Skip to main content

Frequently Asked Questions

Home to PBS for Greater Los Angeles and Southern California, fostering a love of learning, culture and community using the power of public media.

Who is PBS SoCal?

We are the home to PBS for Greater Los Angeles and Southern California, dedicated to fostering a love of learning, culture and community using the power of public media. We deliver the full schedule of high-quality PBS programs, plus content that is for, about and by the people of Southern California. We make our content available for free through four broadcast channels, on our website and via the PBS app. And we reach deep into the community through partnerships, events and grassroots outreach, providing early education resources and access to a broad array of arts and culture experiences.

PBS SoCal is the flagship PBS organization serving more than 18 million people across Southern California, which operates the PBS SoCal multi-platform video content channels.

How is PBS SoCal different from PBS?

PBS SoCal is the flagship PBS member organization for Southern California, and the vital link that provides PBS services to this community. We are an independently funded and run 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and part of a network of public TV stations that make up the PBS system.

PBS is a private, nonprofit corporation made up of 350 member stations serving all 50 states, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam and American Samoa. All the stations work together to fulfill our mission – to provide trusted programming that is uniquely different from commercial broadcasting.

Where can I find PBS SoCal on TV?

If you’re watching over the air, you’ll find us on channels 50.1, 50.2, 50.4, 50.5. We are also available through most cable or satellite providers, though the channel number may vary. View our Schedule and Channel Guide for more information.

PBS SoCal is upgrading its antenna to provide wider coverage in Southern California. If you watch PBS SoCal using an antenna and notice a change in your signal, you may need to attempt to resolve the issue by following a few steps.

What is the PBS SoCal live stream, and how can I watch it?

The PBS SoCal live stream is a free online streaming simulcast of the PBS SoCal television channel. It is currently available at pbssocal.org/live and on the free PBS App on Android mobile, Amazon Fire tablets, iOS, Apple TV, Roku and Chromecast, with Android TV, Amazon Fire TV and Samsung TV support coming soon. App viewers must localize to PBS SoCal. The live stream is only available to viewers within PBS SoCal’s primary service area. Visit this PBS Help page for more information.

Where is PBS SoCal located?

We have office locations in Burbank, Century City, Costa Mesa, and downtown Los Angeles. We have technical operations in Los Angeles and Burbank, and our transmission facilities are located on Mt. Wilson and Mt. Harvard. Find our contact information.

How is PBS SoCal funded?

More than half of PBS SoCal annual revenue comes from the generous support of the local community. More than 130,000 individual members from throughout Southern California support us, plus we receive funding from a variety of public and private organizations as well as grants from foundations and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).

How can I donate to PBS SoCal?

You can donate online, by phone at (800) 278-5050, or by mail: Donations & Correspondence, PO BOX 6009, Whittier, CA 90607-6009

How can I find my member number and when does my membership expire?

Your member number can be found at the bottom of the acknowledgment letter you received when you made a donation. Please contact Member Services at member@pbssocal.orgor (714) 241-4100 ext. 4. for specific questions about your membership.

When will my thank you gift arrive?

As a non-profit organization, we operate under financial constraints different from those of a retail business. To ensure that the maximum amount of your contribution goes to support PBS SoCal, we do not maintain a surplus of thank you gift inventory. Once your donation payment has been received, we place orders to fulfill your thank-you gift requests. This process generally takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date of payment, though many items arrive sooner. Concert or event tickets will be mailed to you approximately two weeks before the date of the event.

Does PBS SoCal share my contact information with other organizations?

PBS SoCal may occasionally exchange lists with other organizations to support our fundraising efforts. If you would like to change the way your information is shared, please give our Member Services department a call at (714) 241-4100 ext. 4.

How do I submit a program or produce content for PBS SoCal?

Visit our Productions page for more information on producing with us.

How can I obtain permission to use materials from PBS SoCal?

Please contact permissions@pbsocal.org

Can I screen PBS SoCal programs?

Visit the Events Resource Library to learn more about screening our programs.

What is the tax ID or FIN number for Public Media Group of Southern California?

Our tax ID number is 95-2211661.

Whom can I contact with additional questions or concerns?

Contact Member Services at member@pbssocal.org or (714) 241-4100 ext. 4.

How do I update or cancel my membership?

We'd be happy to assist you with that. Just contact Member Services at member@pbssocal.org or 714-241-4100 x4.