DPTV Pledge Q&A

Every time we run pledge (4 times a year in March, June, September and December) we get lots of questions from viewers. I’d like to answer some of the most frequently asked questions for you.

Why does DPTV do pledge programs?

I hear this question a lot! Detroit Public TV isn't supported by commercial advertisers like other channels in the area. We don't let an advertiser tell us which programs we should be showing by indicating which programs they want their ads run with, we let our viewers, our members, the public tell us what type of programs they want to see.

Pledge is how we raise the money we need to stay on the air, to produce new local programs and to purchase other programs to bring to our viewers.

How does DPTV know what we want to see?

This question always comes up. Another way we hear it is "How does DPTV decide what programs they'll show and which ones they won't?" The answer is pretty simple....it's called pledge.

Pledge is our fundraising function, true enough, but it's more than just a way to raise money to keep the station on the air. If we compare pledge to the well known "American Idol" it makes it a lot easier to understand. On DPTV, instead of voting for your favorite singer, you're voting for the type of programs YOU want to see! We do "listen" to those who "vote" for certain types of pledge programs. We use these "votes" to help us determine what type of programs to show during non-pledge times.

Why should I pledge?

Good question! There are several reasons a viewer should pledge. First, to cast your "vote" to let us know that you want more programs like the one you're pledging for. Second, to help us by making the money available to get additional programs like you want to see. Third, "thank you" gifts are available for your pledge at various levels for different programs. For example, if you really like the Paul McCartney pledge program we’re showing tonight and decide you want to pick up the DVD, by pledging for that program you are letting us know that you want more specials like it and you can choose to receive the DVD as your "thank you" gift at the same time!

Your pledge dollars are used to order your "thank you" gift and the remainder goes into the programming fund while your "vote" is tallied for more music specials in the pop/rock catagory. A lot of "activity" with a $100 pledge!

I can't pledge at that level so what's the point?

Again, a great question. We know that things are tough for everyone in Michigan right now. Believe me, we're right there with you. You can still "vote" and have your voice heard about programs you'd like to see more of. Imagine if everyone on your block could only call in a pledge of $5 to let us know they want to see more music shows. If you had 20 houses on the block, your $5 plus your neighbors’ would give 20 votes for this type of program and would put $100 into the fund to get more programs like it! Plus every pledge makes you an active member of DPTV and gifts are available for as little as a $40 pledge!

One other thing to remember, we do offer "installment" pledges for items as well! So for a $100 pledge, you can actually have it split into 10 payments of $10 each month and receive the DVD or gift once your pledge payments cover the cost of the item. We truly appreciate the ongoing support of installment pledges!

Have more questions? Give us a call in Member Services at (248) 305-3900! We’d be happy to talk with you and answer any questions you have. After all, we’re YOUR station and we’d love your feedback!

Pam Reynolds
Member Services
Detroit Public TV