Ad Policies and Standards of Acceptance for the SCNN Statewide

Classified and 2x2 Display Networks

South Carolina Newspaper Network and each participating newspaper reserve the right to edit or reclassify all copy submitted and to reject any ad that is not in compliance with state and federal regulations, is in poor taste, offensive, false or misleading, or otherwise unacceptable.

The following are guidelines to be used in the acceptance of advertising, but do not and are not intended to reflect all specific policies of participating newspapers.

Advance payment is required for all statewide classified advertising. All ads must meet federal truth-in-lending laws.

SCNN and participating newspapers limit liability for errors to the first publication only. The network and publisher shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an ad. The network and publisher’s liability for other errors or admissions in connection with an ad is strictly limited to publication of the ad at a later date or refund of any monies paid for the ad.

The advertiser agrees to defend and indemnify SCNN and publishing newspapers against any and all liability, loss or expense arising from claims of libel, plagiarism, unfair competition and other infringements.

Advertising will be rejected if it is known to discriminate based on age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex or marital status except where legal restrictions prevail.

Advertisers must make known the name, street, city and phone number of the individual and organization submitting the order.

Ads requiring money before receipt of information or proof of products will not be accepted.

Employment advertising must be for a bona fide job offering and must state the nature of the work offered. Sales "help wanted" advertising must not offer or appear to offer work on a salary basis when compensation is on a commission or bonus basis. Advertising that offers employment through a directory must clearly state that it is an employment directory. The price of the directory must be stated in the ad.

Work-at-home advertisements are unacceptable.

Auction Advertisements must include the auctioneer's license number.

Medical/Data/Clerical Billing or similar advertisements must include the company's name, state software purchase and the fee of the software. Such advertisements will be placed at the discretion of each participating newspaper.

Business opportunity and investment and Multi Level Marketing (MLM) advertising must disclose the type of business to be invested in, and the amount of investment required. The company name and phone number must appear in ad copy. Business Opportunity ads must include the advertiser's business license number. The words "multi-level marketing" must appear in such ads. Advertisers must complete an advertising application and submit literature on the offer before the advertisement can be placed. All claims of potential earnings are prohibited. (Additional information may be required before the advertisement is accepted.)

Credit card, credit repair, advance fee loan and bankruptcy ads or similar programs are unacceptable.

Loan and mortgage ads will be accepted only if placed by a licensed lending institution and the institution's name must appear in the advertisement. Institution s license documentation is required with ad copy. (Additional information may be required before the advertisement is accepted.)

Advertisements for cruise ship vouchers and similar travel coupons are unacceptable. Travel ads must state full costs and complete travel arrangements. References may be requested.

Advertisements from companies selling information regarding government surplus are unacceptable.

900 telephone number ads must meet all of our standards and, if accepted, must clearly state the cost per minute, minimum charge, if any, and average length of call. Numbers that roll over to a 900 number are prohibited. There will be a $10 verification charge added to all 900 number ads. Circulation is not guaranteed on 900 number ads.

Companionship and personal ads are unacceptable.

Adoption ads are acceptable when accompanied by a letter from an attorney attesting to the legality of the proposed adoption. Circulation is not guaranteed on adoption ads. Advertisements offering or soliciting services for surrogate mothers are unacceptable.