WHRO Passport FAQs
WHRO Passport is the new member benefit that provides you with extended access to an on-demand library of quality public television programming. Featuring both PBS and select local programming, WHRO Passport allows you to watch even more episodes of your favorite shows, including full seasons of many current and past series.
What is WHRO Passport?
WHRO Passport is a new member benefit which provides WHRO donors extended on-demand access to a rich library of quality public television programming online and via your mobile device. This is one of the many benefits that WHRO provides its donors along with the program guide, and thank you gifts like tickets, umbrellas or tote bags, based on the level of your gift.
Why is WHRO making this service available?
As more and more people are watching television content on demand on computers and digital devices, WHRO Passport gives WHRO donors another way to enjoy extended access to PBS and WHRO content on platforms including computers, smartphones and tablets.
How can I activate my WHRO Passport account?
If you are an active WHRO member giving at least $60 (or $5 monthly), and we have a valid email address on file, you can look up your account and your activation code will be emailed to the email address on file. You can create an account with PBS.org, or sign in with your existing Facebook or Google account.
If we don't have a valid email address on file, you can call us at 757-889-9310 or email us at passport@whro.org.
I just made a donation today, why can't I activate WHRO Passport?
If you donated online or over the phone at the $60 level (or $5 monthly), you will receive two emails. One will confirm your gift. You will also receive an email with the subject line "Your WHRO Passport is Ready to be activated!" at the email address you entered when making your donation.
I'm seeing a message that says I already activated, but I can't remember how to sign in.
You can visit WHRO's Passport sign in page to sign in with your Facebook, Google, or PBS.org account.
I am a member of another PBS station. Am I entitled to WHRO Passport?
WHRO Passport is only available to donating members of WHRO. However, many PBS stations across the country are introducing this new benefit to their members. Please contact your local station to find out if they are offering this service and to activate.
What kind of device do I need to view WHRO Passport videos?
Currently, WHRO Passport content is available via:
- Desktop computers and laptops using the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Microsoft Edge on WHRO.org and PBS.org Web sites
- PBS Video iOS and Android apps for smartphones and tablets
- Apple TV
- Chromecast
- Amazon Fire TV
- Amazon Fire Stick
How do I activate Passport on my Apple TV?
Once you have activated your PBS Passport account, follow the steps below to link your Passport account to your Apple TV.
- When you have the PBS app open on your Apple TV, click Settings located at the top of the screen.
- Click Deactivate located at the bottom of the screen.
- Exit the app and return to your main Apple TV screen. This gives the PBS app time to reset and deactivate itself.
- Click the PBS app icon to enter the PBS app again.
- A screen indicating the app needs to be activated appears along with activation instructions and a seven-character activation code.
- Go to your computer and open a browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Safari and in the address bar at the top, type http://pbs.org/activate.
- Enter the seven-character activation code in the textbox provided. This is NOT your Passport activation code.
- Click Continue.
- You are taken to a page asking you to sign in with a Google, Facebook, or PBS account. Use the same account you used when you activated Passport.
- You come to a screen indicating that your Apple TV has been activated. Return to the Apple TV where it will automatically update and you can begin watching Passport videos.
How do I activate Passport on my Amazon Fire TV?
Once you have activated your PBS Passport account, follow the steps below to link your Passport account to your Amazon Fire TV.
- Open the PBS channel on your Amazon Fire TV.
- In the left navigation, open the Settings menu.
- At the bottom of In the settings menu, select the Deactivate Device option. The screen will not change.
- Leave the PBS channel and go back to the main screen of your Amazon Fire TV. This will give the PBS app time to reset and deactivate itself.
- Open the PBS channel again. You will see a new screen saying the channel needs to be activated.
- Activation instructions appear on the screen along with a 7-character activation code.
- Go to your computer and open a browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.
- In the address bar, type http://pbs.org/activate.
- Enter the seven-character activation code in the textbox provided. This is NOT your Passport activation code.
- Click Continue.
- You are brought to a new page asking you to sign in with a Google, Facebook, or PBS account. Choose the same account you used to activate Passport. If you sign in with a different email address, the activation will fail.
- Your Amazon Fire TV has been activated. Return to Amazon Fire TV to begin watching Passport videos.
Can I view WHRO Passport videos outside of the United States?
Due to rights restrictions, our streaming videos can only be viewed within the United States.
What kind of content can people find on WHRO Passport?
WHRO Passport includes several hundred hours of programming, representing many genres, including drama, science, history, natural history and the arts. Notable titles include MASTERPIECE series such as "Downton Abbey" and "Wolf Hall," along with other favorites such as NATURE, GREAT PERFORMANCES, VICIOUS, EARTH A NEW WILD, HOW WE GOT TO NOW, THE GREAT BRITISH BAKING SHOW and many more. WHRO Passport will also include popular WHRO programs such as THE SCENE, VETERANS COMING HOME.
The WHRO Passport library will continue to grow as more series and episodes are added.
Who is eligible for WHRO Passport?
WHRO Passport is the newest member benefit available from WHRO for donors with a yearly contribution of at least $60 or an ongoing monthly contribution of $5 or more. It cannot be purchased separately.
Will there still be free streaming on WHRO.org and PBS.org?
All broadcast content remains available to all viewers on air per our broadcast schedule and will remain online and on mobile for at least two weeks and, in some cases, longer. We believe the new arrangement allows for ample viewing of excellent content, albeit for a more limited time for some programs. PBS and WHRO content will continue to be available for free on the WHRO.org website, and other digital platforms. WHRO Passport provides extended access to a rich library of content for WHRO members to enjoy.
Certain content, including kids, news and public affairs programs will be accessible to everyone.
How does WHRO Passport align with the mission of public television?
WHRO content is shared widely with the public on-air, online and on mobile devices after a program airs - that has not changed. WHRO Passport goes one step further by offering extended access to additional content for station donors.
Certain content, including kids, news and public affairs programs such as CYBERCHASE, BOB THE BUILDER, THOMAS & FRIENDS as well as FRONTLINE, PBS NEWSHOUR, INDEPENDENT LENS and POV, will be accessible to everyone.
I'm not seeing my favorite PBS show in WHRO Passport. Why not?
Initially, several hundred hours of content will be available via WHRO Passport. This library of content will continue to grow over time as more titles are added.
I cannot afford to donate at this time. Is there a way for me to view this content?
All broadcast content remains available to all viewers on air per our broadcast schedule and will remain online and on mobile for at least two weeks and, in some cases, longer.
How can viewers find content that's available on WHRO Passport?
Members who wish to take advantage of WHRO Passport, must activate their account for access. They will be asked to register to confirm their identity and membership status in order to start enjoying WHRO Passport. These videos are only available to users who are registered for WHRO Passport.
To find WHRO Passport video, simply look for the distinctive compass icon: 
.
Is WHRO Passport a service or subscription that people can purchase?
It is an added benefit of station membership. It cannot be purchased separately and is not a subscription service.
Didn't find your answer here? Email us at passport@whro.org or call 757-889-9310.