Questions about Supporting Alabama Public Television

Q: How can I make a contribution online to APT?
Just click here and you will be taken to our secure online contribution form!

Q: What will I get in return for my membership contribution?
A: For an annual contribution of $75 or more, you will receive the APT MemberCard, good for discounted dining at nearly one hundred restaurants across Alabama and other fantastic discounts.

Most importantly, when you join APT, you'll enjoy the satisfaction of supporting our community's most accessible center for entertainment, education, art, information and culture.

Q: Why should I become a member of APT?
A: Unlike commercial and cable television stations that are profit-driven, APT is a mission-driven organization. APT does not exist to serve advertisers, businesses or the commercial marketplace - it exists solely to serve the citizens of the community by providing a diverse array of quality programs, educational and public services for people of all ages and walks of life.

Q: Aren't I already supporting APT with my tax dollars?
A: American taxpayers contribute an average of $1.09 annually (less than the cost of a Sunday newspaper) toward funding public television nationally. For every federal dollar APT receives, the station must match it with five dollars in support from the community. APT is a non-commercial, non-profit public television station. Though the station receives support from federal and state sources, as well as from generous area corporations and foundations, the largest source of revenue must come from voluntary contributions of individuals. In fact, APT relies on the generous support of the community for nearly 50% of its operating budget.

Q: What is my membership contribution used for?
A: Your contribution is invested in the acquisition, production and broadcast of the wonderful programs that you see everyday on APT. Your gift also supports the station's many educational and public service projects. And your gift helps offset the cost of station operations and technical requirements.

Q: Is my gift to APT tax-deductible?
A: APT is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. Your contribution to the station is fully tax-deductible, minus the fair market value of any gifts you receive. For example, if your contribution to APT is $120 and you choose to receive a videotape that has a retail value of $19.95 as your thank you gift, the deductibility of your gift will be $100.05.

Q: How long will it take for me to receive my thank-you gift?
A: Once your contribution has been received at APT, it generally takes 6 to 8 weeks for the receipt of your thank-you gift.

Q: Does APT receive any of my monthly cable fee?
A: No. APT depends on the generosity of its members and receives no money from cable fees.

Q: I don't watch much TV. Why should I become a member?
A: Research tells us that public television members actually watch less television than non-members because they're more selective about what they watch. In fact, most of APT members choose to support the station because APT offers a consistent source of quality, intelligent programming for the discerning viewer.

Q: I've never used my credit card on the Internet before. Is it safe?
A: APT is using a secure browser and the best encryption technology available to ensure your protection and privacy. Your personal and financial information will be encrypted (or scrambled) while it is in transit from your computer to APT so that no one will be able to decipher your personal information. Then, using a key, the information gets "unscrambled" after it arrives at APT.

Q: How is APT involved in my community?
A: APT is great television, but just as important, it is a vital community resource. APT provides in-classroom learning services to nearly 500,000 children annually. And APT is helping viewers earn college degrees from home through the station's popular telecourses. APT and APT IQ offers a rare broadcast oasis where children learn to use their imaginations rather than their fists, are encouraged to use their minds rather than their might, and are enticed to pick up a book rather than the remote control. APT helps our community's citizens make informed decisions when choosing elected officials by providing broadcast coverage of candidate debates and profiles, as well as election night returns. Through locally-produced series like For the Record, Alabama Stories, Face to Face and many others, APT's local programming entices viewers to explore, celebrate and appreciate the joys, the rich history and the cultural diversity our community offers.

Q: How can I get in touch with APT?
A: If ever you have a question about your membership, delivery of your program guide, the status of your thank-you gift, or anything else that may be on your mind, you can contact the membership office via email , or call (800) 239-5233, or write to us at APT, 2112 11th Ave South, Suite 400 Birmingham, AL 35205.