If you are interested in distribution of your content exclusively on GBH broadcast and/or non-exclusive VOD and streaming on GBH digital platforms, please review the WGBH Editorial Guidelines on Journalistic Standards and Practices then complete our Content Submission Form below, including signing the WGBH Content Submission Release Form.
If you are looking for the form to submit your project to Local Lens, there is a separate form; that form can be found here.
Our team will review submissions on a rolling basis. We will notify you within six to eight weeks of content submission if we would like to proceed with acquisition. At that point, terms and conditions of the offer will be negotiated via a contracting process. Please note, you are responsible for any edits that may need to be made to adhere with our editorial guidelines.
Read more about the submission guidelines for each production below, before completing the form.
Series-specific guidelines
America's premier investigative documentary series
For over 30 years, FRONTLINE has served as American public television’s flagship public affairs series. FRONTLINE is committed to providing a venue for engaging documentaries that fully explore and illuminate the critical issues of our times. We seek credible, thoughtful reporting combined with powerful narrative, and a good story well told.
GUIDELINES
FRONTLINE accepts well-researched film proposals, completed films and works-in-progress—including films in production, films at rough cut and films with substantial funding in-hand.
Before making your submission, please keep the following in mind:
- FRONTLINE prefers one-hour, single-subject programs (but occasionally accepts short segments or feature length films)
- The film should have a strong narrative, rigorous journalism and be distinct from other media coverage.
- Proposals generally should not be on a topic we have recently investigated (visit our website to see the range of topics we have covered in the past).
- The story should have significant newsworthiness and national importance.
- We do not broadcast advocacy programming or accept projects funded by advocacy organizations.
Please try to include the following information in your submission:
- What special access you have to cover the program topic?
- Who will be making the film?
- Is the proposal time-sensitive?
- Do you have funding?
America's most trusted and popular science series
NOVA is the most-watched prime time science series on U.S. television as well as a multiplatform enterprise, producing and distributing a wide range of science content, including long- and short-form documentaries, articles, podcasts, social media content, educational materials, and interactive games. Now in its fifth decade of production, NOVA remains committed to telling in-depth science stories that resonate with viewers of all ages and backgrounds across its platforms. We produce and publish both science journalism and science communication, aimed at a wide, general audience.
And we’re excited to hear from you, including filmmakers who love to tell stories driven by curiosity and the process of discovery—but who don't necessarily think of themselves as "science" story-tellers: Please share your project and begin a dialog!
GUIDELINES
Before submitting your project, please keep the following in mind:
NOVA accepts submissions for projects at any stage of production, whether in development, shooting, editing, or completed. Our annual slate of long-form docs includes a mix of films we commission and fully fund, international co-productions, and acquisitions. We will consider feature-length, two-hour, and multipart series, but are looking primarily for 52-minute documentaries. Submissions can be in early stages of development, seeking funding, or may already have funding in place. Sizzle reels, short proposals and trailers are all accepted.
Please include as much information as you can in your submission, including the following:
- Who are the key people who will be featured in the program? Do you have a list of potential participants, contributors, and on-screen talent? If so please provide their bios and backgrounds. Let us know if they have agreed to participate in your project.
- Who will be making the film? Who are the key creative members on the production team? Please include descriptions of prior projects, and/or links to reels or previous films.
- Any budget or funding information you may have at this time. If funding is still pending, please indicate that in the form and include a proposed budget and the financial contribution you are seeking from NOVA.
Please note, there could be a wait due to the high volume of proposals we receive, but we will respond to you once we’ve carefully reviewed the submission.
Thank you for your interest in NOVA. We’re looking forward to hearing from you soon!
Developing new diverse content
The Lifestyles and specials department of GBH researches and develops new series for the Public Television and Cable sectors. Recent production include: Sacred Journeys, Moveable Feast, Caring for Mom and Dad, I'll Have What Phil's Having, and Lidia Celebrates America.
GUIDELINES
Studio Six accepts well-researched film proposals, completed films and works-in-progress — including films in production and films at the rough cut stage.
Before making your submission, please keep the following in mind:
- Studio Six prefers multi-hour series proposals, though we will consider strong single-hour proposals
- The series should have a strong narrative, rigorous background research and be distinct from other media on the topic.
- The story should have a significant and national importance and interest.
- We do not broadcast advocacy programming.
Please try to include the following information in your submission:
- What special access do you have to cover the program topic?
- Who will be making the film?
- Is the proposal time-sensitive?
- Do you have funding?