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The PBS Producer’s Handbook is designed to help producers create and deliver content for PBS. This comprehensive Handbook provides detailed information on a wide range of producer responsibilities and requirements, including production and promotional deliverables, broadcast standards and practices and general policies.
Producers are encouraged to read the Handbook and share it with their production teams.
Producers who have submitted programs to PBS but have not yet received final approval shouldnot initiate the packaging and delivery process.
Below please find several documents to prepare programs that have been accepted for broadcast by the PBS National Program Service and Plus Service.
PBS Producer's Handbook (1.8 MB)
Additional Guidelines
- Digital sponsorship
- Building a PBS.org site
- On-air announcements promoting program-related goods and services
- Photography
- PBS Standards
Technical Operating Specifications
All programs must meet the technical requirements set forth in PBS's Technical Operating Specifications (TOS) Manual.
- TOS Submission (729.4 KB) is intended for producers, editors and engineers who are submitting programs for PBS broadcast.
- TOS Short Form (516 KB)
- PBS Safe Areas (19.9 KB)
- Satellite Uplinks (462.5 KB) and Distribution (406.1 KB) documents may also be referenced as applicable.
PBS performs automated QC on all incoming programs using Interra Systems Baton.
Click this link to download the latest PBS test plan for use with Interra Systems Baton.
Updated: September 2023