Producer Guideline: Frequently Asked Questions:

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How to Submit Programming to FSTV

Many of our programs come from independent filmmakers and we are always looking for new programs. If you would like to submit a program for broadcast consideration, please read the information below.

PROGRAMMING PHILOSOPHY: FSTV promotes participatory democracy, grassroots organizing, and cross-community dialogue. It advocates for social justice, respect for the environment, peaceful conflict resolution, and the protection of human rights. Most importantly, it honors diversity and provides a platform for voices and points of view traditionally excluded from television, including those of women, people of color, indigenous people, LGBT people, and the poor at home and abroad.

PREVIEW SCREENERS (VHS, DVD, miniDV): Please clearly mark tape with TITLE, TRT, YEAR COMPLETED, and CONTACT INFO/LICENSEE NAME. Include synopsis and related materials if available. We'll do our best to preview your program within 3-4 weeks. We will not be able to return tapes. Please do not include a Self-Addressed Stamp Envelope. All tapes will be recycled.

PROGRAM LENGTHS: At this time, FSTV accepts programs of any length; however, lengths close to 1/4, 1/2, 1, 1-1/2, 1-3/4, and 2 hours are easier to curate in our program blocks.

DOWNLOAD and FILL OUT OUR SUBMISSION FORMS
REQUIREMENTS: ALL preview tapes must include this submission form in order to be considered for broadcast on Free Speech TV. All information should be filled in as applicable. Please allow 4-8 weeks for your tape to be previewed. We will contact you if your program is selected for potential broadcast. Phone inquiries will only delay the preview process.

Download Single Program Submission Form in HTML format.

Download Episodic/Series Submission Form in HTML format.

LICENSING PROCESS: If your program is selected for broadcast, please return the CONTRACT and MASTER DUB by the deadline given. A program cannot be placed in the broadcast schedule without both items in-house. More details about our licensing agreement are available here. Because of the high volume of program submissions, we are not able to contact you if your program is not selected.

MASTER DUB FORMATS: MiniDV, DVcam, BetaSP

Please include:
1. 30 sec "Bars and Tones"
2. 10 sec pre-roll in "black"
3. corrected "white balance" and broadcast video levels.

If you think your program will be a good fit for Free Speech TV please fill out the submission form and send us a preview copy.

Click here to find about "Fair Use and Free Speech" from Center for Social Justice Media Organziation.

OUR MAILING ADDRESS:
FSTV - Program Acquisitions
PO Box 44099,
Denver, CO 80201

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About FSTV's DBS-Cable-Internet License Agreements

1. Who are Free Speech TV, Free Speech Internet Television, Public Communicators, Inc., and Free Speech Media, LLC?

Free Speech TV is a progressive television network. Working with artists and activists, FSTV cultivates an informed and active citizenry in order to advance social change. It acquires programs--primarily social, political, cultural, and environmental issue documentaries-- from independent producers and distributors around the world. FSTV programming airs full-time via direct broadcast satellite (DBS) on DISH Network and part-time via cable on 170 community access channels. Each week FSTV reaches over 25 million homes across the US. Free Speech TV's website, www.freespeech.org features one of the worlds largest archives of progressive video content and an online community where participants engage in debates and discussions about issues concerning their communities. Launched in July 1995, FSTV's cable distribution is a project of both PCI and Free Speech Media, LLC (FSM), a limited liability company. Both broadcast platforms are currently non-commercial. They air the same programming and are managed by the same non-profit company and its staff, based in Denver, CO.

2. How and where can viewers watch my program on FSTV?

Your program will air nationally on FSTV via direct broadcast satellite on DISH Network's channel 9415. To receive this programming, viewers must install a pizza-sized DISH Network satellite dish and receiver, available via www.freespeech.org. Viewers must also pay a monthly fee to subscribe to DISH Network. For more information about DISH Network, visit www.dishnetwork.com or call 1-800-333-DISH. If you purchase your DISH subscription via www.freespeech.org, partial proceeds benefit FSTV's on-going work.

Your program will air nationally on FSTV via direct broadcast satellite on DISH Network's channel 9415. To receive this programming, viewers must install a pizza-sized DISH Network satellite dish and receiver, available via www.freespeech.org. Viewers must also pay a monthly fee to subscribe to DISH Network. For more information about DISH Network, visit www.dishnetwork.com or call 1-800-333-DISH. If you purchase your DISH subscription via www.freespeech.org, partial proceeds benefit FSTV's on-going work.

Your program may also air on some or all of FSTV's cable affiliates, which are local public or educational access channels. For a complete list of affiliates, visit http://www.freespeech.org/html/affiliates.shtml. These stations receive FSTV's programs by down-linking and re-transmitting our DISH Network satellite feed. These stations are permitted to re-transmit any FSTV program airing on our DISH Network feed.

FSTV will also provide some video-on-demand streaming to promote the programs in the FSTV television line-up. You have the option of providing FSTV with rights to include your program-in whole or in part--in this video-on-demand initiative. Our interest is promoting your work and making it available to as many people as you desire. To learn more about video streaming, contact Web Content Developer Jiah Kim at 303-542-4814 or webcomment (at) freespeech.org

3. When and how often will my program air on FSTV?

Due to limited financial resources, FSTV airs a limited amount of programming, resulting in a multiple repeats. Each week your program is scheduled, it will likely air several times over the course of that week. Under this contract, FSTV can schedule your program to air an unlimited number of times within designated period of time. By notifying you in writing and paying you an additional fee, FSTV can automatically renew your contract for up to three additional six-month terms. FSTV posts a weekly schedule of its DISH Network line-up at www.freespeech.org.

4. Does FSTV's DBS license agreement limit where else I can show my tape?

No, all FSTV rights are "non-exclusive," meaning that you are completely free to show or sell your program to anyone else.

5. May I advertise the sale of my tape when it airs on FSTV's DBS channel on DISH Network?

FSTV airs on one of the channels which the FCC specifically set aside for non-commercial educational programming. As such, FSTV cannot air any direct advertising. Please do not include any commercial messages in your program or they will be edited. You can, however, include an endslate that reads: "For more information about this program, contact…." In addition, you can sell your tape in FSTV's on-line video store at www.freespeech.org. For more information about on-line video sales, contact James in the FSTV store at james(at)freespeech.org or 303 819.2625

6. May FSTV edit my program?

Yes, in some cases. Recognizing that FSTV operates in a television environment with certain operational and technical standards, we reserve the right to make some non-content critical changes to your program. It is our intention, however, to respect the integrity of your complete program by editing only when necessary. For example, FSTV can edit your program for time in order to fit the program into our standard-length broadcast blocks. In some instances, we may use a split-screen or speed up your end credits in order to fit your program into our blocks. We must also cut commercial content, such as advertisements, from your program. We can insert into or superimpose over your program FSTV station identifications and other promotional or public service spots.

7.May FSTV use my program in any other ways than broadcasting it in its entirety?

Yes, our license agreement allows FSTV to use audio and/or video material from your program for the purpose of publicity, audience development, and/or FSTV promotion. You also have the option to allow FSTV to use short clips of your program within FSTV-produced programs. You may elect to allow FSTV to use relevant audio and/or video from your tape within such a program in order to assist us in covering current events. FSTV will provide you with on-air credit for such use. You may also elect to deny such use by FSTV, but we hope you won't. You may also give FSTV the right to use part or all of your program for our website's on-demand video streaming.

8.Will FSTV rate my program's content?

Yes, we will rate it as required by DISH Network. Please provide us with rating information (on page 4 of the contract). DISH Networks uses a basic rating system (TVG, TVPG, TV14, TVMA - also NR/AO) and an expanded rating system (violence, language, nudity, sexual content, etc.). Subscribers can elect to block programs based on these ratings. Program ratings can be accessed on screen via a remote control menu.

9.What are my obligations as a producer or distributor?

You will need to initial and sign the contract and either fax or mail it to us. You will also need to send us a broadcast quality tape. We are currently accepting BetaSP (NTSC), MiniDV (NTSC or PAL), or DVCam (NTSC or PAL).

If you have any other questions, please call us at 303-442-8445 or email us at kyle(at)freespeech.org

Version 5.0, revised 8/12/04

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