What is FirstClass/PBS Express? How do I use it?
What is the difference between APT and PBS?
APT is not a network (like NBC or FOX), but an association of public television stations organized to buy and distribute programs selected by a vote of the members. APT is the second largest distributor of public television programming, second only to PBS. As a producer or station publicist for an APT-distributed program, you must ensure that all program-related materials, including producer Web sites, do not credit PBS or the Public Broadcasting Service. The term “public television” or “American Public Television stations” should be used in their place. Branding is an important component for every organization and we ask that you adhere to these guidelines.
Are stations/producers required to mail hard copies of the program press kit or is it sufficient to produce an electronic press kit only?
APT understands that many public television stations are coping with budget shortfalls and may not have funds available for hard copy mailings. Therefore, you are not required to mail program press kits. However, you must post materials electronically to FirstClass (see below) and on your station/producer pressroom. APT will make your materials available in the catalog section of our Web site, aptonline.org.
What elements are required for a press kit?
At minimum, you must produce a press release (containing APT’s boilerplate) and make production photos available for a single program. For a series, we ask that you provide a press release, episode listings/descriptions and production photos. Additionally, you may want to include a fact sheet, interview with talent, host/talent/production biographies, outreach information and other relevant promotional materials.
What information should a typical fact sheet include?
A fact sheet should provide important information about the program, including the program title, release date and rights terms (provided by APT), a brief (3-5 sentence) description, ordering information for the product offer and related program merchandise, program-related Web site URL, viewer inquiry contact and any station and/or media contacts.
What are the specifications for electronic photography?
Electronic photography should be JPGs with 300dpi image resolution, and in RGB format. We ask that you avoid “screen grabs” or “video freezes” from the program. Often, these are low-resolution images (72dpi) and do not reproduce well in member guides, newspapers or magazines. Please do not artificially “stretch” your images to meet these guidelines as they will not retain their quality. All photography should be cleared for promotional use (print and Web) well in advance of the program’s release date. Also, please make sure to include captions, credit and copyright information for all images. Please do not post images to FirstClass. Generally, these files are large and disrupt the system. Instead, your email/posting should contain a link to your station’s pressroom and/or to aptonline.org.
When should press materials be mailed and/or electronically posted?
APT recommends that you electronically post and/or mail your press kit two months prior to the program’s release date — when possible — to ensure that guide editors have maximum lead time to effectively publicize your program to viewers and local media.
What is FirstClass/PBS Express? How do I use it?
FirstClass/PBS Express is an internal messaging system allowing communications among public television stations and related organizations (including distributors like APT). APT will post press materials on your behalf in the event that your station does not have access (or has limited access) to FirstClass. Please post any emails to the following “conferences” or system “folders:” NonPBSPI+, NonPBSPgmOffers-Revs+ and APTVS+ (APT’s folder). You may want to consider posting episode listings to ProgramGuide+. Please delete unnecessary graphics from file.
