How does the regulation §73.1208 (pre-recorded material) affect our station’s presentation considering that we use voice tracking?

The regulation §73.1208, which pertains to pre-recorded material, can impact your station’s presentation if you use voice tracking. Voice tracking involves pre-recording segments of content, such as announcements or shows, to be played back later as if they were live. This practice can help manage scheduling and ensure consistent programming even when live hosts are not available.

When it comes to voice tracking and the regulation §73.1208, there are a few key points to consider:

1. Required Live and Local Content: According to the regulation, non-commercial educational (NCE) FM stations, including LPFM stations, must broadcast a certain amount of locally originated programming each week to maintain their non-commercial status. This means that while voice tracking can be a useful tool, you must ensure that a significant portion of your programming remains locally originated, live, and relevant to your community.
2. Local Presence and Content: The FCC emphasizes the importance of localism in programming. Voice-tracked segments should reflect the local community’s interests, news, and events. Pre-recorded content should not dilute the station’s local presence or give the impression that the station is not actively engaged with its community.
3. Compliance with Regulations: While voice tracking is permitted, it must not lead to non-compliance with FCC regulations. This includes adhering to station identification requirements, maintaining accurate public files, and avoiding misleading or inaccurate information.
4. Transparency: When using voice tracking, it’s important to be transparent with your audience. If a segment is pre-recorded, make sure your listeners are aware of it, so they understand whether the content is live or recorded.
5. Balance with Live Content: While voice tracking can enhance your programming, it’s crucial to strike a balance between pre-recorded segments and live content. Live broadcasts foster listener engagement, interaction, and real-time community involvement, which is essential for non-commercial stations.

According to §73.1208, any pre-recorded programming that creates the impression of being live must be clearly identified as a pre-recorded program.

To ensure compliance, refrain from recording voice tracks that might mislead listeners into thinking the content is “live.” Avoid naming programs with the term “Live” unless they are genuinely broadcast live. If you rebroadcast a previously recorded show, it’s essential to disclose that the program was pre-recorded. This transparency ensures that your audience is well-informed about the nature of the content they are hearing.

In summary, while you can use voice tracking as part of your programming strategy, ensure that your station remains compliant with the regulations set forth in §73.1208. Maintain a strong local presence, provide meaningful live content, and be transparent with your audience about when segments are pre-recorded. This way, you can continue to serve your community effectively while benefiting from the flexibility that voice tracking offers.