PSTV (Philadelphia Schools TV) is the Education Channel for the School District of Philadelphia. We are the “E” side of PEG channels (Public, Education and Government). Local educational access channels are typically awarded to local school districts or to higher education institutions through an agreement with the local cable operator (in Philadelphia it is Comcast and Verizon Fios). The education channels are truly unique, providing video programming for and about the educational community. Educational Access television operations are not unlike their commercial counterparts. In fact, from acquisition to on-air, the process is much the same. PSTV gives students the unique opportunity to learn the different aspects of running a real television station, including camera work, video editing, and even on-air reporting. PSTV can be found on Comcast Cable Channel 52 and Verizon Fios Channel 20, and online at www.philasd.org/live

Any student in Philadelphia enrolled in a school wish a school issued ID can use PSTV studios. This could be a student that is currently attending either public, private, parochial, charter school, college or university. We welcome all students.  If a student is 19 years of age or older we recommend them to other partner programs outside of the district.

PSTV is NOT funded by the School District. PSTV funding come from franchise fees that are mandated by Federal law to be used for Public, Education and Government programing. There is a franchise agreement in place with the City of Philadelphia and its cable providers Comcast an Verizon Fios, in turn the City has a contract with the School District to pass along the fees established to go towards educational programming. Franchise fees are paid by cable subscribers.

If you are interested in using the PSTV studios. Send an email to info (at) philasd.org explaining what you are interested in learning or using the studio for. The studio is open Monday – Friday 9-5PM. You can use the studio to bring students through on a tour. You can work with the team to teach students how to use the equipment. We can work with you to develop a media program for your students. PSTV provides many media learning opportunities for students to learn and work in a safe and professional environment.

If you are a student content creator you can send us your videos.
All programs to be broadcast on the Education channel must be submitted online and must follow the guidelines set forth under “Content Policies” including technical standards in our “Student User Guide”
Video submission can be sent via a link to a Google Drive, Dropbox or any other cloud storage, you must also include a playback request form and a Statement of Compliance. Without both forms the program will NOT air. Send link and forms to pstv (at) philasd.orgAll programs must be accompanied a completed Statement of Compliance form. The Statement of Compliance form includes: name, address, phone number, email, school affiliate, show producer, and sign off that show has been reviewed and approved bysubmitter. All submitted programs for the Education channel must be reviewed and approved by the submitter.
Requests for playback should be submitted at least two weeks prior to the playback time requested. The scheduling of the Education channel is done through PSTV. All requests are given equal access to program time on the channel. See “PSTV User Guide”. Playback slots will be assigned by PSTV, and PSTV will make every effort to schedule regularly produced access shows in the same timeslot each month. However, PSTV, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to change the playback schedule at any time. PSTV also is a first come first serve basis, reserves priority time slot for PSTV Producer.
PSTV reserves the right of what will be aired on PSTV. All content must fit within the PSTV guidelines. Producers must secure all releases of copyrights, talents, etc. and any other necessary permissions or legal clearances to use materials included in the program prior to its airing.
The producer/submitter assumes full responsibilities for program content, and releases PSTV, The School District of Philadelphia and staff from any liability of legal fees and expenses or legal challenge that may be incurred as a result of the broadcasting of the program.
Ownership:
The copyright for program content produced using PSTV equipment/facility is retained by the producer. PSTV retains a copy of all programs produced and retains the right of unlimited broadcasts and duplication.

If you are a cable television subscriber you can find PSTV on Comcast Channel 52 and Verizon Fios Channel 20.
You can also watch us with out having cable. 24/7 stream of the channel can be found at www.philasd.org/live

We welcome tours of our PSTV studio. All you need to do is email us at pstv (at )philasd.org, or call us at 215-400-4050.
Be prepared to submit the following:
3 different dates you could visit
how many students will be coming
what time would work for your visit
Reason for visit (i.e. interested in making videos, want to learn more about a tv studio, etc.)
We do love to provide the experience of doing a quick PSA (public service announcement) with the students, that would air on the channel. It is a fun experience for them!

PSTV does not provide equipment for check out.

Unpaid internship opportunities are available with PSTV. Our internships provide the hands-on experience of working in a production studio, a powerful way to expand your horizons on industry opportunities.

PSTV provides many training opportunities. Our first focus is studio production, where students learn how to work in a professional studio environment. Students will learn how to use cameras, a switcher, audio board, teleprompter, create graphics and much more. We will also be hosting classes in:

• Shooting Sports and learning to be a Commentator
• How to use your Smart Device to do reporting
• How to record with a Drone
• 360 Shooting with GoPro’s
• DSLR Training
• Motion Graphics/Design/Animation
• Entrepreneurial Initiatives 101
• Virtual Round tables – Speak with industry speakers around the globe
• Speaker Series
• AudioProduction

If you have a class you would like to see let us know.

There does not need to be a school connected to PSTV.  As long as you are a student enrolled in a school within Philadelphia you have access to using the PSTV studios.  We offer many individualized classes as well as after school programs for you to get involved with.

At PSTV we use Adobe Creative Cloud and Final Cut.

Yes, you can air videos you have shot on your phone as long as they fall within the playback guidelines.  However, PSTV at its sole discretion, reserves the right of what will be aired on PSTV.  All content must fit within the PSTV guidelines which can be found here.

Defining Bullying, Harassment, Discrimination and Racism:

Bullying: An intentional electronic, written, verbal, nonverbal, psychological or physical act or series of acts directed at another student or students, which occurs in and/or outside a school setting, that is severe, persistent, or pervasive.

Discrimination: To treat individuals differently or to harass or victimize based on a protected classification including race, color, age, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, national origin, marital status, pregnancy, or handicap/disability.

Harassment: includes unwelcome conduct such as graphic, written, electronic, verbal, or nonverbal acts including offensive jokes, slurs, epithets and name-calling, ridicule or mockery, insults or put-downs, offensive objects or pictures, physical assaults or threats, intimidation, sexual misconduct, or other conduct that may be harmful or humiliating or interfere with a person’s school or school-related performance.

Racism: the conscious or unconscious, intentional or unintentional enactment of racial power, grounded in racial prejudice and discrimination, by an individual or group against another individual or group from a perceived lower racial status.

How to Report Bullying Harassment or Discrimination:

Any person, whether the alleged victim or not, may submit a report alleging harassment or discrimination in several ways, including:
Completing the online Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination Reporting Form;
Calling the Bullying/Harassment hotline at 215-400-SAFE;
Submitting a complaint via Safe2Say;
Emailing the Title IX Coordinator directly at antiharassment@philasd.org; or
Reporting the incident to the building principal or designee, or to any other member of the school staff, including teachers, guidance counselors, bilingual counseling assistants (BCAs), coaches, and administrators.

A report may be made at any time, including during non-business hours.  All reports alleging harassment or discrimination will be investigated.