INTERACTIVE

For information on developing a Web site for pbs.org, please review the PBS Web Production Manual detailing guidelines and requirements at: www.pbs.org/producers/webmanual/

Web proposals must be received no later than 17 weeks prior to broadcast to be considered.

PROMOTION OF PROGRAM WEB SITES

If a program Web site resides on the pbs.org server, you must include an on-air Web tag promoting the Web site at the end of program content. PBS also encourages you to include contextual promotion of Web content throughout the program; this could occur via lower-third Web markers, contextual references made by on-air talent, or other methods you propose. Programs may only include an on-air Web tag and/or contextual promotion of Web content if the PBS Interactive department has approved your Web site content for pbs.org.

INTERACTIVE WEB TAG ANNOUNCEMENT CLEARANCE FORM

Due no later than 8 weeks prior to the first day of month of broadcast

Language and general presentation of an Interactive Content Announcement Clearance Form for on-air tags, Web markers, and/or other on-air Web content promotion MUST be determined in consultation with PBS Program Management and must be approved by PBS prior to inclusion in the program. This information is entered into ORION.

DESIGNING AN ON-AIR WEBTAG

Silent cards over a static and/or black background are NOT acceptable

An on-air Web tag must be engaging, mirror the production values of the program, and cohere with the tail sequence of the program package. Successful on-air tags educate viewers as to the specific related material available on the Web site and avoid a generic indication that "more" is available online.

PBS encourages the producer to utilize footage and/or graphic material from the program. Specific program or series title graphics may also be included.

pbs.org, pbskids.org, and pbskidsgo.org are the only Web sites that may be referenced anywhere on-air in font, voiceover or narration

Web site on-air tags and markers may NOT identify or refer to any other computer online service or non-PBS-hosted Web site, whether by name, telephone number, or postal or electronic address. No e-mail addresses are permitted. The producer may request a PBS e-mail address where applicable for interactive purposes.

All Web site on-air tags must contain the following elements:
	"pbs-dot-org" must be mentioned in the voiceover
	"pbs.org" must appear fonted on-screen (all lowercase)

OR
	"pbs kids-dot-org" must be mentioned in the voiceover
	"pbskids.org" must appear fonted on-screen (all lowercase)
OR
	"pbs kids go-dot-org" must be mentioned in the voiceover
	"pbskidsgo.org" must appear fonted on-screen (all lowercase)

PBS encourages producers to incorporate creative language into the on-air announcement

Sample on-air Web tags:

Log on to pbs-dot-org to share your family history. You can also take a closer look at the scrapbooks featured in the series and see how the personal stories connect to the larger framework of African American history.

Explore islands and reefs. See beautiful and unusual underwater creatures. Go on your own Ocean Adventure at pbs-dot-org

There's more about The Boy in the Bubble at American Experience online. See footage of David through the years, explore his mobile suit, and access a forum with a panel of experts. All this and more at pbs-dot-org

Visit the Independent Lens website to find out more about this show. Read a discography and test your P-Funk knowledge. Get an inside look at independent film Inside Indies, and share your thoughts in Talkback-online at pbs-dot-org.

PLACEMENT AND DURATION OF AN ON-AIR WEBTAG

On-air Web tags should be a maximum of 15 seconds in length.

PBS encourages producers to split-screen on-air Web tags with the production credits to maximize the time available for program content.

A full screen on-air tag should be placed at the end of program content and before the closing production credits, funding credits and on-air offer.

WEB MARKERS

No more than 5 webmarkers during a 60-minute program

Web markers reference contextually relevant online content during the program.

Sample webmarkers:

pbs.org See how coral reefs work

pbs.org Take a virtual tour of the ruins

more on Glacial Lake Missoula pbs.org

tracking the great white shark at pbs.org

Producers must utilize PBS-supplied Web marker graphic material as their template; however, markers may be customized to fit with the program's lower thirds and overall graphic look. The appearance of all Web markers must be cleared in advance by PBS Program Management.

Informational text should not extend too far into the bottom right corner so as not to obscure station bugs.

Producers that utilize Web markers must supply a rundown as to where within the body of the program the markers appear, along with a description and URL of the online content to which the marker refers. This information is entered into ORION.

Any Web content referenced via a marker should be easily accessible from the program Web site's homepage.

PROGRAM WEB SITE MAINTENANCE

Accessibility and Maintenance during term of broadcast rights

The program Web site must be accessible and maintained for the entire rights of the PBS rights period of the program. In the event a Web site or Interactive Content Announcement must be removed from the program, the producer will be responsible for all costs associated with editing and re-feeding the program.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: This manual is a set of "guidelines" and should be treated as such. PBS staff members will continue to consult with producers and provide direct guidance on issues concerning final delivery of programs. Please read through the Red Book carefully and make sure that the members of your production team familiarize themselves with the relevant sections. Updates to the Red Book will occur when information or policies change.

 
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