Bio

Free Speech TV (FSTV) broadcasts independent social, political, cultural, and environmental documentaries, as well as some experimental and dramatic work. FSTV, which became a full-time network in May 2000, aims to develop a working group of people interested in progressive social change. The network currently produces a very limited amount of original programming; rather, most of the shows are acquired from independent producers and distributors. Shows include: Just Solutions: Campaigning for Human Rights, a show about rights abuses worldwide; Earth Actions, common solutions to environmental concerns; American Voices, a look at America's past and how it will shape the future; and TV Guerillas, an exploration of producers/activists using video for progressive social change. FSTV airs full-time via direct broadcast satellite on EchoStar's DISH Network, and part-time on over 70 public access stations in 22 states, including ones in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Honolulu. The network occasionally broadcasts special series on these local stations. Air times for the shows vary from week to week, and each prime time program block is repeated several times per week. According to the network's Web site, FSTV reaches over nine million United States homes. It is a non-profit, self-owned and operated network. PR professionals looking to pitch a new show should send a VHS preview tape with background to the attention of the programming department. The network is interested in the following additional types of PR materials: social, political, and environmental awards information, book reviews, events listings, and trend stories.