You Create It. You Own It. We Distribute It..

A Creator’s Guide to Working with Austin PBS

Austin PBS strives to present locally-produced television programming that reflects the Central Texas community. The station both broadcasts original content and helps facilitate national release of completed films and TV shows. Proposals may be submitted to Austin PBS at any time throughout the year.

Overview

Programs may be considered for:

  • Presenting Station: We can serve as your Presenting Station for national distribution
  • Local Audience: We can broadcast and stream your film or series locally on Austin PBS
  • Pilot Showcase: We can put your series pilot in the PBS App as you pursue funding

We will work with you to determine the best distribution path for your project.

Criteria:

  • Filmmaker/producer based in Texas OR content based in Texas
  • High Production Value
  • Strong Producing Team
  • Journalistic Integrity
  • Compelling Storytelling
  • Timely and Relevant
  • Alignment with Austin PBS’s core operating principle to focus on programming that discovers, reflects, and brings to life the essence of Austin
  • Alignment with Austin PBS mission, vision, and values
  • National Appeal (unless it’s just for our local audience)

Review Process:

Once you submit, we’ll review and get back to you within 3-4 weeks. A committee at Austin PBS reviews your work against the judging criteria and determines if the partnership would be a good fit.

Creator’s Guide packet

For more in depth information regarding how public media distribution and partnering with Austin PBS works, please review the Creator’s Guide packet.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can Austin PBS fund my project?

    • No, unfortunately we don’t have funds set aside for outside projects. In 2025, we launched two grants and hope to continue these programs. To stay informed on that, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media.
  • I’m in pre-production, can I submit?

    • Yes. We accept and review projects in all stages of development.
  • I submitted and was rejected, when should I resubmit?

    • After you’ve had substantial developments to the project, which can include attaining a new funder, filming footage or a pilot, or hiring some key players (director, host, etc.).
  • What are reasons a program might get rejected?

    • Projects primarily get rejected due to low production value or not adhering to public media standards and practices. Other reasons include: inexperienced team, unrealistic scope, and untimely subject matter.
  • Can I have my program aired during primetime?

    • The time that your program airs is determined by many things, including the national PBS schedule and the subject matter of your content. Ultimately though, it is up to the discretion of programmers where to place a program.
  • How does the national release work? Is my project going to be on PBS?

    • Once your film is distributed in the public media landscape, it will be available for programmers at local PBS affiliate stations across the country to be able to air locally. We don’t have control over when they air it. The film will also be available for streaming on the PBS app. Here at Austin PBS, we will be in constant communication with you about when your program will air on our channel and when it will be released on the app.
  • Should I apply if my program has graphic content, such as: curse words, violence, nudity, sexual or sexually suggestive dialogue, use or reference of drugs/alcohol, cigarettes, etc.

    • Be prepared to blur, cut around it, or cut it out completely - but go ahead and submit.
  • I have an idea for a kids or animated program.

    • Unfortunately, we do not accept kids programming or animated programming at this time.
  • I submitted to national PBS, but haven’t heard back.

    • Local stations, like us, work independently from national PBS. They have their own proposal process. We do not have a status update on your national PBS submission.
  • How does this work? How do I go about fundraising?

  • I’ve never made anything, should I submit an idea?

    • As long as someone in a key role on your team (producer, executive producer, or director) has the relevant experience to demonstrate that the program can be completed, then you should submit! Relevant experience means that person has previously worked on (produced or directed) a project (of any length) that was completed and released. As a reminder, we are unable to provide funding for outside projects.
  • I have no experience or connections. Where should I start?

Contact Us

Still have questions after reviewing the creators guide packet and the FAQ?

Sign up for our next virtual information session taking place the first Thursday of the month at 11:00 AM by emailing greenlights@klru.org and we’ll share a link with you.

In the meantime check out some of our latest Presenting Station releases:

Presented by Austin PBS: City of Songs, How are we today?, The Route to Emancipation, Chasing the Tide, Price of Paradise, Ambient Film