EVERYTHING YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT VNN

Here are some of the questions we are asked most often by VNN affiliates.

Q. What is my station’s commercial commitment to VNN?

A. VNN is able to provide our programming services by selling network advertising to statewide and national sponsors. As a VNN affiliate, you agree to air network spots on your local station as compensation for using our services.  The network spot commitment for a VNN affiliate is a maximum of 120 units (minutes) per week or 20 units per weekday and 20 on Saturday.

Q.  If a VNN commercial position is unsold, can we insert a local commercial in that spot rather than air the network PSA or promo?

Yes. VNN, like most local stations, is not sold out 100% of the time. We want to give you the most flexibility possible for your local spot clearances.

Q.  If we do not air a particular VNN program that contains a network spot, do we still have to clear the commercial(s)?

Yes. A VNN spot that is not cleared within a VNN program must be aired in the

same daypart in which it was originally scheduled. Dayparts are defined as

5:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.. Consult your affiliation contract for more details.

Q.  Are we required to makegood VNN spots that are pre-empted by our local programs, such a sport or other special event?

A.  Yes. All VNN spots that are missed must be made good and noted on your VNN affidavit of performance reports.

Q.  If we miss a network spot within a VNN program, how can we receive a copy of that spot to air?

A.  All new network spots are fed Monday-Friday at 11:06 a.m. during the VNN Conference Call closed-circuit broadcast. At the start of this feed, a list of all new spots is given along with any changes in upcoming programming. Each spot is fed, preceded by a start tone, so you can record straight to cart on onto your automation system. Plus, if you need a copy of any network spot, we will feed or re-feed this spot during the next daily VNN Conference Call. Simply contact the Traffic Manager.

Q.  Why are we required to fill out and submit affidavits of performance?

A.  Returning completed affidavits of network programs and spots cleared to VNN on a timely basis is part of your affiliation contract. Just as you must do with local advertisers, VNN must have documentation to prove that network spots were aired on each station for verification for network advertisers.

Q.  Are we required to carry optional programs fed on VNN?

A.  No. You are only required to carry VNN’s basic information service of news, sports, and state weather. However, VNN offers these optional programs to affiliates as a bonus to add more variety to your format and for additional opportunities for local spot sales. VNN affiliates have first-refusal rights to optional programs. This means that if the VNN affiliate opts not to air any optional program offered by the network, VNN reserves the right to offer this program to another station within your market.

Q.  Can we carry VNN programs on our other co-owned stations in this same market?

A.  Yes, but with permission. VNN programs and spots are to be aired on the radio station that is designated as the primary VNN affiliate. However, VNN wants you to get the best use of the many programs the network offers and we will allow you to use your network service under certain circumstances on multiple stations under the same ownership in the same market. Consult the Affiliations Director for more details.

Q.  What if we experience problems in receiving the VNN transmission?

A.  Even with VNN’s state-of-the-art digital transmission, problems can happen. If there is a problem at our uplink facility, we will notify you as soon as possible by fax and telephone. If you experience a problem at your station, VNN’s engineering department is here to help with advice and equipment repair and replacement, if necessary. We suggest you first consult the engineering checklist in this manual.

Got any more questions?   It’s our job to find the answers.

Contact Affiliate Relations Director Al Spry at 866-304-6397 or at alspry@clearchannel.com