MiND is a non-profit organization whose programs are distributed on a non-commercial broadcast television station, the internet and through other media outlets in the future. Many of MiND’s rules regarding program content and underwriting are based upon rules followed by PBS and its member stations. MiND is not a PBS station but the following rules apply to MiND’s programs:
1. In general, the overall appearance and presentation of MiND shall be non-commercial.
2. In all cases, editorial control and final content decisions shall be made by MiND or the producer, and not by the funder.
3. The principal purpose of MiND’s presentation of a program may not be the promotion of a product or a service provided by a for-profit company.
4. The principal purpose of MiND’s presentation of a program may not be membership solicitation or fund-raising for a product or service provided by a non-profit company. However, the purpose of a program may be the promotion of a service provided by a non-profit company if the service has clearly beneficial arts, cultural, educational, consumer awareness, or public safety information.
5. Each program’s funding sources shall be briefly disclosed as part of the program credits, and more fully disclosed in the web alongside the presentation of the program.
6. The sources of products and services provided for production of the program shall be briefly disclosed as part of the program credits, and more fully disclosed in the web metadata associated with the program.
7. A program with clearly beneficial arts, cultural, educational, consumer awareness, or public safety information may mention a specific company, product, or service provided there is no call to action or solicitation message.
8. The exchange of cash or goods or services for placement of products within the program is not permitted. However, subject to MiND’s editorial control, products may be provided for review or illustration purposes.
9. Production credits may include a website and a company logo, but may not promote any product or service, nor make any marketing claim.
10. Issues and interpretations not specifically addressed in these rules, nor the Membership Agreements nor the content guidelines published on www.mindtv.org shall be resolved by MiND in its sole discretion.
