What's too dirty for TV and radio? Historically, the FCC definitions are as follows: Obscenity "appeals to the prurient interest," depicts sexual activity in "a patently
offensive way," and has no literary, artistic, political, or scientific value. Less severe is indecent material -- titillating beyond the bounds of good taste - which cannot be
aired during hours when the kids may be watching or listening.
How can PR execs stay ahead of the FCC curve? Lynn Harris Medcalf, executive VP at News Generation, says preparation is key.
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Visit Internet sites of any station you want to pitch. Listen to the show's stream or archives of past shows.
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Develop a relationship with the producers. Learn what their internal guidelines dictate.
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Can your spokesperson roll with the punches? If not, choose your host carefully so no one gets ambushed and stumbles - without a net -- into dangerous territory.
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Prepare, prepare, prepare. Make sure the talent understands the FCC standards.
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Empower: Remind spokespeople that they do not need to follow the DJ's lead. "People tend to assume that the DJ controls the interview, but that is not true," says Roberta
Facinelli, director of Medialink Radio. "You can always say that you are 'not comfortable talking about that,' or 'let's phrase it differently,' or simply 'I didn't come here to
talk about that.' "