Rules & Regulations

Welcome to The Local Pulse — where Appalachian rock and metal bands get their shot on-air. Before you submit, please review:

The Local Pulse is a monthly feature showcasing local and regional active/hard rock bands within approximately 100–150 miles of our station. This includes, but is not limited to, bands and artists from Knoxville, TN; Asheville, NC; Marion, VA; and Pikeville, KY. The goal is to highlight original talent while maintaining broadcast quality and compliance with FCC regulations.

Eligibility

• Bands and artists must be 18 years of age or older at the time of submission.
• Bands and artists must be based within roughly 100–150 miles of WRZK/95.9 The Hog.
• Submissions are limited to one song per six-month period per band/artist to ensure equal opportunity for exposure.

Submission Requirements

• Audio Format: Songs must be submitted as 320kbps MP3, WAV, or FLAC
• Song Length: Maximum of 6 minutes in duration.
• Language & Content: Songs must be clean in both quality and content.
  • No obscene, indecent, or profane content (per FCC Part 73.3999).
  • No excessive background noise, distortion, or technical defects that impair broadcast quality.
• Statement of Intent: Each submission must include a :30–:60 audio or video clip explaining why the band/artist believes their song should be played on The Local Pulse.
• Contact Information: Bands/artists must provide a direct form of contact (email address and/or phone number) outside of social media.
• Promotional Materials (Optional): Photos, videos, and a short bio may be submitted for potential use on WRZK/95.9 The Hog’s social media platforms.
• Lyrics: Each submission must also include all lyrics to the song, for review before air.

Selection Process

• Submissions will be reviewed by WRZK/95.9 The Hog programming staff, Holston Valley Broadcasting Corporation staff, and/or other qualified music professionals.
• One song will be selected for airplay each month on the last Thursday of the month at, or around, the 4:30pm hour.
• Selection is not a popularity contest; decisions are based on station format, quality, originality, and professional review.

Legal & Rights Agreement

By submitting material, bands/artists agree to the following:

1. Originality: All submitted works must be original compositions owned/controlled by the band/artist.
2. Liability: The band/artist assumes full responsibility for any legal issues that may arise, including copyright infringement, sampling disputes, or rights claims.
3. Broadcast Rights: Bands/artists grant WRZK/95.9 The Hog a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to broadcast the submitted recording and use promotional materials for station-related promotion (on-air, website, and social media).
4. Waiver: Bands/artists must sign a waiver acknowledging the above terms prior to broadcast.
5. Indemnification: Bands/artists agree to indemnify and hold harmless WRZK/95.9 The Hog, Holston Valley Broadcasting Corporation, and its affiliates from any claims, damages, or expenses resulting from broadcast or promotion of the submitted material.

FCC Compliance Notice

• WRZK/95.9 The Hog adheres strictly to all FCC rules and regulations.
• Submissions containing obscene, indecent, or profane material will not be considered for airplay.
• Any material found to contain unauthorized copyrighted content, samples, or material that violates FCC or state/federal law will be immediately disqualified.

General Provisions

• Airplay is not guaranteed by submission.
• WRZK/95.9 The Hog reserves the right to edit or refuse any submission at its sole discretion.
• WRZK/95.9 The Hog may suspend or terminate the local Pulse program at any time.
• Participation in The Local Pulse constitutes agreement to these rules and regulations.

___________________________________________________________________________