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WBGU-PBS Passport

WBGU-PBS Passport and device icons

Enjoy extended on-demand access to an ever-changing library of thousands of titles.

How to Activate PBS Passport

Watch how to activate PBS Passport, a membership benefit provided by WBGU-PBS that offers extended access to your favorite PBS shows.

Passport Lineup April (2024)

About WBGU-PBS Passport

Passport is an added benefit for members pledging $60 annually ($5 per month) or more to WBGU-PBS. Passport offers extended access to an on-demand library of more than 2,000 PBS programs including Passport only programs. You can watch when and where you want using your streaming device (laptop, computer, smart phone, smart TV, tablet, streaming add-on, etc.) Those eligible will receive an email from WBGU-PBS with instructions on how to activate the service. To sign up, or if you’re having difficulty accessing Passport, call the station at 419-372-2700.

What streaming device can I use to watch WBGU-PBS Passport?
You can watch WBGU-PBS Passport using a streaming device added to your television including a ROKU®, Apple TV®, Amazon Fire TV® or Google Chromecast as well as on your Samsung Smart TV, computer, tablet or smartphone, with more devices being added!

Click Here for instructions on watching PBS video on Amazon Fire
Click Here for instructions on watching PBS video on Android TV
Click Here for instructions on watching PBS video on Apple TV
Click Here for instructions on watching PBS video on Google Chromecast
Click Here for Instructions on watching PBS video on ROKU

What kind of content is on WBGU-PBS Passport?
With WBGU-PBS Passport, you can access tens of thousands of hours of programming representing a variety of genres, including drama, science, history, natural history and the arts. Notable titles include Masterpiece series such as “All Creatures Great and Small” and “Poldark,” along with other favorites such as "Nature," "NOVA," "Antiques Roadshow," "Finding Your Roots," "Great Performances," "Austin City Limits," and many more. As an added benefit, you can watch (or binge watch) some programs before their regular on-air date.

Does the WBGU-PBS Passport library change? 
Passport offerings are updated frequently - new series/episodes are added and the library is continually growing. Some programs do expire due to streaming rights and as a result may be removed from the Passport library.

How do I access WBGU-PBS Passport?
To take advantage of WBGU-PBS Passport, you must activate your account. You will be asked to register to confirm your identity and membership status in order to start enjoying WBGU-PBS Passport. This content is only available to users who are registered for WBGU-PBS Passport and are current members in good standing. You must provide us with an active email address to get started.

Where do I find WBGU-PBS Passport content? 
Simply look for the distinctive compass icon. Visit pbs.org/passport/videos for a list or by using the PBS Video app which you can download for free. You also may see programs on pbs.org with the compass icon, these also are available for viewing in Passport. If you have a particular program in mind, simply search for that program on either program to see if it is available in Passport.

Can I purchase Passport without being a member?
WBGU-PBS Passport is a benefit for members only. It is a special gift for those WBGU-PBS donors who make a yearly contribution of at least $60 or an ongoing monthly contribution of $5 or more. It cannot be purchased separately.

Will there still be free streaming on WBGU.org and PBS.org?
Yes! PBS and WBGU-PBS content will continue to be available for free on the WBGU.org website and other digital platforms. Please note, many programs will be available for free streaming only for a short period of time and then they will move to Passport only streaming. As a WBGU-PBS member and Passport user, you will have access to a rich library of content for an extended period. Certain content, including kids, news and public affairs programs will remain accessible to everyone.

What desktop browser do I need?
WBGU-PBS Passport supports the latest versions of Chrome®, Firefox®, Internet Explorer® and Safari®.

How does WBGU-PBS Passport align with the mission of public television?
WBGU-PBS content is shared widely with the public on-air, online and on mobile devices after a program airs – that has not changed. WBGU-PBS Passport goes one step further by offering extended access to additional content for members.

I’m not seeing my favorite PBS show in WBGU-PBS Passport. Why not?
Due to rights issues, some programs are not available for streaming. Many programs that air on PBS are licensed through other companies and PBS must adhere to their restrictions. At this time, PBS is working to secure streaming rights whenever possible.

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 devices 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.

Is WBGU-PBS Passport available outside the U.S.?
No. Streaming video from WBGU-PBS is only available within the United States.

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