The use of broadcast television programs in the classroom is governed by the Guidelines for Educational Use of Off-Air Recording of Broadcast Programming for Educational Purposes, developed by the House Judiciary Committee in 1976.
Under these guidelines educators may record broadcast television programs for educational use, but the programs may be used only once within 10 school days of the broadcast. Most PBS programs have off-air recording rights that allow educators unlimited use of programs within seven days of the broadcast.
Copyright and PBS
Check PBS.org for the most complete description of copyright information.
Copyright and Cable
Although nonbroadcast cable services-such as the Discovery Channel and CNN-are not covered by these guidelines, many cable services provide programs with extended rights for educators.
Copyright and Video Rentals
Many videocassettes available through video rental stores are marked "For Home Use Only." May these programs be shown in the classroom?
According to the Motion Picture Association of America, lawfully produced videocassettes marked "For Home Use Only" may be used within a nonprofit educational institution provided they are used as part of face-to-face teaching activities. They may not be shown for recreation or entertainment. For more information on copyright for many cable and PBS programs see Cable in the Classroom magazine.
highlights
workshops
video production
copyright issues
about KQED
