As logs director of Philadelphia-based and Drexel University student-run radio station WKDU 91.7FM, I wrote this procedural guide in 2011 to teach newly-trained DJs how to properly fill out programming and operational logs for FCC records.

WKDU uses logs in order to track announcements broadcast on air for FCC records. As part of your DJ training, it is required that you pass your logs test before you are allowed to have your own show. Logs can seem confusing and sometimes intimidating, but once you understand the proper way to fill them out, they actually become second nature. Here’s a simple guide to follow so you’re sure you can fill them out correctly:

• Sign the operations log.

  • This lets the FCC know exactly who was on air at a certain time of day or night. Sign YOUR FULL NAME (not your DJ name, and not the person you’re subbing for) along with what time you signed on and off air. If you’re the first person on air for the day, write the day of the week and date on the top of both logs. 

• Write your name and times on/off air on the programming log.

1. Write your name on the space labeled “ENT” next to the time slot during which you start your show, and check “ON”. If you’re subbing in for someone, write your name and then “subbing in for Carolyn” or whoever. If you’re filling empty air, write “empty air”. 

2. Continue to do this for every hour block you’re on air while checking “CONT” or “OFF” during your last hour on air. 

3. Next to your name, write the time you sign on and off (Ex. 10:00-12:00), and then initial the space in the far right column. 

• Station ID’s

  • You must say the complete phrase “WKDU Philadelphia” ON every hour and half hour (or as close to that as possible). Write the times you say the station ID and initial next to them.

• PSA’s

  • As mandated by the FCC, you must read one PSA within every hour you’re on air. We have a whole stack on the CD spindle near the turntables in the MCR, and there’s also a ton in the huge purple binder to read on air if you prefer. 

  • Write the name of the PSA in the slot (ex. “Ride A Bike”), exactly what time you read/played it, and then initial next to it. 

• Promos

  • This is a way to introduce our listeners to new music and upcoming shows and increase WKDU’s presence. You must read one of these within every hour you’re on air. 

  • You can read a request for listener donations (the blue sheet taped to the counter in the main control room), other DJ’s shows (check the schedule on wkdu.org), Live @ WKDU performances, or Presents events (on the site’s home page). Write down what promo you read, exactly what time you read it, and initial next to it. 

• Public Affairs

  • This only airs Monday-Saturday at 9:00 and Sunday at 11:00. If this happens during your show, write down the times and title (if you know it) of the PA show and initial next to it. 

Other Fun Stuff:

• We use military time (24-hour clock) to record everything. If your show is from 2-4 pm, you would write 14:00-16:00. 

• If there’s an in-studio performance during your show, you’re still required to read everything as close as possible to their appropriate times and log them accordingly. Write “(artist name) In Studio” in the ENT slot. 

• Philly Haps are read every day at 12:00, 17:00, and 20:00. If your show is during one of these times, read the Philly Haps (on the home page) for the next 3 days, and record the time and initial. Again, this is a way to introduce our listeners to awesome new music by announcing shows going on in Philly. 

• Weather should be read once per hour if your show is between 6:00 and 12:00. 

That’s pretty much all you need to know. If you have any questions about logs/log tests, talk to me (Sam) or email me at logs@wkdu.org. If you have any questions about on-air stuff, talk to [program director] or email them at program@wkdu.org.