FAQ

Who Are We?
Free Speech TV is a national, independent news network committed to empowering a multiracial democracy. As the alternative to television networks owned by billionaires, governments, and corporations, our network amplifies underrepresented voices and those working on the front lines of social, economic, racial, and environmental justice.

How can I watch Free Speech TV?
Free Speech TV is available on Dish 9415, DIRECTV 348, Roku, Apple TV, Sling TV, Amazon Fire, Alexa Skill, the FSTV Apple iOS app, and streaming online 24/7 at freespeech.org. We’re also available on many local stations around the country. For a full list of places to find us, check out Ways to Watch. Want to check us out right now? You can watch live 24 hours a day right here on our website.

Where can I find your programming schedule?
The FSTV schedule is available online here.

Wanting to watch a specific episode right now? You can find most recent episodes here.

Where is Free Speech TV located?
Our home office is located in Denver, Colorado, but many of our programs broadcast from across the country.

If you would like to contact us via mail or send our hosts something please send it to:
Free Speech TV
PO Box 44099
Denver CO 80204

As a 24/7 national news network, you must have a large staff?
Actually our staff is small, mighty and very passionate, standing strong at 17 full-time employees.

How do I submit programming and/or news tips to Free Speech TV?
FSTV welcomes mission- and value-aligned programming submissions. To submit your program or news tip, please email [email protected].

Does FSTV offer closed-captioning and subtitles?
Free Speech TV does not currently provide closed-captioning or subtitles. There is a substantial expense associated with this, and we do not currently have the funds. We are deeply saddened that we are unable to provide this service for our viewers. 

How do I call into a show directly?
Our primetime weekday shows encourage viewers to call in with their questions and comments.

The Stephanie Miller Show: 323-468-1135

The Thom Hartmann Program: 202-808-9925

The Randi Rhodes Show: 561-270-3844

Help! I lost access to my extra stuff from Randi, Thom, or Stephanie. Can you help me?
Unfortunately, no. While these folks are proud partners of FSTV, each program manages its own ‘extras’ like Stephanie Miller’s Happy Hour podcast, Thom Hartmann’s Patreon, Thom Hartmann’s newsletter and podcast, or Randi Rhodes’ podcast. If you need help with any of these extras, please contact the show staff directly. Here’s how:

Contact the Stephanie Miller Show
Contact the Thom Hartmann Program
Contact the Randi Rhodes Show

Help! Something’s wrong with FSTV! The screen is black (or blue), I can’t hear anything, my normal show isn’t playing. What’s going on?
Sometimes you can easily correct an issue by following the instructions on our trouble-shooting page. Still not working? 

We try hard to keep the electrons flowing directly to you, no matter what platform you’re watching on. But things happen, errors occur, and sometimes the electrons get lost. Please let us know if you notice an outage or issue that can’t be corrected by following the trouble-shooting instructions above. The best way to notify us of an outage is by emailing [email protected]. Please don’t call as we only have one person answering the phones, and if you think to call, 100 people before you probably already have.

One caveat: If you’re watching FSTV on your local cable station, we actually can’t fix any errors there. Instead of contacting us in that case, please contact your local station directly.

I’m watching FSTV on a streaming app and saw an advertisement when I loaded the livestream or episode on-demand. What’s up with that?
In order to become available to larger audiences, we are expanding to new digital platforms like Apple TV, Roku, and Sling TV. Some of those platforms require networks to accept on-screen advertising. The good news is they also share some of the funds with FSTV and maintain a firewall between advertisers and the network.

If you see a commercial on Dish or DirectTV, please let us know by emailing [email protected].

What about when I see sponsors on FSTV? 
Sponsorships are a critical revenue source for nonprofit organizations, FSTV included. These are not advertisers and have no bearing over our editorial content or direction. Sponsors come to FSTV who share our values and want to contribute to our mission, just like donors and viewers like you do. We’re required to let viewers know who is contributing to the network, and even if we weren’t, we value transparency and want you to know! We’re grateful to everyone who contributes to FSTV’s mission.

I want to make a donation, but I don’t want to use my credit card online. Is there another way?
Yes! You can call 877-378-8669 to make a secure donation over the phone. You can also send a check to:

Free Speech TV
PO Box 44099
Denver, CO 80201

Please do not send cash in the mail.

When I make a charitable contribution to FSTV, is it tax-deductible?
Absolutely! Free Speech TV is a 501(c)(3). Our Tax ID number: 51-0173482. All contributions are tax-deductible as allowable by law.

Do I need to itemize my tax return to get a deduction for charitable giving?
Yes, you do. Donations are only tax-deductible if you itemize deductions on your tax return. Please contact a tax professional for more information.  

When I donate, will I get a receipt?
When you donate through the Free Speech TV website or our call center, you will receive an automated confirmation e-mail that serves as your donation receipt. If you do not have an e-mail address on file with us, you may request a paper donation receipt by calling 303-442-8445 or emailing [email protected].

If we have your email on file, we’ll also send you a complete list of your donations at the end of the year.  

I’d like to support FSTV more than just once or twice a year. How can I help?
One of the best ways you can support Free Speech TV year-round is by joining the Sustaining Donor Community. Monthly gifts help sustain one of the last trustworthy, independent, national news networks left in the United States. These regular gifts help us plan for the future. Many people find they’re able to make larger commitments by spreading their gifts out across the year, and nearly everyone reports this is the most convenient way to support FSTV.

You can become a member right now at freespeech.org or by calling 877-378-8669.
When you start a new monthly gift, it will continue on the same day each month without having to be renewed. You can change or stop your membership at any time through your personal online donation portal or by reaching out to us directly. 

Another really important way you can support FSTV year-round is by telling others about the network! 

I’m a Sustaining Donor, and I received an email asking me to update my payment information. What do I do now?
Thank you for keeping your donation information up-to-date! You have a few options: 

  • You can call our donation specialists at 877-378-8669 to update your payment method over the phone. Make sure to tell them you’re already a monthly donor and are simply updating your information so you don’t get double charged.
  • Want to update your info online? Click here!

    Having trouble? Email us at [email protected].

I’m a Sustaining Donor, and I’d like to change or cancel my monthly donation. How do I do that?
If you started your monthly donation online, you have access to your own personal online donation portal where you can increase, decrease, cancel, or put your monthly donation on hold. If you’ve already set this up, you can log in here. If not, you can set up your account now and then make changes to your monthly donation.

If you originally called in to start your monthly donation, you’ll need to let us know directly the change you’d like to make. The best way to do that is by emailing [email protected]. You can also call 877-378-8669 to speak with a donation specialist.

Don’t remember? Just give us a call! 

How do I order a free thank-you gift for my donation?
Free thank-you gifts are only available during our seasonal pledge drives. To make a donation during a seasonal pledge drive and request a gift, please click here or call 877-378-8669. Our full gift catalog is available on the donation page during pledge drives. Gifts change every season. We appreciate your support during these essential fundraising times. 

When will I receive my free thank-you gift?
Most gifts are mailed using the US Postal Service to support this essential service in our country. Mail times vary depending on the time of year. Most items are shipped within one to two weeks of your donation date. If it has been 8 weeks or more since you made your donation and you have yet to receive your requested gift, please contact us at [email protected] or by calling 877-378-8669.

I purchased something from the Store. Is my purchase considered a donation?
No, not for tax purposes. Of course, you should always consult a tax professional, but generally, purchases from our store are NOT tax-deductible. That said, your purchase does help support FSTV and 100% of the proceeds go toward supporting our mission. You can also make an additional donation (that is tax deductible) when you check out from the store. 

I’ve heard about the Frontline Funders Fund. What is this? How do I become a Frontline Funder?
Did you know 55% of all viewer support is inspired by matching donations and challenges? That’s nearly $2 million a year! You can donate to our Frontline Funders Fund to directly support these matches and challenges.

The minimum donation to the fund is $1,000. Some folks like to give once a year, others like to give every season. For each season you contribute to the fund, you’ll earn a badge. Collect four throughout the year, and you can get your own sneak peak behind the scenes at FSTV.  Most importantly though, you’ll be helping to inspire thousands of others to invest in FSTV. Interested? Email or Donor Engagement Officer, Odette Tisseglo, or call us directly at 303-442-8445.

I’m interested in including Free Speech TV in my will or other estate planning. How do I do that?
Naming Free Speech TV as a beneficiary in your life insurance plan, IRA or other retirement plan is a great way to leave a legacy and ensure that FSTV is sustained beyond your lifetime. Many supporters choose to name FSTV in their will or living trust, as it is an easy way to make a lasting impact. Contact our Donor Engagement Officer, Odette Tisseglo, for more information or to make your legacy commitment.

How do I donate my old car? Can you take other types of vehicles, too?
Free Speech TV works with a third party organization called Vehicles for Charity. After contacting them, they will arrange the pickup and auctioning off of the vehicle. They are able to pick up from most destinations in the US. Whether it be an old truck, boat, motorcycle, trailer, or car, as long as the vehicle fits on a flatbed truck, they will take it. All you need to schedule the pick-up are the keys, mileage, and a clean title. After the vehicle is auctioned off, you will receive a letter in the mail with the amount given to Free Speech TV. For pickup and any other questions, please contact Vehicles for Charity at 1-866-628-2277 or visit their website.   

I’m interested in meeting one of FSTV’s hosts. Is that possible?
We’ve reduced our in-person events in recent years to maintain the safety of our staff and beloved hosts. Thom Hartmann and Amy Goodman continue to offer in-person meet & greets on a regular basis for donations of $2,000 or more. Right now we are going through our Waiting List from 2020 – 2023, and all others who sign up will be added to the waiting list. 

If you’re interested, please contact us at [email protected] or call 877-378-8669 to make your donation and request information on the next scheduled meet & greet event.

Events occur periodically on a scheduled basis. Donors are invited to the next available event. If you are unable to attend your scheduled event, please let us know as soon as possible, and you can join us at the next one. If you tell us you’re going to attend, but don’t show up, you have one year to contact us from the date of your donation to reschedule. This is applicable to both virtual and in-person events.

COVID-19 Health Policy (Updated March 2024)
All in-person events hosted by FSTV require attendees to:
– Not attend if you are feeling sick or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the past 5 days

– Wear a well-fitted mask if we determine it is in the best interest of the group. We may announce a mask requirement within 12 hours of any event and may deny access to anyone who is unwilling to comply.

Each studio location may also require additional health & safety protocols at their discretion. If you are traveling for the event, we ask that you please wear a mask in the airport and on the plane to protect other attendees as well as our hosts. Remember, wearing a mask is an act of love and respect for those who may be at higher risk for serious illness and/or death.

FSTV Gift Acceptance Policy
Free Speech TV solicits and accepts gifts that are consistent with its mission and values and that support its core programs or special projects. 

In the course of its regular fundraising activities, Free Speech TV will accept donations of money, stock, annuities, retirement distributions, real property, personal property, and in-kind services. Certain types of gifts–such as real property and personal property–must be reviewed prior to acceptance due to the special liabilities they may pose for Free Speech TV.

Donations and other forms of support will generally be accepted from individuals, foundations, and partnerships. Certain limitations and conditions apply to gifts from corporations, government agencies, or other entities that may present a conflict of interest or a conflict with Free Speech TV’s mission and values. 

When considering whether to solicit or accept gifts, the organization will consider the following factors:  

  • Mission & Values—whether the acceptance of the gift compromises the mission or core values of Free Speech TV
  • Compatibility—Whether there is compatibility between the intent of the donor and the organization’s use of the gift Public Relationships—whether acceptance of the gift damages the reputation of Free Speech TV  
  • Primary Benefit—whether the primary benefit is to Free Speech TV, versus the donor  
  • Consistency—is acceptance of the gift consistent with prior practice?
  • Form of Gift—Is the gift offered in a form that Free Speech TV can use without incurring substantial expense or difficulty? 
  • Effect on Future Giving—Will the gift encourage or discourage future gifts?

All decisions to solicit and/or accept potentially controversial gifts will be made by the Executive Director. The primary consideration will be the impact of the gift on the organization.

Free Speech TV urges all prospective donors to seek the assistance of personal legal and financial advisors in matters relating to their gifts, including the resulting tax and estate planning consequences.

All gifts made to Free Speech TV are assumed to be made in good faith for the public good. Most donations are not eligible for return once received by Free Speech TV. In exceptional circumstances, such as, but not limited to, the death of a donor or a payment processing error, Free Speech TV will review refund requests for donations made within the previous 30-day period. Final determination will be made by the Executive Director in partnership with the Development Director and legal council, when appropriate.

Donor Transparency & Protection
We are deeply grateful for the support we receive from individuals, foundations, and sponsors. Because we value partnerships across the independent media and progressive movement spectrum, sometimes we see journalistic value in covering an organization or individual who is also a donor to FSTV.  When this happens, we disclose all potential and actual conflicts of interest to our audience. This disclosure does not imply ethical impropriety. We simply value transparency. 

We do not disclose privileged or confidential information to unauthorized parties.  

We do not sell, rent, or exchange donor or partner information ever.

 

Proud Partners