Answers
What kind of organization is KETC?
KETC is a 501(c) 3 organization.
How do I get a copy of a PBS or KETC program?
Many KETC productions and most national PBS programs are available
for purchase. Please visit our Video
Shop on this Web site for ordering information and pricing.
PBS videos are also available by phone through PBS (1-877-PBS-SHOP)
or VideoFinders (1-800-343-4727). As an added bonus, all members
of Channel 9 receive a 10 percent discount with VideoFinders.
KETC videos are only available via the Internet through our
Video
Shop, or through a number of retail stores in the St. Louis
area, including the Missouri Historical Society Museum Shop,
the St. Louis Arch Gift Shop and some Borders Books & Music
stores. We are not able to accept KETC video orders via phone.
It is illegal for KETC to make a copy or "dub" of
a program for you.
Where do I send comments or concerns about
a program I saw on KETC?
KETC values your comments and concerns, so we have a policy
that all e-mails, letters and phone calls generally receive
an answer within several business days. When we evaluate a
program, our viewers' opinions do carry a great deal of weight.
So, if you loved a show, please let us know. Likewise, if
you disliked a program, it is also very important that you
let us know why. Because your comments may impact our future
decisions about programs, we encourage you to send Viewer
Services your thoughts via e-mail,
by phone (314) 512-9199 or by mail (3655 Olive St., St. Louis,
MO 63108).
A word about national public television programs: KETC does
not have any impact on the creation or content of national
PBS programs. So, in some cases, it is more appropriate to
direct your comments and questions to PBS or the shows' producers.
If you disagree with a show's concept, information or ideas,
the best way to voice your concern is to go straight to the
source by contacting the show's creators or using the feedback
system on the PBS Web site. To reach PBS, click
here. To reach a specific national show, click
here.
A word about KETC productions: If you have a message for
Living St. Louis or Donnybrook, you may
also consider visiting the Local Productions part of the Web
site. E-mail show ideas for Living St. Louis to
livingstlouis@ketc.org.
Why does KETC occasionally broadcast programs
at a different time (or on a different day) than the national
PBS schedule or not broadcast them at all?
There are a number of reasons that KETC may choose to broadcast a program at
a different time than what is published for the national PBS schedule. One
of the most basic reasons is simply that PBS schedules are based on the Eastern
time zone, whereas the KETC service area is on Central time. So some KETC programs
air here in the St. Louis region one hour behind the PBS broadcast.
Many of the other reasons for broadcast differences are all based
on the fact that KETC is a PBS member station, not an affiliate
network station like many other St. Louis stations. Being
a member station of PBS is very different than being an affiliate
station of ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, WB, or UPN. Some differences
are obvious, like the fact that we do not have commercials.
However, what many people do not realize is that PBS is not
a network at all, but rather a television service. Networks
pay their affiliate stations to carry national programming
and therefore require that they run the shows at the same
time everywhere. On the other hand, stations pay for PBS programming,
and since the individual stations own the broadcast rights,
they have more autonomy in scheduling. PBS is comprised of
over 300 independent stations that each make their own programming
decisions based on what is appropriate for the communities
they serve.
Some PBS material, called common carriage, is carried by
all stations. Examples of common carriage programs are Frontline
and The NewsHour With Jim Lehrer. PBS and various
public television producers do provide an abundance of material
to stations, but the majority of member stations choose to
broadcast a vibrant mix of local and regional programs rather
than a schedule filled with 100 percent national shows. KETC,
like most stations, also chooses to time-shift some national
programs (either by hour or by day) in order to create the
best schedule we can for the St. Louis region. This includes,
for example, opting to show our long-running and top-rated
local political affairs show, Donnybrook, at the
same time every week despite what is available nationally.
Of course, there are exceptions, which are made by our programming
department on a case-by-case basis.
Some programs that PBS offers are completely optional and do
not fall into common carriage. For these shows, KETC may broadcast
some on the same day as the national schedule, but others we
may record and save for a later broadcast, or not show them all.
The reasons for these decisions vary, but all are based on careful
review of the show and how it might be received in the St. Louis
market.
Why does KETC have pledge drives? Why are
they so often? Why do you play the same programs over and
over?
More than 90 cents of every dollar KETC needs to operate comes from individuals
and corporations right here in St. Louis . So pledge drives are one of the
many fundraising tools we use to turn viewers into members of Channel 9. All
of us at KETC understand how you feel about pledge drives. We conduct them
approximately four times per year but because they interfere with our regular
programming, we understand that it does "feel" like they happen more
often than that. We have been exploring less disruptive methods to boost membership,
but at this time our largest percentage of individual new members is generated
from the drives. This makes them a very necessary, but sometimes frustrating,
practice for our viewers.
During pledge drives we do broadcast a number of the programs
several times. We do this so that we can generate the most new
members possible during the drive. Since we only do drives four
times a year, and we do not want to interrupt regular programming
more often than necessary, we will replay the pledge programs
that are most successful. The replay of highly successful pledge
programs is called "Members' Choice," because more
members pledge during those programs than any other. Typically
only six percent of KETC's viewing audience is tuned into a particular
show at any given time, which means that an encore presentation
of a pledge show is still "new" to the remaining 94
percent of our audience.
How does KETC make programming decisions?
Each day there are hundreds of programs available to us for
broadcast on Channel 9. From children's programming to national
PBS prime-time shows, we carefully consider each program or
series for its relevance and value to the St. Louis regional
audience. Many programs in our prime-time hours are a part
of the PBS common carriage lineup, which means that they are
being carried on virtually every PBS station all over the
country. Others, such as "how-to" shows or children's
programs, vary in broadcast days and times from station to
station. In fact, there are so many programs available to
us from various public television sources we could never show
them all. Therefore, we must pick and choose. When making
program selections, our two highest priorities are local KETC
productions and PBS common carriage programming. Any other
program selection is discretionary, so we make determinations
by carefully weighing the various aspects of the following
criteria: subject matter, production quality, journalistic
or artistic integrity, community value, audience appeal, local
relevance, viewer feedback and cultural significance.
The region that KETC serves is very diverse, and we believe
it is part of public television's mission to speak to that
diversity with a program lineup that spans a broad range of
opinions and experiences. Occasionally we broadcast a show
with a select appeal even though some viewers may disagree
with the content. Programs that foster an understanding of
an opposing point of view can help create a local community
dialogue. Regardless of the occasional disagreement with a
show, our hope is that most of the time you are able to find
programs on KETC that brighten your life in some way--through
a new emotion, a new idea or a new way of looking at things.
I have many questions about PBS and how
it operates. Where can I get answers?
Please visit the PBS Web site at www.pbs.org
Why should I give to KETC? I pay my cable
bill; isn't that enough?
As a non-commercial television station, financial support from individuals
makes up almost half of every dollar we spend, so every dollar you contribute
counts. Contrary to popular belief, about 90 cents of every dollar Channel
9 spends is generated right here in the St. Louis region from corporations,
foundations and people just like you. In other words, only about 10 cents per
dollar comes from government funding, and none of it comes from the cable companies.
The advantage for viewers is that Channel 9 is truly a community station that
is committed to the concerns and preferences of our region. Here are some important
reasons to support Channel 9:
- Your gift directly supports local programming on Channel
9. From Donnybrook to Living St. Louis ,
your support helps us chronicle our history, create public
dialogue and showcase local talent and cultures.
- Every dollar you give today ensures that a little boy
or girl somewhere in our community may learn to read a new
word tomorrow due to our programming and outreach initiatives.
- Your support tells us that you like and value our programming.
KETC spends about $4 million a year to pay for the national
programs on our air. Your contribution directly supports
our efforts to obtain the best programs available.
- By giving to Channel 9 you are helping to do your part
to bring thoughtful, educational and culturally stimulating
television programs to the St. Louis region.
- Your support helps us purchase programs like: Sesame
Street, Great Performances, Mister Rogers
Neighborhood, Wall $treet Week, Clifford the Big Red Dog,
Masterpiece Theatre, Keeping Up Appearances, Nova,
Arthur, Nature, Between the Lions, This Old House, The
NewsHour With Jim Lehrer, and American Experience.
- Each month about 70 percent of the people in our region
watch Channel 9 at one time or another. Yet a far smaller
percentage gives t o pay for the programming they enjoy.
When you give, you become part of a very special group of
members who are willing to ensure the future of this station
for that 84 percent.
- As a member of Channel 9, you will receive great perks,
like KETC
Guide, our award-winning monthly magazine. More
Benefits.
- Through the expansion of our digital technology, we have
been able to increase our programming and educational services.
Your gift will help us pay for additional new technology.
- Joining
Channel 9 is easy. Your gift can be made in installments,
paid on a credit card, or donated in the form of stock certificates.
In fact, there are more than 10 different ways you can give
to KETC.
- By joining Channel 9, you are showing businesses and foundations
in the St. Louis region that KETC is important for the community.
Your support encourages increased giving from corporations.
How do I become a member of KETC?
Thank you for your interest in becoming
a member . There are lots of ways to become a member--online,
on the phone or via mail.
I have an idea for a new TV show or documentary.
Who can I talk to at KETC?
Please send your ideas and your contact information to:
Patrick Murphy
Executive Producer
KETC
3655 Olive St.
St. Louis , MO 63108.
If you would like the materials returned to you, please include a self-addressed,
stamped envelope.
I have a news release, idea or guest suggestion
for a KETC show. Where do I send it?
All news releases concerning special events, seminars or other calendar items
should be sent to KETC by using the Calendar
Form on this Web site. Please see the guidelines
for submission on the form. For guest booking information on Living St. Louis
or any other local KETC show, contact KETC
productions. For a topic idea for Living St. Louis ,
e-mail livingstlouis@ketc.org .
All other regular news items should be sent via e-mail to KETC
public relations.
Does KETC give tours?
Yes, but we have specific requirements for scheduling, age
limits, and group size. Tour
information.
How do I contact KETC?
KETC
3655 Olive St.
St. Louis, MO 63108.
How do I contact PBS?
You can send mail to PBS headquarters at the following address:
Public Broadcasting Service
2100 Crystal Drive
Arlington, VA 22202
viewer@pbs.org
Copyright Questions
I want to use a printout from the KETC or PBS Web
site for an activity. Can I do that?
PBS permits use of hardcopies from portions of its Web site for non-profit,
educational* and/or personal activities. On any document of PBS Online content
photocopied for distribution, please note the name of the PBS site, the URL
(Web address), and a copyright notice if available. For more info, visit PBS
TeacherSource.
* i.e., a teacher or instructor offering a course at a university/college,
within a school system, or at an adult education/lifelong learning
facility, with no fee charged for the material.
I want to use a program I saw on KETC for
a classroom or community organization presentation. Can I
show a video?
In general, all programs broadcast on KETC have a one-year
allowance for classroom/educational* usage. However, it is
always best to double check before taping or using a program
for a broad audience. For local KETC productions, please contact
Viewer Services. For
national PBS programs, please consult PBS
TeacherSource for copyright guidelines. The taping of
a KETC or PBS show for rebroadcast or presentation in a non-educational
environment is strictly prohibited without written permission.
* i.e . a teacher or instructor offering a course at a university/college,
within a school system, or at an adult education/lifelong learning
facility, with no fee charged for the material.
Technical Questions
Is KETC available on my satellite dish?
Yes, KETC is available via both Directv and DISH Network (Eco
Star) satellite service providers.
Why does my VCR clock show the wrong time?
We transmit a time pulse that is generated by our PBS standard clock. It is
automatically corrected for our time zone and either standard or daylight-saving
time. Most VCRs with clocks that can be set automatically have a menu that
allows you to select whether time setting is selected automatically (through
the signal we send out) or manually. You can access this menu through your
remote control or on the VCR itself. Since there are hundreds of different
kinds of VCRs we cannot instruct you on how to use your remote; please refer
to your VCR manual. You can also try turning your VCR off and on again to
re-set all the functions and acquire time information. You may also want
to try unplugging and plugging it in again to keep the VCR from retaining
the previous time setting in its memory. If all of these instructions fail
to correct your problem, please note that some VCRs do not have the capability
to receive the signal PBS sends out. Again, we ask that you refer to your
VCR manual and set the time manually yourself. If you have lost your manual
or cannot find it, you can contact the manufacturer of the VCR and ask them
to send you a new one. You can get a phone number for the manufacturer by
calling 1-800-555-1212 and asking national information for the toll free
number for the manufacturer. Some manufacturers also post their manuals on
their W eb sites.
I have cable, but I am still having trouble receiving
Channel 9. Why?
First, call your cable company to see if your cable system
is having a major outage throughout your neighborhood or area.
One of the most common problems with cable reception is called
"ingress." Ingress means that the shielding material
in the cable company's lines has broken down. Without the
proper shielding, external and alternate broadcast signals
(i.e. the ones that travel through the air) can permeate the
cable signal. When this happens, the signals mix and cause
interference for your cable channels. Many times this problem
can be remedied by loosening th e cable fittings around the
house and re-tightening them. It helps to use a small wrench
to cinch them tightly. If you continue to have problems, please
let us know by calling or Chrys Marlow at (314) 512-9000.
We will do our best to remedy the problem.
I have an outdoor antenna. Why am I having
trouble receiving Channel 9?
Because we are always transmitting at full power (unless noted otherwise on
air), your problems could be caused by one of several hardware issues:
- If the picture is snowy AND channels 2, 4, 5 and 11 are having
problems as well, then you need to check all lead-in connections.
The antenna is not picking up signals correctly or your
connections are not properly secured.
- There
may also be a problem with your antenna. Check to make sure
your antenna is securely mounted and that there is nothing
broken.
- If your home is in a valley or quite a distance from St. Louis,
you may need to purchase an amplifier for the antenna.
- If the problem is only with Channel 9 and it
isn't just snowy or a weak signal, then it is probably interference.
Please call Chrys Marlow at (314) 512-9000.
Why am I having trouble receiving Channel
9 with indoor rabbit ears or an attic antenna?
The engineering department of KETC does not recommend the use of either of
these types of antennae. Generally, this signal is "ghosty" at best
and can be affected by a number of different things, like someone walking through
a room. Rabbit ears, or attic antennae, usually show a couple of good stations
at a time. If you do not have cable, an outdoor antenna is your best choice.
Make sure it is securely mounted on the roof and aimed in the proper direction,
which is toward the signal source. If you are unable to use an outdoor antenna,
we recommend "amplified" rabbit ears. (They are available at most
electronics stores. The word "amplified" is on the box.)
I am hearing or seeing another language,
subtitles or other voices (like a narrator) when I watch
Channel 9. What is it and how do I turn it off?
Many televisions today are designed to offer special assistance
for the hearing and visually impaired. Frequently, there are
also language options, such as Spanish. The majority of televisions
can receive two audio channels: mono and stereo. The main
program audio comes through in stereo, and these ancillary
audio services are delivered in mono. A number of programs
on KETC are broadcast with these services embedded automatically,
so to turn off these services, including closed captioning
, use your TV's remote control. On many TVs, you can change
the set-up through the MENU, AUDIO or LANGUAGE functions on
your remote control. Some remote controls have dedicated buttons
for the audio services, which may be called SAP (second audio
program), MTS, stereo, audio mode, audio B, ST, or SA. The
manual that came with your TV will have information on all
these functions.
How do I view KETC's digital channels?
You can receive digital signals by attaching a set-top digital
tuner box to your regular television. The box, available wherever
TVs are sold, attaches to your TV set like a DVD player. Regular
(analog) televisions will not pick up digital signals without a
set-top digital tuner box. A few digital television sets come with
the digital tuner box already installed. Other digital televisions,
like high definition (HDTV) sets, pick up the better picture quality
of Channel 9's digital signal, but not the extra channels unless
a set-top digital tuner box is installed.
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