Have you ever waited for a certain program to air on PBS only to miss it? this can be frustrating as it’s been difficult to stream a show that has already been aired on the station. There is a solution for this problem on the horizon. PBS has just implemented a new plan to benefit members who participate in the funding efforts for the stations. The new subscription service has just recently been offered to enhance membership and is called PBS Passport. Here is everything that you need to know about it.
Description of PBS Passport
PBS Passport is a member benefit that allows donors who are eligible for the program to have extended access to the PBS library of public television programs in an online format on-demand. the library maintains over 1,000 episodes of programs which include but are not limited to:” NOVA,” “Nature,” “Masterpiece,” “American Experience,” “Antiques Roadshow,” “Downtown Abbey” “Earth a New Wild,” “Austin City Limits,” and many more.
Subscription price
To subscribe to the PBS Passport benefit, you must qualify by being a supporter of PBS, although each individual station has been given the freedom to set their own criteria for qualification. In general, any supporter who donates a minimum of $60 per year, or $5 per month or more in monthly gifts which are ongoing, qualify. For specific details anyone who is interested should contact their local PBS stations for more information on subscribing. Although this is the recommended cost for subscribing, this may vary from one station to another. You can learn more about contacting the station that serves your area by visiting here: http://www.pbs.org/about/about-pbs/stations/.
Why there isn’t a listing of all Passport shows
The Public Broadcasting Station is under strict direction to uphold streaming rights and avoid any potential legal issues. This is why it is not able to establish a published list of Passport shows at this time. you can find out more about programs that are available for streaming by using their handy program search tool found at: http://www.pbs.org/search/.
International viewers
At this time, PBS does not offer PBS Passport subscription services to persons who do not reside within the United States. The company has very limited distribution rights for the programs that they air and promote. This is one of the difficulties that PBS faces when trying to make promotions. They aer not the owners or producers of the programs that are shown so they must operate under strict guidelines so there is no type of legal infringement or backlash. The online streaming is subjected to geographical filtering and this will prevent anyone from outside of the US from accessing the service and its content. The company has issued an apology for their lack of ability to provide this service and online streaming for more interested viewers and fundraising activities. There is little that can be done unless those who own the rights to the programs that air of PBS would be willing to make some contractual changes and allow a broader approach to distribution.
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