Note from
   Dorothy
Resource Guide
Broadcasts
Promotional
   Materials
Organizational
   Resources
Discussion
   Guide
Bibliography

  CONTACTING PUBLIC TELEVISION (PBS) STATIONS
to support or schedule the broadcast of one or more films in the trilogy
FROM the BACK-ALLEYS to the SUPREME COURT & BEYOND

TO DO at any time throughout the year 

  • Find out if your local station(s) is planning to broadcast one or more of the films; if so, when? 
  • If your PBS station says "no," contact Concentric Media at staff@concentric.org to find out how to submit tapes to your local CABLE ACCESS Station. 
In November, 1997, the Central Educational Network (CEN) fed the Trilogy by satellite to every PBS station.  Each station decided whether or not to "take the feed." If your local PBS station did take the CEN feed, it may choose to broadcast one or more documentaries any time through the year 2000 - in January, for the anniversary of Roe v. Wade,in March for Women's History Month, later in the year, or not at all.  Each station is completely autonomous in this decision.  In many cases, the outcome of a station's decision will be the result of calls and letters from viewers.  NOTE: If your station did not take the satellite feed from CEN, and after speaking with you will consider broadcasting the films, that station can still receive preview tapes from CEN by contacting (847) 390-8700 or faxing them at (847) 390-9435. 

CONNECTING WITH YOUR PUBLIC TELEVISION (PBS) STATION

  • Calls to the Programming Director 

    • Call your PBS station and ask if the station plans to air any of the documentaries in the trilogy FROM the BACK ALLEYS to the SUPREME COURT & BEYOND.  Say that you have heard about them and feel that they are important, well-made programs.  Do this as soon as possible. 
     
  • Write letters of interest 

    • Letters written on company or organizational letterhead to the Station Manager, the President of the Board and/or the CEO of the station, will make a strong impression.  Communicate the broad level of support there is for these broadcasts.  Ask for a reply. 
     
  • Talk with the local station about broadcasts 

    • If your local station plans to air one or more of the films, ask if an air date and time has been scheduled so that you can commence with publicity and other planning. If they do plan to air the programs, but a date is not set, emphasize that you hope they will consider airing the programs in commemoration of the 25th Anniversary celebration of Roe v. Wade, in January, 1998. If not then, possibly in March for Women's History Month. It is important to let the Programming Director know there is community interest in airing these films. Ask when you can call back to check in. 
     
  • If your station is not planning to air any of the videos 

    • If the answer is clearly "no", you may want to ask why. The producers at Concentric Media would be grateful to receive this information so we can better understand the rationale of a station's refusal.  No direct pressure should be brought to bear on stations which choose not to air these documentaries. Instead, the caller should offer her/his organization's support if that station should change its mind.  Once it is clear that the PBS station will not air the videos, turn your attention toward a broadcast on the CABLE ACCESS station (see How to Contact Cable Access Stations), through which the videos are guaranteed airplay. 
REMINDER:
    If your PBS station did not take the satellite feed, but is still willing to preview the documentaries from the Trilogy, remind them to order copies from CEN by calling (847) 390-8700 or faxing (847) 390-9435.  If the PBS station confirms that they know they will not broadcast the programs, contact Concentric Media at staff@concentric.org and begin to work with your local CABLE ACCESS station. (See How to Contact Cable Access Stations for full instructions.) 


 
   

 
Home | Videos | Outreach Project | Spanish Outreach | Past Events | Links | Site Map | Order | Contact Us
Copyright © 1999, Concentric Media.