Frequently Asked Questions

  • Will there still be free streaming on jaxpbs.tv and PBS.org?

    PBS and Jax PBS content will continue to be available for free on the jaxpbs.tv website, and other digital platforms. Jax PBS Passport provides extended access to a rich library of content for Jax PBS members to enjoy. Certain content, including kids, news and public affairs programs such as Cyberchase, Bob the Builder, Thomas & Friends as well as Hometown, Community Thread, Frontline, PBS NewsHour, Independent Lens and POV will be accessible to everyone.

  • Why is WJCT making this service available?

    As more and more people are watching television content on demand on computers and digital devices, Jax PBS Passport gives Jax PBS donors another way to enjoy extended access to PBS and Jax PBS content on platforms including computers, smartphones and tablets.

  • Why is my TV reception poor?

    Jax PBS DTV is one of the most difficult broadcast signals to receive. As VHF Channel 7, it is the lowest high band VHF transmission in the broadcast spectrum. (VHF Channels 2 through 6, which are low band, were removed from TV broadcast due to poor RF characteristics.) Thus, some customers might have difficulty receiving Jax PBSRF Channel: 9 DTV, even though its signal transmits from the tower at 8675 Hogan Road at 174 MHz with an Effective Radiated Power (ERP) of 18kW.

  • Why does my antenna signal break up or disappear around the same time every night?

    Jax PBS (WJCT 7.1) is transmitting at full power using a Solid State transmitter, therefore there is no loss of power due to tube aging. If there was a loss of power due to our transmission path, our equipment would show high VSWR and alarm. Channel 7 is very difficult to receive due to the RF characteristics of the ATSC transmission and any problems your system my be experiencing will be apparent with Channel 7 first. Any loose or corroded connections leading from the antenna will cause signal degradation and eventually you will not receive Jax PBS. Check and clean all connections and inspect cables for any damage. There is the possibility that your receiver is aging and is not as sensitive as it was when new.

    When all else fails, try moving the antenna. Sometimes the atmosphere is to blame. The cooling and heating of the atmosphere at sunup and shortly after sundown can cause what is known as a temperature inversion. This anomaly can greatly affect off air reception of television and radio signals, especially in the outlying or “fringe” reception areas. Unfortunately, this is not something that can be predicted or controlled by the broadcaster or the viewer and is simply a natural phenomenon.

  • Who is eligible for Jax PBS Passport?

    Jax PBS Passport is the newest member benefit available from Jax PBS for donors with a yearly contribution of at least $60 or an ongoing monthly contribution of $5 or more. It cannot be purchased separately.

  • What kind of device do I need to view Jax PBS Passport videos?

    Jax PBS Passport can be accessed on wjct.tv, the WJCT App for iPhone and iPad, as well as on the PBS channel on Apple TV.

  • What kind of content can people find on Jax PBS Passport?

    WJCT Passport includes several hundred hours of programming, representing many genres, including drama, science, history, natural history and the arts. Notable titles include Masterpiece, Nature, Great Performances, Vicious, Earth A New Wild, How We Got to Now and many more. Jax PBS Passport also includes popular Jax PBS programs such as First Coast Connect. The Jax PBS Passport library will continue to grow as more series and episodes are added.

    Look for videos with this symbol: passport-icon Those videos are only available to users who are registered for Jax PBS Passport.

  • What is Jax PBS Passport?

    Jax PBS Passport is a new member benefit which provides Jax PBS 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 Jax PBS provides its donors along with the program guide, discounts with our partners and thank you gifts like tickets, umbrellas or tote bags, based on the level of your gift.

  • What if my transmission is intermittent?

    DTV transmission can suffer from the “Cliff Effect,” where the signal is suddenly lost and the picture begins to tile or simply goes black or blue, depending on your TV. To improve, make sure that all connections are secure and free from corrosion. Weather seal all cable connectors if possible. Try not to kink the coax cable, and avoid using twin lead. Use black or UV-rated tie straps when securing cables. Power lines can not only interfere with reception, but can also kill. Be sure to exercise extreme caution when working near power lines.

  • What desktop browser do I need?

    Jax PBS Passport supports the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer and Safari.

  • Jax PBS on cable.

    Jax PBS can be found on local Cable TV systems as follows:

    Comcast/Xfinity – Jax PBS (standard definition) – Cable channel 8

    • Jax PBS Create (standard definition) – Cable channel 210

    • Jax PBS Kids (standard definition) – Cable channel 211

    • Jax PBS More! (standard definition) – Cable channel 212

    • Jax PBS (High Definition) – Cable channel 440

    AT&T U-Verse – Jax PBS (standard definition) – Cable channel 7

    • Jax PBS (High Definition) – Cable channel 1007

    (Note: AT&T U-Verse does not carry Jax PBS Create, Jax PBS World or Jax PBS More! As part of their offered lineup)

  • I’m seeing a message that says I already activated, but I can’t remember how to sign in.

    At the time you activated, you were asked to choose one of 3 sign in methods: using your Google, Facebook, or PBS account. If you cannot remember which option you chose, you can try each one without doing any harm to your accounts. Each has its own process for resetting passwords should you need to.

  • I’m not seeing my favorite PBS show in Jax PBS Passport. Why not?

    Initially, several hundred hours of content will be available via Jax PBS Passport. This library of content will continue to grow over time as more titles are added.

  • I’m hearing the wrong audio or no audio at all.

    Jax PBS transmits with four possible audio formats. There is Stereo audio, Surround Sound, Second Audio Program (SAP) and Descriptive Audio, and not all programs contain all four audio streams. If a TV is set to “decode” SAP then Stereo audio will not be heard. Likewise if Descriptive audio is selected then normal Stereo audio will not be heard. Make sure your TV audio is configured to decode the proper audio. Every TV is different so you may need to consult your operator’s manual. While many programs are broadcast with the surround sound format, some are stereo only. Today’s high tech home theater systems do a wonderful job with both formats. However, those viewers with only 2 speakers may experience a problem when a surround sound program is aired. In this case, make sure that your receiver or audio amplifiers settings are set to “stereo” rather than “surround”. This setting, if incorrect, may assume you have a center speaker or “dialogue speaker channel” and you will likely miss all or most of the spoken audio.

  • I’m having trouble accessing Jax PBS Passport through my Apple TV.

    Your PBS App on your Apple TV may be synced to a different email than the one you assigned to Jax PBS Passport. To reset your Apple TV email address, you must deactivate and reactivate the PBS app with the email associated with your Jax PBS Passport account. Please note that you do not need to reset your Apple TV general account email, just within the PBS app. This will not affect other apps within Apple TV.

    Steps:

    1. Within the PBS app on the Apple TV, click on Settings

    2. Click on Deactivate

    3. Exit to main Apple TV page

    4. Click on PBS app

    5. Instructions will appear on the screen instructing you to go to your computer and visit pbs.org/activate and enter the password which will be provided on the screen (note, this is not the Passport activation code)

    6. Visit pbs.org/activate, enter provided password, press enter

    7. You will be taken to a page asking you to login – using the same email affiliated with Jax PBS Passport

    8. Enter the email affiliated with Passport, enter the password set up when originally logging into Jax PBS Passport

    9. Click Sign In

    10. Apple TV PBS app will automatically be updated with this information and will have all the benefits of WJCT Passport

  • I just made a donation today, why can’t I activate Jax PBS Passport?

    If you donated online by clicking a “Donate now to watch” button, you should see an activation link on the confirmation page for your gift. You will also receive an email message from “Jax PBS Passport” at the email address you entered when making your donation. If you gave your donation through another online form or over the phone, it may take a few days for your gift to be entered into our database and your activation code assigned. Please email donate@wjct.org and one of our agents will make sure you get your activation code as soon as possible.

  • 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. We believe the new arrangement allows for ample viewing of excellent content, albeit for a more limited time for some programs.

  • I am unable to receive signal during and/or following storms in my area. What's going on?

    Yet another factor in reception is the effect of heavy rainfall. Due to the characteristics of the digital signal, off air can experience a problem similar to the “rain fade” seen with home satellite providers as the signal to the dish antenna is disrupted by rain in the receive path.

    Keep in mind that many of todays “HDTV” antennas are equipped with amplifiers. These amplifiers are especially susceptible to lightning strikes and/or power surges during storms. A sudden loss of the off air signal could likely be due to a failure of this amplifier. In this case, only a replacement of the antenna/amplifier will fix the problem.

    Many times, following a power outage, a simple “re-scan” of the channels will restore lost programming. This procedure varies greatly so please consult your owner’s manual for the proper procedure.

  • I am a member of another PBS station. Am I entitled to Jax PBS Passport?

    Jax PBS Passport is only available to donating members of Jax PBS in Jacksonville, FL. 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.

  • How to rescan your TV set.

    What to do for the FCC Television Repack & how to rescan your TV set. With the upcoming mandatory FCC television repack, WJCT will be changing its transmission frequency but will still remain on Channel 7. If you are watching TV using a standard indoor or outdoor antenna, you will need to rescan your TV set. Not all stations will be changing frequencies at the same time so in order to receive all TV channels, you will need to periodically rescan your TV. Cable and Satellite systems will not be affected by the FCC Television Repack. If you have lost or are unable to acquire your TV manual online, there is still hope in finding the rescan feature. Most TV sets have a remote control with a button that is listed “menu” or “setting”. Whichever it is select that feature and navigate through the various menus until you find the Scan or Autotune feature. Once the scan has begun it may take several minutes to complete so please be patient. If your TV fails to find all the expected channels there are still some things you can do.

    1. Check all antenna connections.

    2. Adjust or move your antenna to a new location. (An outdoor antenna is usually better)

    3. Some powered antennas may have lost strength and need to be replaced.

    WJCT monitors all TV streams 24/7 for proper operation and if there is an actual problem with programming, we will post a notice on Facebook and make an announcement to keep everyone abreast as to what is happening. For more information please go to TV Answers sponsored by the National Association of Broadcasters. WJCT appreciates your continued support and endeavor to provide the highest quality programming that enlightens and entertains.

  • How does Jax PBS Passport align with the mission of public television?

    Jax PBS content is shared widely with the public on-air, online and on mobile devices after a program airs – that has not changed. Jax PBS 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 Hometown, Community Thread, Frontline, PBS NewsHour, Independent Lens and POV will be accessible to everyone.

  • How do I report an issue that is not addressed above?

    If you are having trouble with a WJCT Public Media service that is not addressed above, please visit our Status page to make sure it is not a known issue. 

    If it has not been reported on our status page, please file a report by following the instructions on that page.

  • How do I receive the WJCT News 89.9 Radio digital broadcasts?

    Along with our FM analog signal, listeners with access to an HD Radio receiver are able to receive additional, high quality digital broadcasts. These will appear as WJCT-HD1, WJCT-HD2, WJCT-HD3, and WJCT-HD4. Each offers a unique lineup of programming and is of the highest level of audio reproduction. HD Radios are available as portable, hand held devices, car stereo units and home audio receivers. WJCT distributes HD radios and if purchased through our website, support.wjct.org, some of the proceeds benefit the station. HD radios are also available at local Audio/Video/Home Entertainment retail stores or through online dealers.

  • How do I listen to WJCT News 89.9 on my mobile phone, smart speaker, etc?

    WJCT News 89.9 streaming is available:

    The URLs below are for manual streaming devices:

    WJCT 89.9 FM HD1

    WJCT Classical 24® on 89.9 HD2

    WJCT Anthology on 89.9 HD3

    WJCT The Independent on 89.9 HD4

    WJCT Radio Reading Service

  • How can I improve my TV reception?

    You can improve reception by using a properly installed VHF antenna. Look for a VHF antenna that is “V” or “T” configured, commonly referred to as Yagi antenna. The antenna you purchase should be rated for the distance from your furthest transmission.

    UHF antennas, usually circular in shape, are not suitable for VHF high band reception, despite manufacturers’ claims. Some VHF antennas are also not suitable for VHF high band reception. Rabbit ears or indoor antenna are poor receptors for today’s demanding digital transmission.

    For best reception, your antenna should be externally mounted. Because all VHF transmissions are line-of-sight, your antenna should be elevated above any nearby structures. Try to avoid mounting your antenna near trees. Water adversely affects DTV reception, and trees are buckets of water. It is common for spring to bring on poor DTV reception, due to tree leaf growth.

  • How can I improve my radio reception?

    WJCT News 89.9 (WJCT FM/HD 89.9MHz) transmits with an effective radiated power (ERP) of 98kW. Typical antenna for FM reception is the Dipole antenna. Other antennas used for FM reception are the Curved, Turnstile, Yagi and Log Periodic. For more Information on which FM antenna is best for you, please use the following resources.

  • How can I activate my Jax PBS Passport account?

    If you are an active WJCT member giving at least $60 (or $5 monthly), and we have a valid email address on file, you may have already received an email “Jax PBS Passport” with activation instructions (remember to check your SPAM folders). You can enter your activation code here. If you did not receive an email, you can activate your Jax PBS Passport account by contacting donate@wjct.org or by calling 904.358.6388.

  • General antenna do's and don'ts.

    Do…

    • Locate indoor antennas as near as possible to the television or radio receiver.

    • Try to find a location near a window and/or near an outside wall.

    • Make sure all connections are properly secured. These connections tend to loosen over time even if they are not disturbed.

    • Locate attic mounted antennas close to an eave that faces or nearly faces the Jax PBS broadcast antennas located off Hogan Road in the Southside/Beach Blvd. area of Jacksonville.

    • Locate outside antennas so they have a clear and generally unobstructed view of the broadcast antennas as shown above. Make sure the antennas “receive” side is facing this location. (Refer to your antennas installation instructions for proper orientation.)

    Don’t…

    • Locate indoor antennas near sources of interference such as microwave ovens, window air conditioners, etc. Avoid locating the antenna within cabinets such as those found in home entertainment furniture.

    • Locate outdoor antennas under large trees or tree limbs, in particular, those that are prone to retaining large amounts of moisture on the leaves from rainfall and dew. Wet leaves act as a shield that can decrease the amount of signal that reaches the antenna. Certain species of trees such as Florida’s Live Oaks or Water Oaks are very dense with water in the trunks and limbs. These trees can limit or “attenuate” the signals if located in the path to your antenna.

    • Install any amplifiers or signal boosters not specifically designed for use with today’s digital or HDTV signals. Older, “analog” amplifiers are not guaranteed to cleanly process the digital signals and actually do more harm than good.

  • Can I view Jax PBS Passport videos outside of the United States?

    Due to rights restrictions, our streaming videos can only be viewed within the United States.

  • A little about the WJCT broadcast signal.

    The following FAQ’s are provided to assist our viewers with the most common reception problems and are updated from time to time. In an effort to help you, the viewer, understand what we as the broadcaster do on a daily basis to insure you get the finest quality off air viewing experience possible, please read the following:

    • The WJCT engineering department monitors the off-air signal 24/7/365. In addition, we monitor and record the daily operation of our transmitters in great detail. This insures that our signal is not only of the highest quality to the viewer but also meets or exceeds our technical requirements set by the FCC. That said, we are always transmitting at the maximum power allowed by our broadcast license and do not vary our power output or direction of our signal at any time during the broadcast day.

    • On the extremely rare occasion we do experience an unforeseen problem with our broadcast, whether it be the signal or programming, WJCT will make every effort to inform the viewing public through messages displayed on the screen or via any number of social media paths available to us.