Purpose

The goal of the Snohomish Podcast Network is to foster a welcoming, respectful, and engaging environment for both creators and listeners. This Content Policy ensures that all content—including podcasts, advertising, and sponsorships—aligns with our values of inclusivity, integrity, and social responsibility.

1. Acceptable Content

Content should aim to:

• Educate: Provide valuable, insightful, or thought-provoking material.

• Entertain: Engage listeners in an enjoyable and meaningful way.

• Inspire: Foster creativity, innovation, and positive change.

 

2. Prohibited Content

We do not accept content that:

• Promotes Hate or Violence: Content that incites or glorifies hate speech, violence, discrimination, or harassment based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, disability, or other protected categories.

• Misinformation or Disinformation: Content that spreads false or misleading information, particularly in areas like health, science, and politics, that could harm individuals or communities.

• Illegal Activities: Content that encourages or supports illegal activities, including but not limited to drug use, theft, hacking, or other unlawful behavior.

• Explicit or Adult Content: Content that contains explicit sexual material, obscene language, or graphic depictions of violence (unless clearly marked as part of a designated "mature" or "explicit" category).

• Plagiarism or Copyright Infringement: Content that infringes upon the intellectual property rights of others, including unauthorized use of copyrighted music, media, or other content.

​

3. Inclusivity and Diversity

We are committed to maintaining a space where:

• Respect for All Voices: We encourage a diverse range of viewpoints, while ensuring respectful and open dialogue.

• Equal Opportunity: Our network supports creators from all backgrounds and aims to amplify voices that have historically been marginalized.

 

4. Advertising, Sponsorships, and Commercial Content

Podcast creators are free to pursue their own sponsorship and advertising opportunities but must adhere to the following:

• Transparency: All sponsorships, advertisements, and commercial content must be clearly disclosed to the audience in an upfront and transparent manner.

• Ethical Sponsorships: Advertisements, sponsors, and commercial content must align with the core values of our network, including ethical standards. We do not accept sponsorships that promote:

  • Harmful Products: This includes products that promote dangerous substances (e.g., tobacco, unregulated supplements, etc.) or unethical practices.

  • Misinformation: Advertisers who spread false or misleading information, particularly in sensitive areas like health, safety, or politics.

  • Discriminatory Practices: Advertisements promoting discriminatory, exclusionary, or divisive ideologies will not be accepted.

  • Inappropriate Content: Ads that feature explicit sexual content, excessive violence, or other inappropriate material, especially if the content is not specifically labeled for mature audiences.

• Alignment with Audience: Ads should be suitable for the target audience of the specific podcast, respecting the community values and tone of the show. Advertisers must ensure that their messaging is appropriate for the intended listener demographic.

• No Over-Commercialization: Excessive advertising that disrupts the listener experience, such as an overload of ads within an episode, will be monitored and managed to ensure a balanced, enjoyable listening experience.

• Monitoring and Compliance: We reserve the right to review and approve all advertisements before they air. We may remove or reject advertisements that do not meet our policy standards.

 

5. Listener Interaction

Creators are encouraged to engage with their audiences in a respectful and constructive manner. Any harmful or disrespectful communication with listeners, including harassment or threats, will not be tolerated.

 

6. Creator Responsibilities

All podcasters on our network should:

• Uphold Our Values: Abide by the network's core values of inclusivity, respect, and integrity.

• Self-Regulate Content: Creators are responsible for ensuring their content adheres to the terms of this policy.

• Report Violations: Creators should report any violations of this policy or unethical behavior they encounter within the network to our moderation team.

 

7. Moderation and Enforcement

We reserve the right to:

• Monitor Content: Review podcast episodes and advertisements to ensure compliance with our content policy.

• Remove Content: Take down any episodes, podcasts, or advertisements that violate this policy or cause harm to the network’s reputation.

• Suspend or Terminate Creators or Advertisers: Suspend or terminate access to the network for creators or advertisers who repeatedly violate the content policy or engage in serious breaches of conduct.

 

8. Advertiser and Sponsor Accountability

• Accountability: Advertisers and sponsors are expected to act in good faith, ensuring that their ads align with the network's values and legal standards. Advertisers who breach our policy may be removed from the network, and their future participation may be restricted.

• Disclosure of Relationships: Advertisers must disclose any affiliate or partnership relationships clearly, both within the ad content and in the associated podcast show notes.

 

9. Appeals

If a podcast or advertiser feels that their content or ad was unjustly removed or their access has been unfairly suspended, they may submit an appeal to our moderation team. We will review all appeals fairly and promptly.

 

10. Amendments

This policy may be amended as necessary to ensure it remains aligned with our mission, responds to emerging issues, and maintains a safe and inclusive environment. All changes will be communicated to network participants.
________________________________________

 

By creating and adhering to this content policy, we aim to ensure that the podcast network is a space where creativity thrives, diverse voices are heard, advertisers are held to high standards, and audiences can trust the content they consume.