Respect and diversity – we will treat every individual with dignity and respect, and endeavor to foster inclusivity and diversity in our programming and content. Discrimination or harassment based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or any other characteristic will not be tolerated.

Honesty and integrity – we are dedicated to upholding honesty and integrity in all aspects of our work. We will consistently aim to be transparent, ethical, and truthful in our actions, and take full responsibility for our work.

Accuracy and objectivity – we will fact-check all of our news stories and programming, and we will strive to present all sides of an issue in a fair and unbiased manner.

As a new broadcasting company, CF5 Media is committed to upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity, and objectivity in all of our operations. We lead by example in a way that is fair and honest and accept full responsibility for the accuracy of the work that we publicize.

Our code of ethics is designed to provide clear guidance to all of our employees, volunteers, and stakeholders on the principles and practices that we expect everyone to follow.

Privacy and confidentiality – we are committed to safeguarding the personal information of our stakeholders, listeners, and sources to the best of our ability. We will not disclose any confidential information unless it is mandated by law or with the expressed consent of the individual.

Sensitivity to others – we will be sensitive to the needs of victims and other special groups, such as children, that could be adversely affected by our work.

Social and cultural responsibility – we have a responsibility to our community, and as such, we will try to use our platform to address important social and cultural issues and promote positive change.

Independence and impartiality – our programming and content will not be subject to influence by external factors such as advertisers, sponsors, or other stakeholders.

Laws and regulations – we will comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including those related to broadcasting, advertising, and privacy.

Plagiarism – we will avoid copyright infringement and plagiarism in all forms and offer attribution to sources where it is due.

Minimize harm – we will strive to uphold our journalistic duty to inform the public while following the principles of accuracy, fairness, and impartiality to avoid unnecessary harm.

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Public Radio

Information courtesy of wyso.org

To serve the Miami Valley and beyond with information and inspiration that improves lives and builds community.

For our programs, staff, boards and volunteers to be fully reflective of the communities we serve and strive to serve

Relationships are WYSO’s superpower. We achieve our mission by building authentic relationships across this community and across the country. It is through relationships that we create content, share music, and amplify voices that have historically been excluded from mainstream media; maintain our organization, as we add staff, volunteers and board members; and position WYSO as a thought leader within our industry.

Information courtesy of wyso.org

Equity. WYSO has a role to play in undoing centuries of inequality in all its forms. Our news, music and storytelling further conversations about inequality and highlight solutions emerging to tackle it.

Independence. WYSO is independent and belongs to this community. Independent also describes the ways we approach journalism and the music we share. Our staff, boards and hosts/producers will not be unduly influenced by corporate interests or wealthy individuals.

Trustworthy journalism that is fact-based, researched, transparent, intellectually curious, pushes beyond the obvious answers, local, fair, and, when it’s called for, embraces the search for solutions. We believe an educated citizenry is essential to the functioning of our democracy.

Education and lifelong learning. Our programming allows our listeners to learn and discover new things every day. And through our Center for Community Voices, we provide hands-on learning opportunities for local citizens in the art of audio storytelling. And the WYSO Archives inspires and teaches the collection and preservation of significant broadcast, digital, and other material.

Preservation of the records of conversations, cultural events, news, and decisions that shape our station, our community, and sometimes the world is a form of public service. The WYSO Archives ensures that people

Key takeaways about the inner workings of WYSO

• In order to reach the public, you have to go where the public is at
• Transparency and journalistic integrity are key to gaining an audience that trusts you
• Accountability is key - everyone makes mistakes, but you have to accept responsibility for your actions in order to minimize harm
• Always fact-check, especially when working with community members that aren't trained in journalism
• Cultivating professional development is an important part of staff morale
• WYSO listeners in the know pronounce the station as "we-so"
• Public media is only answerable to the community it serves
• Public media is bi-partisan, providing fact-checked information so that the public can make up their own mind
  

What we learned about a director of development and communication's role

• Cohesive messaging is important when talking about your brand
• Internal communications are just as important as external communications
• Every day is new and exciting
• Adaptability is the key to working in this role
• Be prepared — you never know what to expect from one day to the next
• Be patient
• Considering current events and context when presenting stories to the public is important
• The community's needs and feelings take precedence over the needs of the station
• Working hand-in-hand with PR professionals is part of the role
• There should be a wall between fundraising and content so it's important to consider how to keep them separate
• Metrics are essential in determining what's important to the station's audience
  

What we learned about a general manager's role

• Enthusiasm is important when assisting employees
• Strategic plans are essential to communicate effectively within the organization and allow employees to state the work ethic that they’ll provide for the year
  
• Employees are expected to be accountable and make improvements when their performance is not up to par
  
• Lack of internal communication within an organization leads to conflict
  
• Attracting talent to work in broadcasting is difficult so creating a positive working environment is key for staff retention
• Minimizing internal conflicts fosters a positive work environment
• Creating a workplace culture that welcomes everyone and makes them feel comfortable is important
  

Desmond Winton-Finklea & Nesiree Dickson

What we learned about a digital editor's role

• As an editor you have to be someone who can work with different types of personalities
• Learning different writing and recording styles is important
• Be prepared to work on a variety of projects
• WYSO covers the environment, food, agriculture, business, economy, education, and music
• The role of an editor is not to assign stories, that is left to the news director
• It's important to follow trends on social media keep up with the community, and stay relevant
• In his role, Desmond sometimes edits tag-on interviews, his own promo or pre-role for underwriting audios, and social media audio
• Editors look for important facts first when editing and then determine if it's an easily understandable flow for the audience
• The WYSO staff regularly examine top stories, data, social media traffic, and newsletter clicks to find out what interests their audience

What we learned about a reporter's role

• Respectfully ask the interviewee questions and ask clarifying follow-up questions as needed
• In broadcasting, natural sound is best because it builds a story through audio and enhances the atmosphere
  
• Media is much more fast-paced today compared to how it used to be due to social media and the high demand for stories
  
• Young reporters with tight deadlines should stay calm and never panic.
  
• Before starting a project, determine what platform it will be used on so you know how long the story needs to be
  
• Social media is a new resource that reporters can use to find videos and pictures that relate to a story and, with permission, use that in the news broadcast
  
• Businesses should not be allowed to influence the broadcasting content for reward — they should not intertwine
  
• Always report the exact truth, and never provide biased content
  

What we learned about a music director's role

• It's important to create content that people want to to tune into
• It is essential to have enough money and resources to adapt to changing media landscapes
• The job is easy if you are doing what you love and are surrounded by people that support you
• Students who want to be a music director should get involved with radio any way they can through experience at different radio stations
• This role requires a passion for music and a desire to be involved in creating a space for music and connecting people with a love for music
• The position enables you to work with the local community, plan events, connect local artists, and support volunteer hosts
• The role teaches you how to how to budget, appoint committees, and learn about other radio stations
• Openmindedness is equally as important as setting boundaries and knowing when to say "no"

and why does

it matter to us?

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules have a significant impact on the overall operation of broadcasting stations because they regulate the who, what, where, when, and why of content that can and can’t be broadcast.

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federal communications

commission (FCC)

What we learned about the Federal Communications Commission or FCC?

• In its most simplistic form, the FCC is charged with "managing the nation's airwaves."
• Anytime that communications travel from point A to point B through the air, including phones and computers the FCC is probably involved.
• To comply with Equal Opportunity Employment (EEO) regulations, broadcasters need to "widely disseminate" job opportunities across the community and follow other specific rules
• The larger the organization, the more stringent the EEO rules apply
• Broadcasters are liable to fines and can lose their license if rules aren't followed
• "Retaliation" applies when a "whistleblower" is penalized in any way for reporting broken rules
• FCC exemptions apply to certain religiously affiliated broadcasting stations
• The FCC is obligated to act in the "public interest convenience and necessity" — responsive to the needs and problems of its local community

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