Passport

WPBS Passport is our newest member benefit that gives members extended access to an on-demand library of quality public television programming, including your favorite local shows. You can now watch hundreds of hours of local and PBS programming, including every episode of every season of Downton Abbey on MASTERPIECE, plus others like All Creatures Great & Small, Miss Scarlet and the Duke, Vicious, EARTH a New Wild, The Great British Baking Show and many more.

 Are you already a member? Activate your WPBS Passport account

Trouble activating? How to activate Passport

Using WPBS Passport as a Canadian member

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is WPBS Passport?

WPBS Passport is a new member benefit that provides WPBS donors extended on-demand access to a rich library of quality public television programming. This is one of the many benefits that WPBS provides its members, along with exclusive event notification and access, membership appreciation deals and behind-the-scenes studio tours.

2. Why is WPBS making this service available?

As more and more people are watching television content on demand on digital devices, WPBS Passport gives WPBS members a way to enjoy extended access to PBS and WPBS content on platforms including computers, smartphones and tablets.

3. How can I activate my WPBS Passport account?

If you are an active WPBS member giving at least $60 (or $5 monthly), and we have a valid email address on file, you may click here to have your WPBS Passport activation code emailed to you. If we do not have your email address on file you may send an email to lbrotherton@wpbstv.org and we will add your email address to your member account.

4. I just made a donation today, why can’t I activate WPBS Passport?

If you donated online by clicking a “Click here for instant access” button, you should see an activation link pop-up once your donation is complete. 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. Please email lbrotherton@wpbstv.org and we will make sure you get your activation code as soon as possible.

5. 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 3 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.

6. What kind of device do I need to view WPBS Passport videos?

WPBS Passport can be accessed on watch.wpbstv.org, the PBS Video iOS and Android apps, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Stick and Chromecast.

7. I am an active WPBS member and have already activated my WPBS Passport. Why can’t I watch WPBS Passport content on my Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, etc.?

Some devices require a separate device activation to link your WPBS Passport account to your device. Click on your device for activation instructions:

• Apple TV
• Roku
• Amazon Fire TV/Amazon Fire Stick
• Chromecast

8. What desktop browser do I need?

WPBS Passport supports the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Safari.

9. I am a member of another PBS station. Am I entitled to WPBS Passport?

WPBS Passport is only available to donating members of WPBS. 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.

10. Can I view WPBS Passport videos outside of the United States and Canada?

Due to rights restrictions, WPBS Passport programs can only be viewed within the United States and Canada. Some programs are only available for viewing within the United States

11. What kind of content can I find on WPBS Passport?

WPBS Passport will include 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 Victoria, along with other favorites such as Vicious, Earth A New Wild, How We Got to Now, The Great British Baking Show and many more.

The WPBS Passport library will continue to grow as more series and episodes are added.

12. How can I find content that’s available on WPBS Passport?

WPBS Passport can be accessed on the WPBS website, as well as on PBS.org, the PBS Video apps for Android and iOS smartphones and tablets, and the PBS app on AppleTV and Roku once WPBS has been identified as the member’s local station. To get started, look for videos with the compass icon. Those videos are only available to users who are registered for WPBS Passport.

13. Who qualifies for WPBS Passport?

WPBS Passport is the newest member benefit available from WPBS for members with a yearly contribution of at least $60 or an ongoing monthly contribution of $5 or more. It cannot be purchased separately.

Members who wish to take advantage of WPBS Passport must activate their account for access. They will be asked to register to confirm their identity and membership status, and then they can start enjoying WPBS Passport.

If you are not a current member of WPBS, become a member today to access your WPBS Passport.

14. Is WPBS Passport a service or subscription that people can purchase?

WPBS Passport is an added benefit of station membership. It cannot be purchased separately and is not a subscription service.

15. Does WPBS Passport mean there will be no more free streaming on PBS.org or on the WPBS website?

No. PBS and WPBS content will continue to be available for free on PBS.org, watch.wpbstv.org, and other digital platforms. WPBS Passport provides extended access to a rich library of content for WPBS members to enjoy.
Certain content, including WPBS Original Productions, news and public affairs programs such as FRONTLINE, PBS NEWSHOUR, INDEPENDENT LENS and POV, will always be accessible to everyone.

16. Doesn’t having a subset of content only for members go against what PBS and WPBS stand for?

PBS is committed to providing free streaming of local and national content across multiple platforms after a program airs. WPBS Passport goes one step further by offering extended access to a rich library of content for station donors.

Certain content, including news and public affairs programs, such as FRONTLINE, PBS NEWSHOUR, INDEPENDENT LENS and POV, will always be accessible to everyone.

17. I’m not seeing my favorite PBS show in WPBS Passport. Why not?

Initially, several hundred hours of content will be available via WPBS Passport. This library of content will continue grow over time as more titles are added.

18. I cannot afford to donate at this time. Is there a way for me to view this content?

Our broadcast content on WPBS, Create, World and PBS Kids is always available at no cost to everyone within our over-the-air viewing area. In addition, you can watch shows online and on mobile after they have aired 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.

19. Will PBS KIDS content be available via WPBS Passport?

There are no plans to include PBS KIDS programming in WPBS Passport at this time.

20. Are there resources for my WPBS Passport account?

Yes, feel free to utilize PBS Passport Help. For other questions concerning your membership, please email lbrotherton@wpbstv.org or call Membership Services at 315-782-3142 x323