to follow regulations, and if you are caught saying something you are not supposed to, you will receive the same repercussions as the non-SLR DJs. So, in a nutshell, here are the rules that apply to you: 

1) Always remember: ALL PERSONS CALLED AND WHO CALL IN MUST KNOW THEY ARE ON THE AIR and be advised not to say any of the forbidden words 

2) Forbidden words: SHIT, FUCK, PISS, TITS, CUNT, MOTHERFUCKER, and COCKSUCKER. 

3) You can say pee/poo, but you can’t ingest it, and you can’t go to the bathroom on someone. 

4) Piss is okay if you are referring to anger, but you cannot use it to refer to excretory functions. You can be pissed off but not pissed on. 

5) You can talk about farting and hear farting, but you cannot talk about farting at someone. For example, “He farted on her face,” is not okay. 

6) You can talk about sex, but you cannot go into detailed, graphic descriptions of sexual acts. Things like “doggie style” and “minute man” are okay descriptions because they are not detailed and are in good taste. 

9) This includes oral sex. “Blow job,” “going down on,” and phrases like these are okay, but graphic descriptions of fellatio/cunnilingus are not allowed. 

10) You can say “he was an ass” but not “asshole.” 

11) The “A, B, C” (substitution) game is allowed only if the letters are not made clear or obvious as part of the graphic description. For example, “You take your C, put it in her P, stick it in her A, and shoot a wad of C in her face” would not be allowed because the rest of the words make C, P, and A clear enough to be a graphic description. It is okay to use letters if they do not become defined and are fleeting. 

12) Sex sounds, masturbation sounds, or excretory sounds are not allowed if it is clear what the sounds are related to. For example, sound effects of excretory or sexual noises are okay to play only if the noises are not attributed to a specific excretory or sexual function. 

Essentially, because of the Safe Harbor FCC ruling, with you, everything just needs to be 

in good taste. No detailed descriptions, no poop jokes, and stay away from the seven deadly words. 

  • 8.1 THE EXECUTIVE STAFF HAVE A DISCRETION OVER DETERMINING THE INDECENCY OR OBSCENITY VALUE OF ANY CONTENT PRODUCED ON WGMU. THE GM RESERVEs THE RIGHT TO DENY OR TAKE DOWN ANY CONTENT. 

  

  • 9. Suspension, Enforcement, and Tallying 
  • 9.1 Violation of any on-air programming policy and strikes are to be tallied and kept track of by the GM. You will be notified upon receiving a strike. Strikes are non-negotiable. As noted, three strikes will result in immediate expulsion. Being a broadcaster with WGMU is not a right; it is a privilege. We are here to make this a fun and professional environment for everyone. This means all broadcasters (including staff) need to be cognoscente and aware of the rules and regulations set forth within this packet. The statement of the institution of a strike, immediate expulsion, or suspension is not a threat; it is a promise. 
  • 9.2 Just because the GM doesn’t catch you doesn’t mean you get away with it. WGMU Executive Staff is assigned to monitor and do weekly on-air checks of every show. Know the rules and regulations set forth. You will be held responsible for all of this.  
  • 9.3 The rules, conduct, and requirements aforementioned have the ability to be amended. All members of WGMU will be notified of any amendments that are made. Unless otherwise noted, all changes take effect within 72 hours of WGMU’s members being notified via email. Upon signing the signature page, you agree to the fact that appropriate, fair, and necessary adjustments might be made at any time during the semester. As WGMU is fast growing and changing in these new times, adjustments may be necessary. You agree to this fact, and WGMU management agrees to deliver an electronic copy of the new agreement to you if and when these changes are made. The Office of the General Manager agrees to have an accessible printed hard copy of the WGMU Rules, Regulations, and Professional Policy for WGMU Members located in the staff offices and the on-air studio. 

   

  • 10. Guidance for General/Executive Staff Members: 
  • 10.1 For the most part, general staff members are volunteers who hold official titles within WGMU. Some general staff members may also be volunteers assisting within a department to gain experience in the way a radio station and organization is run. General staff members are vital to the operation of the station and without them, we couldn’t be successful. Even though many are volunteers, a minimum of 3-7 hours per week of work is required (this will be set and agreed upon when officially instated) for deputy directors, assistant directors, and coordinators. A position description will also be provided for guidance. Volunteers that are assisting within a department will work with the head of their respective department to decide the tasks they will perform, along with determining a minimum number of hours per week that would be needed. All general staff is required to attend one official WGMU meeting per month (possibly an executive staff meeting). As most general staff members are volunteers, we understand a college student’s busy schedule and are very flexible. 
  • 10.2 The executive staff of WGMU is charged with station operations. They are all students of George Mason University. The official positions and what they entail is aforementioned in the glossary section. They are required to respond to emails regarding matters relating to WGMU from any WGMU member no later than 72 hours after being received. The executive staff holds weekly meetings to discuss matters relating to WGMU that can be attended by any WGMU member upon request, as it is the station’s commitment to transparency. Each executive staff member holds at least five walk-in office hours per week, so they can be easily accessible to all WGMU members. They are required to assist any WGMU member regarding matters related to their specific department. Most are also all cross-trained and/or have sufficient knowledge of all existing departments. It is outlined in the glossary what each member does and how they can be useful to you. 

 

 WGMU Policy last updated by General Manager’s Abigail Nixon and Alexandra Henriques on 10/13/2025