Become a Member

As a member, you agree to:
• Not be under the influence of alcohol or non-prescription drugs when on station premises (this includes visitors). VFM premises must AT ALL IMES be alcohol, non-prescription drugs and smoke free. Any member or presenter found to have contravened this rule may be required to show cause as to why that person should not be disciplined under the VFM Constitution. Persons breaching this rule may be removed from the premises with police assistance
• Be security conscious when at the station by ensuring that the main access door is locked and secure when leaving the station. This also applies to the rear fire door which should not be used for any reason other than as an emergency exit. The rear access gate to the parking bay should also be made secure after use
• Take care of the premises and equipment at all times as if they were personal property. All equipment and fittings belong to the VFM membership and the premises belong to the ACT Government
• After obtaining approval from a Board member, permit only one (1) invited guest (non-member) to accompany a member on site, for a maximum of three (3) visits. The visitor should be encouraged to become a financial member. Non-members are not permitted to broadcast, operate the panel or answer the phone, and
• Promote VFM at every opportunity and contribute to Valley FM promotional activities whenever possible.

Presenter Obligations
As a Presenter or a member interested in becoming a Presenter, you agree to:
• Abide by VFM broadcasting rules, station policies and procedures, Codes of Practice and any other reasonable direction proclaimed by the VFM Board. You also agree to read these prior to commencing program presentation
• Not have food or drink near the mixer panel/console, CD players or computer
• Not allow or place graffiti on walls, posters and notices
• Not swear on air, or say anything that portrays drugs, cigarettes or alcohol in a good light. No sexual, religious or racist remarks that may offend any listener are permitted either. Songs with explicit lyrics or swearing may only be played between 9pm and 5am. The title and artist of explicit songs may be announced, but a presenter must not add any comment. Presenters are asked not to risk legal action against themselves or VFM and must therefore be aware of the legalities of, and their legal obligations for, broadcasting (refer to Valley FM Media/Community Radio Broadcasting Law, 2018) particularly the rules pertaining to live streaming
• Adhere to only broadcast community service announcements in the agreed sponsorship format and to play them at appropriate times during a program
• Include 25% Australian content in any program (required by the Australian Performing Rights Association)
• Arrive at the studio at least 15 minutes before a scheduled program, or contact the preceding presenter to inform that person of any delay
• Keep all common areas as clean and tidy as possible including washing cups/utensils and putting them away
• Never announce any presenter’s surname on air without their permission
• Present a professional image to listeners letting them know that VFM is the Tuggeranong Valley’s own local community radio station.
• Not broadcast a program if afflicted with a cold or flu (or other contagious disease). Notify the Station Manager of the illness as soon as possible or try to find a substitute presenter, and
• Advise listeners of current weather alerts and never broadcast outdated weather forecasts.

Failure to comply with these rules may result in Board censure and possible withdrawal from broadcasting as outlined in Section 5.10 of the Valley FM Constitution.