NOTICE | 01/07/2023:
PBS VIdeo App and PBS Passport Outages. On Sunday, January 7th, PBS received a large amount of traffic for the Season 4 premiere of All Creatures Great and Small and this resulted in performance issues across the PBS sites and apps. PBS engineers took steps to mitigate the traffic issues, and users should no longer have any issues. PBS is taking steps to address any future occurrences.
WTVP introduces Passport, your access to an expanded on-demand library of great public television programming
WTVP Passport is the new member benefit that provides you with extended access to an on-demand library of quality local and national public television programming. With access to tens of thousands of hours of your favorite programs, WTVP Passport allows you to watch even more episodes of your favorites, including full seasons of many current and past series.
Highlights include every past episode of award-winning MASTERPIECE favorites like Downton Abbey and Wolf Hall, along with Grantchester, Home Fires and Poldark. You can watch hundreds of hours of Nature, NOVA, Antiques Roadshow, American Experience (including Last Days in Vietnam and Walt Disney), Finding your Roots, The Great British Baking Show, Seasons 3 and 4 of Mr. Selfridge and so much more.
You can watch WTVP Passport and our on-demand videos on your computer, smartphone, or tablet through the WTVP website, at PBS.org and within the PBS Video apps for iOS and Android smartphones and tablets. You can also access WTVP Passport on Apple TV, and additional device platforms are coming soon.
How to Activate Passport:
If you’re a current member who gives a minimum of $60 per year or $5 per month or more, call 309-495-0547 to retrieve your code and activate your WTVP Passport.
Getting Started:
You have unlimited options on how to access WTVP Passport. Visit the PBS Video App page for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions | Passport
Have a question about Passport? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
What is WTVP Passport?
WTVP Passport is a member benefit that provides central Illinois PBS donors extended on-demand access to a rich library of quality public television programming. This is one of the many benefits that WTVP provides its members, along with exclusive event notifications membership appreciation deals, and behind-the-scenes studio tours.
Why is WTVP making this service available?
As more and more people are watching television content on demand on digital devices, WTVP Passport gives central Illinois PBS members a way to enjoy extended access to PBS and WTVP content on platforms including computers, smartphones, smart TVs, and tablets.
How can I activate my WTVP Passport account?
If you are an active WTVP member giving at least $60 (or $5 monthly), and have not received your activation code by email or mail please call WTVP , 309-495-0547 or email development@wtvp.org.
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 Gmail, 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.
What kind of device do I need to view content from WTVP Passport?
WTVP Passport can be accessed on wtvp.org, the PBS Video iOS and Android apps, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Stick and Chromecast.
What desktop browser do I need?
WTVP Passport supports the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Safari.
Can I view WTVP Passport videos outside of the United States?
Due to rights restrictions, our streaming videos can only be viewed within the United States.
What kind of content can I find on WTVP Passport?
WTVP 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, NOVA, Nature, Frontline, The Great British Baking Show and many more.
The WTVP Passport library will continue to grow as more series and episodes are added.
How can I find content that’s available on WTVP Passport?
WTVP Passport can be accessed on the WTVP 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 WTVP 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 WTVP Passport.
Who qualifies for WTVP Passport?
WTVP Passport is the newest member benefit available from PBS 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 WTVP 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 WTVP Passport.
Is WTVP Passport a service or subscription that people can purchase?
WTVP Passport is an added benefit of station membership. It cannot be purchased separately and is not a subscription service.
Does WTVP Passport mean there will be no more free streaming on PBS.org or on the WTVP website?
No. PBS and WTVP content will continue to be available for free on PBS.org, WTVP.org, and other digital platforms. WTVP Passport provides extended access to a rich library of content for WTVP members to enjoy.
Certain content, including news and public affairs programs such as FRONTLINE, PBS NEWSHOUR, INDEPENDENT LENS and POV, will always be accessible to everyone.
Doesn’t having a subset of content only for members go against what PBS and WTVP stand for?
PBS is committed to providing free streaming of local and national content across multiple platforms after a program airs. WTVP 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.
I’m not seeing my favorite PBS show in WTVP Passport. Why not?
Initially, several hundred hours of content will be available via WTVP Passport. This library of content will continue to grow over time as more titles are added.
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 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.
Will PBS KIDS content be available via WTVP Passport?
There are no plans to include PBS KIDS programming in WTVP Passport at this time. PBS kids program is availabel for free thru the PBS kids website or mobile app.