FAQs
Thank you for your interest in FRONTLINE. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions from viewers. If you don’t find the answer to your question below, you can email us at frontline@pbs.org.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
How is FRONTLINE funded?
Funding for FRONTLINE is provided through the support of PBS viewers and by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Major funding for FRONTLINE is provided by John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. Additional funding is provided by Park Foundation, The John and Helen Glessner Family Trust, Ford Foundation, Wyncote Foundation, and the FRONTLINE Journalism Fund with major support from Jon and Jo Ann Hagler on behalf of the Jon L. Hagler Foundation.
How can I donate to FRONTLINE?
We encourage tax-deductible contributions to your local PBS station. Stations pay a fee to PBS to broadcast FRONTLINE, so the more your station hears that viewers value watching FRONTLINE, the more incentive it will have to continue carrying the series.
In addition, the FRONTLINE Journalism Fund was established by a group of philanthropists committed to magnifying the reach and impact of enterprise reporting. Those interested in supporting the Fund with a major gift should contact: Winifred Lenihan, Vice President of Development, (617) 300-3894 or win_lenihan@wgbh.org. Additional information is available here.
How do I comment about a specific program?
All FRONTLINE reports have a comments section on the website, or you can share your thoughts by writing to us at: frontline@pbs.org. We read all e-mails.
You can also contact Michael Getler, who serves as an independent internal critic for PBS. He reviews commentary and criticism from viewers of PBS programs and seeks to ensure PBS upholds its own standards of editorial integrity. A form for submitting comments or questions is available here.
SCHEDULE/WATCHING FRONTLINE
Where can I find your upcoming schedule?
You can check our upcoming schedule here. For specific times, enter your local PBS station.
How do I stay up to date on what’s coming next on FRONTLINE?
You can sign up for our newsletter! We’ll send you alerts for new documentaries, big projects, interactives, and original reporting every week. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Tumblr.
How can I watch a FRONTLINE film after it airs on TV?
If the film aired within the last few years, you can stream it for free on our website. You can also check the schedule for your local PBS station to see if the film will be re-broadcast in the next few days.
You can also watch FRONTLINE on your phone, tablet or connected TV device through PBS Anywhere.
How can I get a DVD of a program?
Many FRONTLINE programs are available for purchase through ShopPBS. DVDs for educators are available through PBS Educational Media.
Our programs are generally are available for purchase for a period of three to 10 years after initial broadcast. After that, rights to distribute and/or broadcast the program expire. Many large libraries have copies of our programs in their collection, so you should check with your local library. If they don’t have the program, they may be able to obtain one for you via inter-library loan.
I’m looking for a certain film but I’m not able to find it online. Why?
If a film you’re looking for is no longer available online, it’s likely that our rights to the film have expired. Generally, the video rights to our documentaries are cleared for three to seven years. After that, rights for images, music and stock footage need to be renewed as a significant cost.
Please note that you can find the transcripts for films produced after 1995 on their respective film pages on the FRONTLINE website.
Where can I get a transcript of a program?
Transcripts for all programs from 1995 to date are free and available exclusively on the program’s companion website.
TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES
Why do I get a message saying this film is not available in my region?
For some of our reports, we partner with other networks around the world. Unfortunately, this often prevents us from streaming the program worldwide, because our partners retain the right to stream it in their areas.
We apologize for the inconvenience, and appreciate your viewership. You can find transcripts for our documentaries that have aired since 1995 on their respective film pages on the FRONTLINE website.
Why can’t I get a video to play online?
We’re sorry you may be having trouble with video playback. The PBS tech team works to resolve any issues that come up as we become aware of them. In the meantime, we do have some suggestions:
– Please ensure that you are using the latest version of Adobe’s Flash Player. You can download it for free from Adobe.
– Although PBS is working hard to make sure our videos work on all major browsers and devices, we do recommend viewing them on either Google’s Chrome browser or Mozilla’s Firefox. We have received fewer reports of problems with those browsers.
If you are receiving a specific error message, please email us at frontline@pbs.org, so that we can further assist you.
STORY IDEAS
How do I suggest a story for FRONTLINE to investigate?
FRONTLINE is committed to providing a venue for engaging documentaries that fully explore and illuminate the critical issues of our times. We seek credible, thoughtful reporting combined with powerful narrative, and a good story well told.
We welcome suggestions from our viewers, and we review all letters and ideas. We are producing 27 programs this season and each year receive roughly 500 program suggestions and proposals.
We accept well-researched film proposals, completed films and works-in-progress — including films in production, films at rough cut and films with substantial funding in-hand. Proposals can be submitted to: http://submissions.wgbh.org/.
Tips or suggestions can be sent to frontline@pbs.org.
REUSING FRONTLINE CONTENT/FILM SCREENINGS
Can I use an image, content, or feature from your site on my web site?
See our Copyright conditions of use.
How can I license FRONTLINE footage?
Contact WGBH Stock Sales, or stock_sales@wgbh.org
Can I screen your film at my library, school or local event?
You’re welcome to screen our documentaries as long as FRONTLINE receives credit, there is free admission and the film is not duplicated or edited. Please contact us if you have additional questions.
JOBS & INTERNSHIPS
How can I apply for a job or internship with FRONTLINE?
Interested in interning or working at FRONTLINE? The show is produced by independent production teams, and supported by a small staff at WGBH in Boston. To find out about job openings, please visit the WGBH careers page here.
FRONTLINE offers internship opportunities in these fields: editorial, digital, and post-production. You can find more information about these positions from the WGBH website here.