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PRODUCER FAQS
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How do I submit a proposal to PBS? |
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We now have a very clear procedure for all submissions. Our Proposal Process page should provide you with the necessary direction. |
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Should I send my proposal to my local public television station or to PBS headquarters? |
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Since PBS stations broadcast their own local programming in addition to national programming, program proposals with a local or regional focus often find more success at the local station level. Some producers of national programming also choose to submit proposals to local stations, since PBS partners with local stations on a variety of projects for the national program schedule. Producers should contact the local station's program director for more information on programming priorities and proposal submission processes. |
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Will my project be seen throughout the country? |
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PBS has many means of distributing programming to our member stations. The National Program Service provides member stations with prime-time programming, daily children's shows and the NewsHour with Jim Lehrer. Final scheduling authority, however, rests at the station level. All Web sites that gain PBS.org hosting live on the national PBS site, gaining an audience throughout the country and the world. |
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What other distribution does PBS have? |
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PBS Plus distributes fully-funded programs that are not carried by the National Program Service. |
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Does PBS fund projects? |
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We do in part, but funding comes from different sources, including foundations and corporations. Funding decisions are based on our seasonal Content Priorities. |
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Does PBS provide licensing and compensation? |
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Funding, licensing fees, and acquisition fees are determined on a case-by-case basis, and range depending on the project. Any information on these details is confidential. |
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Do I need a presenting station? |
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That depends on your project. PBS encourages all producers to consider working with an individual station. A station can provide support in the areas of station relations, outreach and fundraising. That said, it is not a requirement to work with a presenting station. |
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Does PBS review projects from international producers? |
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Yes. All international must be in English, dubbed in English, or contain English subtitles. Written proposals must also be in English. We only accept NTSC or PAL, and NTSC DVD’s. Please provide an email address for return correspondence. |
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Do I need to present a completed program for evaluation or a rough cut? How about a treatment or script, or just a concept? |
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We look at programs and proposals in various stages of development, from treatment to completed program. Basic concepts alone are not sufficient for our team to make well-informed decisions. Treatments and scripts must be accompanied by additional materials outlined in Proposal Process. |
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When can I meet with someone at PBS to explain my project? |
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We receive nearly 3,000 proposals and programs each year and simply do not have the staff to meet with everyone who submits. We encourage enough detail in your submission that our evaluators can get a full sense of your concept and the quality of your work. |
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When producing for PBS, are there any standards, requirements or policies (i.e. packaging, underwriting, technical, etc.) that I need to know? |
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The PBS Red Book, PBS Production Guidelines and PBS Kids Producer Guidelines (PDF; Adobe Reader required) contain information needed to ensure programs meet all of PBS's on-air standards, including information on packaging, underwriting, product offers, formats and delivery. |
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Still have questions after reading through this site?
Please ask us. As we continue to hear from producers like you, we can improve our FAQ page and the rest of this site to better serve you. |
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