Editorial Standards & Submission Process
The Editorial Standards and Submissions Process FAQ provides answers to questions about how we make decisions and what to do if you want TPT to consider your idea for a story, a collaboration, or distribution of your project.
What editorial standards must my submission meet?
Twin Cities PBS (TPT) pursues its mission of “Enriching lives and strengthening our community through the power of media” by using television, interactive media, and community engagement to advance education, culture and citizenship. We seek to connect, engage, inform, and reflect our audiences through trusted programming that is accessible to all.
To that end, TPT produces, acquires and distributes high-quality national, regional and local programming and educational content designed to inform, enlighten, educate, entertain and engage. TPT is a multi-platform public media service provider delivering content over five broadcast channels, on its websites and mobile platforms, and via linear live and on-demand streaming.
TPT adheres to the PBS Editorial Standards and Policies in the creation, production and distribution of content, in the operation of its stations, in service to our community.
Does TPT broadcast/stream outside productions?
Finished productions for local acquisition are only accepted through the Submissions page.
If you are a producer looking for a Presenting Station, please submit your finished film through our Presenting Station page.
Does TPT take pitches and ideas from outside TPT?
All programming pitches must be submitted through the Submissions page.
If your submission is a timely news, events, or public affairs story, please reach out directly to [email protected] for consideration of inclusion on Almanac.
There are some pitches—such as breaking news, community hearings, or requests to cover a local event—better suited for other sources. For these types of ideas, we encourage you to reach out to your local news organizations, public access channels, newspapers, or public radio.
Does TPT produce content in collaboration with other non-profits?
Collaboration is rare, but we have and do partner with other nonprofits and community organizations to create and distribute content appropriate for TPT.
Collaboration requests are only accepted through the Submissions page.
What is TPT’s commitment to review?
After you have submitted your proposal, you will receive an email acknowledging that we have received it and that it has been sent to the appropriate department for review. We will only contact you further if we have an interest in pursuing your proposal.
What is considered during the review process?
Submissions are judged on many criteria, including (but not confined to) the quality of the proposal or completed work, compliance with TPT standards and practices, the credentials of the production team, content priorities, and the financial request to TPT.
What feedback can I expect?
We regret that we cannot offer detailed feedback on every submission received.
Will my proposal be returned?
We are unable to return proposal submissions, and TPT is not responsible for lost materials. Please retain copies of all submitted items.
Who holds TPT accountable for following its guidelines?
TPT seeks input on and is held accountable to its integrity standards and practices from a variety of advisors, boards, and others. TPT welcomes community feedback via our contact form.
What should I do if my question was not answered?
If you do not see an answer to your question in this FAQ, please contact us through our contact form.
