What is Ball State PBS Passport?
Ball State PBS Passport is a member benefit that provides Ball State PBS donors extended on-demand access to a rich library of quality public television programming online and via their mobile devices. This is one of the many benefits that Ball State PBS provides its donors along with On The Air Members’ Magazine, thank you gifts like DVDs, CDs, or ticket offers, based on the level of your gift.
Who is eligible for Passport?
Ball State PBS Passport is the newest member benefit available from Ball State PBS for donors with a yearly contribution of at least $60 or an ongoing monthly contribution of $5 or more. It cannot be purchased separately.
How can I activate my Passport account?
If you have already received an activation code, you can activate here. If you have not received an activation code, check to see if you are eligible for Ball State PBS Passport using the Member Lookup tool. If you are an active Ball State PBS member giving at least $60 (or $5 monthly), and we have a valid email address on file, you may have already received an email from “Ball State PBS Passport” with activation instructions (remember to check your SPAM folders).
I just made a donation today, why can’t I activate Passport?
If you donated online by clicking a “Donate now to watch” button, you should see an activation link on the confirmation page for your donation. You will also receive an email message from “Ball State PBS Passport” at the email address you entered when making your donation. If you gave your donation through another online form or over the phone, it may take a few days for your gift to be entered into our database and your activation code assigned.
I’m seeing a message that says I already activated, but I can’t remember how to sign in.
At the time you activated, you were asked to choose one of three sign in methods: using your Google, Facebook, or PBS account. If you cannot remember which option you chose, you can try each one without doing any harm to your accounts. Each has its own process for resetting passwords should you need to.
I am a member of another PBS station. Am I entitled to Ball State PBS Passport?
Ball State PBS Passport is only available to donating members of Ball State PBS. However, many PBS stations across the country are introducing this new benefit to their members. Please contact your local station to find out if they are offering this service and to activate.
What kind of content can people find on Ball State PBS Passport?
Ball State PBS Passport includes several hundred hours of programming, representing many genres, including drama, science, history, natural history and the arts. Notable titles include MASTERPIECE series such as “Downton Abbey” and “Wolf Hall,” along with other favorites such as NATURE, GREAT PERFORMANCES, VICIOUS, EARTH A NEW WILD, HOW WE GOT TO NOW, THE GREAT BRITISH BAKING SHOW and many more. The Ball State PBS Passport library will continue to grow as more series and episodes are added. Passport SymbolVideos marked with the Passport Symbol are only available to users who are registered for Ball State PBS Passport.
What kind of device do I need to view Ball State PBS Passport videos?
Ball State PBS Passport can be accessed on BallStatePBS.org, the PBS App for iPhone and iPad, as well as on the PBS channel on Apple TV.
What desktop browser do I need?
Ball State PBS Passport supports the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Safari.
Can I view Ball State PBS Passport videos outside of the United States?
Due to rights restrictions, our streaming videos can only be viewed within the United States.
I’m not seeing my favorite PBS show in Ball State PBS Passport. Why not?
Initially, several hundred hours of content will be available via Ball State PBS Passport. This library of content will continue to grow over time as more titles are added.
Why is Ball State PBS making this service available?
As more and more people are watching television content on demand on computers and digital devices, Ball State PBS Passport gives Ball State PBS donors another way to enjoy extended access to PBS and Ball State PBS content on platforms including computers, smartphones and tablets.
How does Passport align with the mission of PBS?
Ball State PBS content is shared widely with the public on-air, online and on mobile devices after a program airs – that has not changed. Ball State PBS Passport goes one step further by offering extended access to additional content for station donors. Certain content, including kids, news and public affairs programs such as CYBERCHASE, BOB THE BUILDER, THOMAS & FRIENDS as well as FRONTLINE, PBS NEWSHOUR, INDEPENDENT LENS and POV, will be accessible to everyone.
Will there still be free streaming on BallStatePBS.org and PBS.org?
PBS and Ball State PBS content will continue to be available for free on the BallStatePBS.org website, and other digital platforms. Ball State PBS Passport provides extended access to a rich library of content for Ball State PBS members to enjoy. Certain content, including kids, news and public affairs programs such as CYBERCHASE, BOB THE BUILDER, THOMAS & FRIENDS as well as FRONTLINE, PBS NEWSHOUR, INDEPENDENT LENS and POV, will be accessible to everyone.
I cannot afford to donate at this time. Is there a way for me to view this content?
All broadcast content remains available to all viewers on air per our broadcast schedule and will remain online and on mobile for at least two weeks and, in some cases, longer. We believe the new arrangement allows for ample viewing of excellent content, albeit for a more limited time for some programs.
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