PBS Passport provides access to extended video library on Roku's PBS channel

August 17, 2016 - 19:24 -- RokuGuide

PBS Passport provides access to extended video library on Roku's PBS channelIf Downton Abbey episodes disappeared from the PBS Roku channel too quickly, or you want more episodes of Antiques Roadshow, Nature, or NOVA than currently available, a small donation to your local PBS station may give you access to these shows and much more. PBS Passport is a member benefit that gives eligible donors access to an extended library of public television programming through Roku and other connected devices.

The PBS Passport library offers members access to shows for which streaming rights have expired or have otherwise become unavailable for general streaming. There are currently over 1,000 episodes available, and new PBS programs are being added weekly. Included are popular programs like American Experience, American Masters, Antiques Roadshow, Nature, NOVA, and Masterpiece — including all six seasons of Downton Abbey. The library is also full of public television's acclaimed arts, science, history, and lifestyle programs, including How We Got to Now, Earth a New Wild, Austin City Limits, and a rotating selection of films from Ken Burns. "Jazz" and "Unforgivable Blackness The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson" are titles that have recently been available.

How to get PBS Passport

To get PBS Passport privileges, you will need to make a donation to your location participating station - usually around $5/month or $60/year. Donation requirements vary from station to station, and not all stations participate, so you will need to check station's website for eligibility requirements. You can find your local station contact information at www.pbs.org/about/about-pbs/stations.

PBS Passport content is currently available on desktop computers and laptops using the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Internet Explorer; PBS Video iOS and Android apps for smartphones and tablets; and on the following over-the-top (OTT) streaming TV devices: Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, and Amazon Fire Stick.

When browsing the PBS library on any of these devices, Passport content will be designated by a this small blue and white compass rose symbol: PBS Passport icon. In addition to being next to every Passport video, the icon will appear next to your name when you are logged in, so that you know you are able to access Passport content.

Free PBS Content

Not a PBS donor? Don't worry, free PBS content is not going away. You'll still find all the great content that's always been available on the PBS Roku channel, including PBS Newshour, A Chef's Life, This Old House, and great local programming. And don't forget the PBS Kids Roku channel, which features thousands of children's videos from programs like Curious George, Sesame Street, Arthur, Thomas & Friends, and Martha Speaks

Help with PBS Passport

To confirm that your Passport account is active, go to www.pbs.org, change your local station if necessary, and sign in as you did during activation. You should see Passport symbol by your name in the upper left portion of the screen. If your membership is not activated or you have any questions about your Passport account, you should contact your local station.

More information on this member benefit is available in the PBS Help article "What is PBS Passport?."