How to Contact PBS Customer Service: Phone, Email, Chat & App Help
PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) is a beloved television network offering educational programs, children’s shows, documentaries, and more. Whether you’re experiencing technical issues, have questions about programming, or need help managing your PBS account, this guide will help you quickly and easily contact PBS customer service.
Customer Service Contact Methods
PBS provides multiple ways to reach their customer support team. Below, you'll find detailed information on each method, including phone numbers, emails, chat options, and in-app support.
📞 Phone Numbers
For direct assistance, calling PBS customer service is one of the fastest ways to resolve your issue. Here are the key phone numbers:
| Department | Phone Number | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| General Customer Support | 1-703-739-5000 | Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM (ET) |
| PBS Kids Support | 1-800-356-0219 | Monday–Friday, 9 AM–10 PM (ET) |
| Technical Support | 1-833-565-0293 | 24/7 |
Note: Wait times may vary during peak hours, such as evenings and weekends.
📧 Emails
PBS also offers email support for specific concerns. Here’s where to direct your inquiries:
| Purpose | Email Address |
|---|---|
| General Inquiries | help@pbs.org |
| PBS Kids App Support | pbskidsappsupport@pbs.org |
| Donations and Membership | membership@pbs.org |
Tip: Include as much detail as possible in your email to speed up the resolution process (e.g., account details, screenshots of the issue).
💬 Website Chatbot
PBS’s website features a chatbot that can assist with common issues and provide quick answers. The chatbot is available 24/7 and can help with:
- Troubleshooting streaming issues.
- Locating specific programs or episodes.
- Answering questions about PBS Passport.
If the chatbot can’t resolve your issue, you can request to escalate the conversation to a human agent during business hours.
To access the chatbot:
- Visit pbs.org.
- Click the “Help” or “Chat” icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
- Follow the prompts to describe your issue.
📱 In-App Support
For users of the PBS app or PBS Kids app, customer service is accessible directly within the app. Here’s how to find it:
- Open the PBS or PBS Kids app on your device.
- Navigate to the Settings or Help & Support section.
- Choose the Contact Us option to submit a support request.
Make sure your app is up to date to access the latest support features.
Response Time Expectations
Here’s how long you can typically expect to wait for a response based on the contact method:
| Contact Method | Estimated Response Time |
|---|---|
| Phone | Immediate or within 5–10 minutes |
| 24–48 hours | |
| Website Chatbot | Instant for basic queries |
| In-App Support | 24–48 hours |
Tips for Getting Help Faster
To minimize wait times and get your issue resolved quickly, try these tips:
- Call during off-peak hours: Early mornings and late afternoons are usually less busy.
- Prepare necessary information: Have your account details, donation receipts, or technical error messages ready.
- Use the chatbot for simple questions: For quick answers, the chatbot can often save you time.
- Double-check your email submission: Ensure all relevant details are included in your initial message to avoid back-and-forth communication.
Common Issues Customers Ask About
Here are some of the most frequent topics PBS customer service can assist with:
- PBS Passport activation and troubleshooting.
- Streaming or playback errors.
- Questions about local station programming.
- Issues with donations or membership accounts.
- Help with the PBS or PBS Kids app.
Helpful Links
For additional support, visit these official PBS resources:
PBS is committed to providing excellent customer service to ensure you have the best possible experience. By using the methods outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to quickly find the help you need.
