home > support us > business support  > facts and faqs

Business Support

Business Support |  The Company We Keep
Facts and FAQS   |  Request Information Packet

Facts

• MPBN's broadcast coverage reaches 99% of the households in Maine, as well as southern New Hampshire and New Brunswick, Canada.
• Your on-air underwriting recognition will not be paired with competitors.
• 81% of MPBN's radio listeners agree that their perception of a business is more positive if the business supports public radio.
• 73% of public television viewers are likely to recall underwriting companies.
• 60% of viewers are more inclined to purchase products from companies that support public television.
• 70% of viewers believe that companies that fund public television have a commitment to quality and excellence.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is my underwriting credit? Where and when does it run?

Your program underwriting credit can be up to 10 seconds in length (nine seconds for the radio programs Morning Edition and All Things Considered). In general, underwriting credits run in blocks of three at the beginning and end of radio and television programs. Some radio programs run credits during a natural break within the program.

Can my underwriting credit be longer than 10 seconds?

For television programs, 15-second credits are available at a 25% premium.

What if a program runs several days a week? Do I need to underwrite every day?

Only if you want to! With a few exceptions, all underwriting is by the broadcast day. So depending upon availability, you may choose, for example, to sponsor The NewsHour only on Thursdays.

What can our underwriting credit say?

As time allows, you can identify up to four products or services your organization provides, your general geographic location, and one of the following: your Web site, your telephone number or your street address.

What about competitors?

If you are a current sponsor of MPBN programs, we will not allow any of your competitors to sponsor your program on the same day and time.

How about a cost benefit for underwriting more than one program?

We are pleased to offer our underwriters 10% off the rate for underwriting two or more programs or days of the same program.

Isn't television underwriting really expensive?

We think you will be surprised at how economical, and similar, radio and television underwriting rates are when compared to advertising rates offered by our commercial counterparts.

I've heard that underwriting is tax-deductible-is that true?

In general, yes. Under most circumstances, you can claim the cost of your program underwriting message as a philanthropic contribution. Under other circumstances, it may be regarded as an advertising cost which is usually considered to be a regular business expense. Consult with your financial advisor or accountant to see which option works best for you.

Does MPBN produce all of the underwriting credits, and is there a charge for that service?

We provide voice-overs (audio) for both radio and television credits. By limiting the number of credits during our breaks, we hold audience attention. Television visuals can usually be produced in our studios at no cost. If your needs are complex, we may recommend an outside production studio.

Is there a cost benefit for underwriting over longer periods of time?

Generally speaking, the longer the contract the better the rate. Underwriting a program for a longer term results in repetition, familiarity and helps you to build stronger brand awareness

[top]