Produce with KQED TV FAQ

• What kinds of programs does KQED seek for broadcast?
• KQED provides the people of Northern California with consistently high-quality, noncommercial media that informs, educates, and entertains. Our programming and services reflect the value that we place on human dignity, lifelong learning, the power of ideas, and the importance of the communities that we serve.
  


• What is the difference between KQED, PBS, CPB, and APT?
• KQED has served Northern California for more than 50 years and is affiliated with NPR and PBS. KQED owns and operates public television stations KQED 9 (San Francisco/Bay Area), KQED Plus (San Jose/Bay Area) and KQET 25 (Watsonville/Monterey); KQED Public Radio (88.5 FM San Francisco and 89.3 FM Sacramento); the interactive platforms kqed.org and KQEDnews.org; and KQED Education. KQED Public Television, one of the nation's most-watched public television stations, is the producer of local and national series such as QUEST; Check, Please! Bay Area; This Week in Northern California; Truly CA; and Essential Pépin. KQED's digital television channels include 9HD, KQED Life, KQED World, KQED Kids and KQED V-me, and are available 24/7 on Comcast. KQED Public Radio, home of Forum and The California Report, is one of the most-listened-to public radio stations in the nation with an award-winning news and public affairs program service delivering more than eighteen local newscasts and news features daily. KQED Interactive provides KQED's cross-platform news service, KQEDnews.org, as well as several popular local blogs, video and audio podcasts, and a live radio stream at kqed.org. KQED Education brings the impact of KQED to thousands of teachers, students, parents and the general public through workshops, community screenings and multimedia resources.
  
  PBS is the Public Broadcasting Service, a nonprofit program distribution company funded by CPB to provide programming to public television stations. Through the National Program Service, PBS funds the creation and acquisition of programs for its 348 member stations, and distributes those programs through American television's first broadcast satellite system. PBS has a history of showing independent film through series such as FRONTLINE, Independent Lens, American Experience, P.O.V., and Great Performances. PBS also acquires programming directly from independent producers. Learn more about PBS and independent producers.
  
  CPB is the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and is funded by taxpayers. CPB was created by the Public Television Act "to provide a voice for groups in the community that may otherwise be unheard," to serve as "a forum for controversy and debate," and to broadcast programs that "help us see America whole, in all its diversity." CPB provides funding for the development and creation of programs for public television, to be distributed through PBS. In addition, CPB funds both public television stations and independent producers directly. Learn more about CPB.
  
  APT, American Public Television, acquires finished programs and develops/produces original programming concepts. While American Public Television seeks the broadest possible carriage for its programs, it recognizes that many programs appeal to important, but less-than-national audience groupings, and undertakes the distribution of programming that is tailored to specific interests or demographics. As an independent programming service, APT may partner with producers and distributors in broadcast, cable, multimedia, and international markets. American Public Television is a not-for-profit organization. Learn more about APT.
  


• Does KQED provide funding for independent projects?
• No. KQED is not a source of funding, nor are we able to act as a fiscal agent for outside projects. Please contact Bay Area Video Coalition to apply for their fiscal agent initiative or to access lists of grants and foundations who are open to funding programming.
  


• Does PBS fund the production of programs?
• Primarily PBS acquires programming for satellite distribution to member stations. PBS occasionally funds production directly, but does not hold open calls.
  


• How long should I expect to wait for an answer from KQED after submitting a program or proposal?
• Please allow four to eight weeks for KQED to get back to you once you have submitted your proposal.
  


• What's the difference between a production and a presentation?
• Productions are works that are in any phase of production from development through post-production. As referenced in the Independent Producers' Guide, KQED considers collaborating with programs in all stages of production.
  
  Presentations are completed works that KQED presents to the national public television system. When KQED presents a program, the goal is to garner the maximum carriage possible. KQED charges a fee for this service.
  


• What if I just need KQED to help me with fundraising?
• Unfortunately, due to limited staff and a number of station projects in fundraising, KQED is unable to help independent producers solely with securing funds for their project.
  


• What if I just need help completing the post production of my film?
• At this time, KQED only offers completion through our documentary series, Truly California. Find out how to apply to Truly California.
  


• I've never made a film before but have a great idea for a show. Can I still co-produce with KQED?
• Anyone is welcome to submit a proposal to KQED. However, we do look at the producer's background and take into consideration if the person or people have the skill sets needed to pull off their proposed production. If you have limited production experience, you may want to consider taking production classes. Bay Area Video Coalition has numerous classes on all aspects of film and television production.
  


• My project has nothing to do with KQED's content criteria. Can I still submit it?
• We strongly suggest that you consider submitting your proposal to stations that have more relevance to your project. We also encourage producers to find a station that has experience producing the kind of content you wish to propose. Please visit PBS to find a list of stations around the country.

Also on KQED.org this week ...