Broadcast Your Work

Step 1: Attend an Orientation 

Become an Open Signal member by attending an orientation! We offer orientations monthly, both in-person and virtually. Find dates and register to attend here.  

During the orientation, you’ll become familiar with Open Signal's resources, learn how we can best support your media journey, and set up your Producer Dashboard. You'll use this Dashboard to submit content for broadcast.

As a member, you’re invited to our free video production classes so that you can become a certified Open Signal producer. A certified producer is anyone who has completed one of our media education classes, which certify you to check out equipment or reserve time in our studios to produce your episodes.

Step 2: Submit 2 Pilot Episodes

If this is your first time applying for an Open Signal TV series, have two pilot episodes ready to submit. These episodes should represent your series, both in length and theme (your series can be between 5 minutes and one hour long). You can use the pilot episodes to launch your series, which helps with managing your submission deadlines.

Log into your Producer Dashboard and create an individual project if you haven't done so yet. Submit your pilot episodes under that project, and fill out a show form for each pilot episode.

Step 3: Apply for a Series

Now that you've submitted your pilot episodes under your individual project, create a series project in your Producer Dashboard and submit a series request for that project. Find detailed instructions on submitting a request here. If you are studio-certified, you’ll be able to request studio time in advance to help produce your series.

Step 4: See Your Series On Air

Open Signal staff will process your series request which may take up to 6 weeks. You'll receive an airing schedule so that you can start promoting your show and build an audience!

Once you have a series, you'll need to renew it twice a year to keep it on the air. The renewal application windows are:

• November 1st - 15th (for airing schedules in January through June)
• May 1st -15th (for airing schedules in July through December)

If you are a studio-certified Open Signal producer and would like to produce your series in Open Signal’s studios, you will choose your studio schedule 3 months at a time.

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.