Share Your Work on TV

Step 1: Membership + Producer Orientation 

Become an Open Signal member through a suggested annual contribution and join our community of media makers, and attend a free Producer Orientation.

During orientation, you'll:

• Learn about Open Signal's resources and opportunities
• Meet staff and learn how we can support your goals
• Set up your Producer account
• Learn how to submit content for broadcast

As a Producer, you'll also be eligible to take certification classes that provide access to equipment and studio resources to help you produce your episodes.

Step 2: Submit 2 Pilot Episodes

Before applying for a series, you'll need two pilot episodes that represent what your show will be about.

These episodes should reflect the style, format, and length of the series you hope to create.

You'll need to log in to our Producer Dashboard with your account and create an individual project, which you will use to upload your pilots.

Step 3: Apply for a Series

Once your pilot episodes have been submitted, you can apply for an ongoing series.

In the Producer Dashboard, you'll create a series project and submit a series request. Our staff will review your application and work with you through the process. Find detailed instructions on submitting a request here.

If you're certified to use Open Signal's studios through our Intro to Studio Production class, you'll also be able to request studio time to help produce future episodes.

Step 4: Launch Your Series

Once your application is approved, our team will schedule it and share your airing schedule so you can begin promoting your show and building an audience.

Please allow up to six weeks for processing and scheduling.

Studio Scheduling for Series Producers

Certified producers can reserve Open Signal studio space to create episodes for their series.

Series producers request studio time in three-month scheduling blocks:

Keeping Your Series Active

Series are renewed twice each year to help us keep schedules current and make room for new programming.

Renewal periods:

• November 1 – 15 for series airing January–June
• May 1 – 15 for series airing July–December

If you miss a renewal deadline, you can still reapply. There may simply be a gap before your series returns to the schedule.

Q: Do you have guidelines for what you will air on your channels?

A: There are technical specifications for broadcast that you will need to follow to ensure we can air your content, find them here: Broadcast Specifications.

However, as a venue for free speech, we don’t censor the content of your submissions. If your video features adult or potentially objectionable content, we’ll schedule it during Safe Harbor hours (10pm to 6am). We follow FCC guidelines that define potentially objectionable content as any content that includes gratuitous or vulgar: language, nudity, violence or degradation.

Q: Can I submit my videos remotely?

A: Yes, read this guide for instructions on how to do so: Submitting Videos Remotely.

Q: Will I still own the copyright to my content once it airs on Open Signal’s channels?

A: Yes, you retain your show's copyright! If you have more copyright questions, please check our Open Signal Community Policy Handbook.

Q: Will you air commercials? Can my show have sponsors?

A: Content cannot include advertising or commercial calls-to-action. Your show can have sponsors — if you’d like to recognize them, you can add a value-neutral thank you at the beginning or end of your show, but you may not include breaks within your program to thank them. 

All your questions can be answered by our Commercial Content and Sponsorship Guide. If you are with a nonprofit and would like to request donations on their behalf, read this guide: Nonprofits and Commercial Content.

Q: I’m a current series producer but I missed the renewal deadline. Can I still continue my series?

A: Yes, the application is always open for new or renewed series. If you miss the deadline there may be a gap before your series starts airing again, and other shows might fill up your preferred airtimes.

Q: How long will it take for my show to start after I submit a series application?

A: Up to 6 weeks after your application is accepted. 

Q: I’m a certified studio producer and I missed the window to request studio reservations. Can I still book time in the studio to produce my show?

A: Yes, if a studio is available at the time you want. Any studio-certified producer, whether or not they have a series, can reserve time in the studio.

You can find more information about our policies in our Community Policy Handbook.