Member Center FAQ's
How many times per year do you have membership campaigns?
KPBS holds three major television membership campaigns each year during the months of August, December and March. We also program short weekend or mini-membership campaigns on KPBS TV at other times during the year. We also hold three radio membership campaigns each year during the months of October, February and April. As a member-supported organization, on-air membership campaigns are the single most effective way to gain new members – while our audience is viewing and listening.
How can I become a member of KPBS?
There are many ways you can become a member of the KPBS family. You may call Audience Services at 888-399-5727 to join by telephone using a credit card. You may also join online with a credit card at the KPBS Web site. If you would like to send a check, please mail it to: KPBS Membership Dept., 5200 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182 and include a note with your name, address, phone number and desired membership level. Please write "New Membership" on your check.
Why am I getting duplicate mailings or information about new membership when I’m already a member?
KPBS regularly rents names from list brokers to solicit, via mail, potential new members. We also trade mailing lists from time to time with other arts and charitable organizations. Before sending mail solicitations we run a computerized merge/purge process. This process compares our list of member names to the list of names we rent and it purges any duplicate names that are found between the two lists. Sometimes a name or address is different enough on the two lists ("John Smith" vs. "John M. Smith" or "1234 Cass Street" vs. 1234 Kass Street) that an existing member’s name slips through and is mailed a new member appeal. Another cause of duplicate mailings is when a member has more than one account set up in our computer database. Duplicate accounts are sometimes generated during our on air membership campaigns when a member calls in and uses a different variation in the spelling of his/her name. For example, the caller identifies herself as "Jane M. Doe" and our computer records have her account set up under the name of "Mr. And Mrs. James Doe." Three months later the original account appears to be lapsed because no renewal contribution is attributed to it. KPBS begins sending appeals to that account holder asking the member to rejoin. Meanwhile, the new account might receive a request for an additional gift. Hence, the same household receives two appeals for support. If you believe that you have two or more accounts set up for your membership, please alert KPBS Member Services at 888-399-5727 or email
I’d like to purchase a membership to KPBS as a gift for a friend or family member, how can I do this?
Please call Member Services at 888-399-5727 or email for details.
Does KPBS send a tax acknowledgement letter for members to submit with their tax returns?
KPBS mails tax receipts as a courtesy to our members at the beginning of each calendar year. By law, tax receipts must be mailed by January 31. If you need a receipt at any other time, please contact Member Services at 888-399-5727 or email
How long does it take to receive premiums ordered during a pledge drive?
It generally takes 6-8 weeks to receive your gift(s) such as a videocassette, KPBS MemberCard, mug, or Compact Disc.
Where do I find my member number?
Your membership identification number can be found on your renewal notice. It can also be obtained by contacting KPBS Member Services at 888-399-5727 or via email. Your membership identification is an eight digit number that begins with a "1" or "0".
I’m a senior citizen or a student, do you have a special membership rate for me?
The rate of membership for students and senior citizens is $25 yearly.
Why do you send me renewal notices months before my membership is set to expire?
Most non-profit and commercial organizations mail early renewal notices to their members or subscribers. Renewing early helps avoid lapses in membership and other possible complications.
How may I obtain an accurate listing of restaurants and venues participating in the KPBS Membercard program?
You may visit the KPBS Membership Levels page on our Web site and click on Membercard.
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