Creating & Activating Your Account
What is PBS Passport?
PBS Passport is a PBS North Carolina member benefit that gives eligible supporters extended access to an on-demand library of quality public television programming online. The PBS NC Passport library currently offers more than 1,000 episodes to watch, with new PBS programs added weekly.
How can I sign up for Passport?
Passport is a benefit for members of PBS North Carolina who contribute a minimum of $5 a month as a sustaining donor or who make a one-time gift of $60 per year or more.
To become a member, make your donation. Once your gift is processed, you’ll receive an activation key and instructions on setting up your Passport account.
If you are already an existing member at these donation levels, please contact our Audience Services team by email at viewer@pbsnc.org or by phone at 888-292-7070 Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM to activate your Passport benefit.
I’m already a donor at levels required for Passport. How do I find out if I have the benefit?
If you are an existing sustaining donor at $5/month or more or have made a one-time gift of $60 or more this year, it’s possible that our system generated a Passport activation key for you!
To check, please visit https://www.pbs.org/passport/lookup/ and enter your email address. If you are an active member, you will be prompted to log-in at which point you can set up your account.
I just made my donation but haven’t received my activation key. What should I do?
Please contact our Audience Services team by email at viewer@pbsnc.org or by phone at 888-292-7070 Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM for help in obtaining your activation key.
I can’t remember my activation key. How do I find it?
Please visit https://www.pbs.org/passport/lookup/ and enter your email address. If you are an active member, you will be prompted to log-in.
If not, please contact our Audience Services team by email at viewer@pbsnc.org or by phone at 888-292-7070 Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM and they’ll be happy to help you get set up.
I know that I am a Passport member but my account cannot be found in the system. What should I do?
Please make sure that the email address that you used to activate your account is the same. If you’re still having trouble, please contact our Audience Services team by email at viewer@pbsnc.org or by phone at 888-292-7070 Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM and they’ll be happy to help.
I can’t remember if my Passport account is active. How do I check?
Simply go to pbs.org and sign in. If your account is activated properly, you’ll see a small blue and white compass rose symbol by your name in the upper left portion of the screen.
How do I update or cancel my membership?
You may request to make changes to or cancel your membership by emailing sustainer@pbsnc.org. You may also contact Audience Services by phone at 888-292-7070 Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, to request modifications to your account.
What if I can’t afford Passport. Can I still watch videos?
Yes! PBS North Carolina offer hundreds of wonderful programs online. You can watch them on the PBS App and by visiting video.pbsnc.org, our online streaming platform featuring favorite PBS shows and PBS NC local productions.
Passport Shows & Films
What kinds of programs can I see with Passport?
The library features critically acclaimed films from Ken Burns, Henry Louis Gates Jr & more, and episodes from popular programs like American Experience, AntiquesRoadshow, Nature, NOVA & Masterpiece — including Sanditon, All Creatures Great & Small and early access to many upcoming new series.
In addition to these signature series, the library is full of public television’s acclaimed arts, science, history & lifestyle programs. There are thousands of titles to explore and new shows and films are added every week.
How can I view Passport programs?
Passport programs can be viewed on your computer or devices by visiting video.pbsnc.org.
If you have a smartphone or tablet, download the PBS App for an even better viewing experience. You can find the PBS App on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV & more! Learn more about the PBS App here.
How will I know if a show is only available with Passport?
All Passport shows & films on the PBS App and online streaming portal will feature this Passport icon near the video title or on the video image.
Why can't I find programs like Doc Martin, Father Brown or other episodes of my favorite PBS NC shows?
PBS is not a producer but is a distributor of programming. Certain programs have limited streaming rights or are only available for broadcast distribution.
Local member stations such as PBS NC are individually owned and operated and therefore schedule our tv programs independently. This includes our ability to acquire programming from sources other than PBS such as American Public Television (APT) and BBC Worldwide, which are not always available for on-demand streaming.
How can I search for Passport programs only?
Visit video.pbsnc.org and enter a search term, such as “masterpiece” or “nova”.
Click on ”Show Filters” on the left and then click on the PBS NC Passport Videos option under “Filter by Access.” In addition to Passport videos, you can filter by shows, types or video link here.
Passport on the PBS App
How do I set up my Roku, Amazon Fire or Apple TV?
Passport is available on these devices through the PBS App. Before starting, ensure that your account on pbs.org is activated with your Passport key.
Find the PBS channel on your device. You will receive code to link your device to your account at pbs.org/activate.
Online video tutorials are available for Apple TV and for Roku. Instructions are similar for Amazon Fire.
If you are unable to connect to the PBS channel or app, please make sure your operating system is updated. Learn more
How can I watch Passport videos on my smart TV?
The PBS App is currently available on Samsung Tizen (check here for the most up-to-date platform list), and all compatible Android smart TVs will have a Google Play Store app on their TV where they can download the PBS App for Android.
A separate streaming device such as a Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire Stick is needed to watch Passport on smart TVs that do not use Android. You will also be able to access Passport shows if you have a Roku TV.
What if my question is not answered here?
You can explore more commonly asked questions and troubleshooting tips at help.pbs.org.
For phone support related to Passport or the PBS App, please contact us at 855-222-6135, M-F 10am-11pm EST.
As a seasoned expert and enthusiast in the realm of public television, particularly PBS Passport, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to guide you through the intricacies of creating and activating your account. Having delved deeply into the workings of PBS Passport and its associated benefits, I stand ready to elucidate the concepts embedded in the provided article.
1. PBS Passport Overview: PBS Passport is an exclusive benefit for PBS North Carolina members, offering extended access to a diverse on-demand library of high-quality public television programming. This includes over 1,000 episodes with new additions each week.
2. Membership Eligibility: To qualify for PBS Passport, individuals must be members of PBS North Carolina, contributing a minimum of $5 per month as a sustaining donor or making a one-time gift of $60 or more per year.
3. Account Activation: Upon making the required donation, members receive an activation key and instructions. Existing members at the specified donation levels can activate their Passport benefit by contacting the Audience Services team.
4. Checking Membership Status: Members can verify their Passport benefit by visiting the dedicated lookup page () and entering their email address. A system-generated activation key may be available for existing sustaining donors or one-time donors of $60 or more.
5. Troubleshooting and Assistance: In case of issues such as not receiving the activation key, forgetting the key, or account not found, members can contact the Audience Services team for assistance through email (viewer@pbsnc.org) or phone (888-292-7070, Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM).
6. Account Management: Members can update or cancel their memberships by contacting sustainer@pbsnc.org or Audience Services at 888-292-7070 (Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM).
7. Accessing Content Without Passport: Individuals who cannot afford Passport can still enjoy a variety of programs on the PBS App and by visiting video.pbsnc.org, the online streaming platform featuring PBS shows and local productions.
8. Passport Shows & Films: The Passport library boasts acclaimed films from Ken Burns, Henry Louis Gates Jr., and others, along with episodes from popular programs like American Experience, Antiques Roadshow, Nature, NOVA, and Masterpiece.
9. Viewing Passport Programs: Passport programs are accessible on computers or devices through video.pbsnc.org and the PBS App on platforms such as Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV.
10. Identifying Passport Content: Passport shows and films are marked with a distinct Passport icon, aiding users in identifying content available exclusively through Passport.
11. Limited Streaming Rights: Certain programs, like Doc Martin and Father Brown, may have limited streaming rights due to distribution agreements. PBS NC, as an independently owned station, schedules programs independently, acquiring content from sources like American Public Television and BBC Worldwide.
12. Search and Filter Options: Users can search for Passport programs on video.pbsnc.org by entering a term and using filters, including the PBS NC Passport Videos option.
13. Passport on Smart TVs: Passport is accessible on smart TVs, including Samsung Tizen and compatible Android smart TVs. Users may need a streaming device like Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire Stick for non-Android smart TVs.
14. Support and Additional Information: Further assistance and common troubleshooting tips can be found at help.pbs.org. For Passport or PBS App-related phone support, users can contact 855-222-6135 (Monday-Friday, 10 AM to 11 PM EST).
In conclusion, navigating the intricacies of PBS Passport involves understanding membership criteria, activation processes, content access, and troubleshooting methods, all of which contribute to a seamless public television experience.
