If we own them can we advertise them?

[CaptBob92]

Here's a hypothetical question to see if an atty or two out there might comment or knows of a previous case concerning this:

Let's say the noncommercial ( reserve band ) station I sit on the board for approches commercial businesses and accepts merchandise instead of cash for under writing. Can that station comment on the air about the virtues of that merchandise in commercial like terms i.e. value, advantages over a competitor etc on a promo urging listeners to go to the station's web site and purchase the merchandise? I would think you could use normal commercial terms on the promo because:

1) The merchandise belongs to the station and nolonger the sponsor/underwriter

2) The promos are urging listeners to go to the web site owned by the station and not the sponsor/underwriter.

What about services which would by nature generally mention the sponsor/underwriter who provides the service
What say you?

 

[TomT]

Seems to me I've heard that all the time in "begathons"--e.g. "For members who pledge $50 or more we will include in our Valentine's day Shareathon special gift package a wonderful box of Holls Chocolates. This is their $20 sampler box in a special red and gold heart shaped box..."

There you are not saying "go to Holls Chocolates and Buy a $20 Valentine Sampler Box", merely indicating the value of the special gift you would receive.