Underwriting
Support Local Journalism
KNAU is the premier source of balanced, accurate information, civilized discourse, and cultural inspiration in northern Arizona. KNAU serves a huge coverage area: ranging from Kingman on the west to Ganado on the east; Grand Canyon Village and Page on the north to the fringes of the Phoenix metro area on the south. KNAU's coverage area also includes both the Navajo and Hopi Reservations.
Local journalism is more than just news—it's an essential pillar of our community that drives awareness, engagement and economic growth.
When you're an underwriter on KNAU, you're not just supporting independent journalism; you're investing in an economic driver that uplifts local businesses and fosters a more informed marketplace.
Why Partner with Us?
- Local Impact: By supporting KNAU, your business is making a direct impact in our community. You're helping to ensure that independent news, in-depth storytelling, and cultural programming continue to thrive right here at home.
- Reach a Desirable Audience: Our listeners are not only local but also loyal. They trust KNAU for their daily news and entertainment, tuning in regularly for programs they can't find anywhere else. You’re reaching an audience that is educated, influential, and invested in their community.
- Support What They Love: KNAU listeners appreciate the value of businesses that share their values. Your sponsorship shows your commitment to quality, transparency, and community support. It's more than just exposure—it's a connection that builds trust and loyalty.
- Clutter Free: With an average of only five 20-second messages per hour, there is virtually no listener tune-out.
- Trust and Transparency: In an era where credibility matters more than ever, KNAU is a trusted source of news and information. Businesses that align with trusted journalism not only support a cornerstone of democracy, but also benefit from the trust our audience places in our reporting—and in our sponsors.
KNAU Underwriting Guidelines
A combination of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and KNAU guidelines ensure that the message brought forth is clear, concise and non-commercial.
“If it sounds like a commercial, we can’t air it.”
FCC underwriting guidelines dictate that all public radio stations must refrain from using underwriting language which contains:
- Calls to Action (words such as “call”, “stop by”, or phrases prompting action)
- References to price (i.e., actual price, “free”, “on sale”, etc.)
- Superlatives (i.e., “best”, “greatest”, “most reliable”, etc.) or other qualitative descriptors
- Inducements to buy, rent, sell, or lease
- Comparative language (i.e., award-winning, board-certified, etc.)
The “intent” of underwriting is to publicly acknowledge our underwriters and provide a brief description of location, services, notable business anniversary or relocation information, slogans used as a standard, traditional portion of the business’s marketing mix and which do not violate FCC and KNAU regulations. Underwriting credits must fit in a 20-second time frame.
KNAU Underwriting Guidelines:
KNAU complies, without exception, with all FCC underwriting guidelines. Non-compliance subjects the station and staff representatives to severe penalties.
Other than accepted non promotional slogans and acceptable exceptions, we do not air words such as “you,” “your,” “our,” and “we” when they suggest an endorsement on the part of this station.
Additional resources:
What can I say with underwriting?
What other businesses support KNAU?
Find out more. Email our Underwriting Department, or call 800-523-5628.