SDPB PASSPORT Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is SDPB Passport?
SDPB Passport is a member benefit that provides our donors extended, on-demand access to a rich library of quality public television programming. This is one of the many benefits that SDPB provides its donors, along with the SDPB Magazine, and outstanding public television and radio.
2. What kind of content can people find on SDPB Passport?
SDPB Passport includes thousands of hours of programming, representing many genres, including drama, science, history, natural history and the arts. Notable titles include Masterpiece, Great Performances, Nature, NOVA, Ken Burns Documentaries and many more. SDPB Passport also includes popular SDPB programs such as Dakota Life, Images of the Past, and South Dakota Focus. The SDPB Passport library continues to grow as more series and episodes are added.
3. How can viewers find content that’s available on SDPB Passport?
SDPB Passport can be viewed on most SmartTVs and smart devices like Roku, AppleTV, most tablets and mobile devices via the free PBS Video app (check your device's App Store). You can also sign through your favorite web browser by visiting watch.SDPB.org or PBS.org. Then look for videos with the blue compass-rose icon in the upper left-hand corner of the video. Those videos are only available to users with an active SDPB Passport account. Have a question about a specific device? Check out our Passport Help page for step-by-step instructions for a specific device.
4. Who qualifies for SDPB Passport?
SDPB Passport is available from SDPB for donors with a yearly contribution of at least $60 or an ongoing monthly contribution of $5 or more.
5. Why is SDPB making this service available?
As more and more people are watching television content on demand on TVs and digital devices, SDPB Passport gives donors a way to enjoy extended access to PBS and SDPB content on platforms including TVs, computers, tablets and smartphones and other mobile devices.
6. Is SDPB Passport a service or subscription that people can purchase?
SDPB Passport is an added benefit of station membership. It cannot be purchased separately and is not a subscription service.
7. Does SDPB Passport mean there will be no more free streaming on PBS.org or on SDPB website?
No. PBS and SDPB content will continue to be available for free on SDPB.org website and other digital platforms. SDPB Passport provides extended access to a rich library of content for SDPB 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.
8. Doesn’t having a subset of content only for donors go against what SDPB and PBS stands for?
SDPB is committed to providing free streaming of local and national content across multiple platforms after a program airs. SDPB Passport goes one step further by offering an 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.
9. I’m not seeing my favorite PBS show in SDPB Passport. Why not?
Initially, several hundred hours of content will be available via SDPB Passport This library of content will continue grow over time as more titles are added.
10. Will PBS KIDS content be available via SDPB Passport?
There are no plans to include PBS KIDS programming in SDPB Passport at this time. They will remain available for free online at PBSKids.org or through the PBS KIDS app.