Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why should I become a member of WVIZ/PBS?
A: Unlike commercial and cable television stations that are profit-driven, WVIZ/PBS is a mission-driven organization. WVIZ/PBS does not exist to serve advertisers, businesses or the commercial marketplace - it exists solely to serve the citizens of the community by providing a diverse array of quality programs, educational and public services for people of all ages and walks of life.

Q: Aren't I already supporting WVIZ/PBS with my tax dollars?
A: American taxpayers contribute an average of $1.09 annually (less than the cost of a Sunday newspaper) toward funding public television nationally. For every federal dollar WVIZ/PBS receives, the station must match it with five dollars in support from the community. WVIZ/PBS is a non-commercial, non-profit public television station. Though the station receives support from federal and state sources, as well as from generous area corporations and foundations, the largest source of revenue must come from voluntary contributions of individuals. In fact, WVIZ/PBS relies on the generous support of the community for nearly 50% of its operating budget.

Q: What is my membership contribution used for?
A: Your contribution is invested in the acquisition, production and broadcast of the wonderful programs that you see everyday on WVIZ/PBS. Your gift also supports the station's many educational and public service projects. And your gift helps offset the cost of station operations and technical requirements.

Q: What will I get in return for my membership contribution?
A: With an annual contribution of $35 or more, you will receive a full year's subscription to the WVIZ/PBS program guide. Special program-related thank-you gifts begin at the $60 membership level. Most importantly, when you join WVIZ/PBS, you'll enjoy the satisfaction of supporting our community's most accessible center for entertainment, education, art, information and culture.

Q: Is my gift to WVIZ/PBS tax-deductible?
A: WVIZ/PBS is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. Your contribution to the station is fully tax-deductible, minus the fair market value of any gifts you receive. For example, if your contribution to WVIZ/PBS is $120 and you choose to receive a videotape that has a retail value of $19.95 as your thank you gift, the deductibility of your gift will be $100.05.

Q: How long will it take for me to receive my thank-you gift?
A: Once your donation has been received at WVIZ/PBS, it generally takes 6 to 8 weeks for the receipt of your thank-you gift.

Q: Does WVIZ/PBS receive any of my monthly cable fee?
A: No. WVIZ/PBS depends on the generosity of its members and receives no money from cable fees.

Q: I don't watch much TV. Why should I become a member?
A: Research tells us that public television members actually watch less television than non-members because they're more selective about what they watch. In fact, most of WVIZ/PBS members choose to support the station because WVIZ/PBS offers a consistent source of quality, intelligent programming for the discerning viewer.

Q: I've never used my credit card on the Internet before. Is it safe?
A: WVIZ/PBS is using a secure browser and the best encryption technology available to ensure your protection and privacy. Your personal and financial information will be encrypted (or scrambled) while it is in transit from your computer to WVIZ/PBS so that no one will be able to decipher your personal information. Then, using a key, the information gets "unscrambled" after it arrives at WVIZ/PBS.

Whenever you see this image on your computer screen, you'll know that you're entering information using a secure browser, and that your information will be protected and safe.

Q: How is WVIZ/PBS involved in my community?
A: WVIZ/PBS is great television, but just as important, it is a vital community resource. WVIZ/PBS provides in-classroom learning services to nearly 500,000 children annually. And WVIZ/PBS is helping viewers earn college degrees from home through the station's popular telecourses. Local colleges have logged some 10,000 enrollments a year as a result of WVIZ/PBS Adult Learner Television programming. WVIZ/PBS Kids offers a rare broadcast oasis where children learn to use their imaginations rather than their fists, are encouraged to use their minds rather than their might, and are enticed to pick up a book rather than the remote control. WVIZ/PBS helps our community's citizens make informed decisions when choosing elected officials by providing broadcast coverage of candidate debates and profiles, as well as election night returns. Through weekly, locally-produced series like Feagler & Friends, Applause and City Club Forum, along with documentary specials like Sites Unseen, Cleveland Memories, Akron Memories and many others, WVIZ/PBS's local programming entices viewers to explore, celebrate and appreciate the joys, the rich history and the cultural diversity our community offers.

Q: How can I get in touch with WVIZ/PBS?
A: If ever you have a question about your membership, delivery of your program guide, the status of your thank-you gift, or anything else that may be on your mind, you can contact the membership office via email at www.wviz.org, call (216) 916-6100, or write to us at WVIZ/PBS ideastream, 1375 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44115-1835.