Why do WQED tv13 and WQED fm89.3 have pledge drives?
WQED Multimedia relies on support from members in order to accomplish our mission. Our membership drives replenish our membership ranks, replacing those who have moved or passed away, or who are no longer able to support us. This is one of the most effective methods we have of raising funds. Membership accounts for 30 percent of our station's income.

How long does it take to receive my membership "thank you" gift?
On average, you will receive your gift six to eight weeks after your pledge amount is processed.

I just sent my renewal check. Why did I receive another renewal letter?
To save money for the quality programming you expect from us, we print and send out renewal notices in bulk. This means that it takes several weeks for a renewal letter to get to you. As a result, your renewal gift and our letter probably crossed in the mail.

I still have several months left on my membership. Why are you sending me a renewal notice now?
Because it's so important that we keep our members, we start sending out renewal notices in advance of your membership's expiration.

What does my membership include?
See Member Benefits for a description of what you will receive as a WQED member.

Is there a way I can help you monthly rather than with one large payment?
Yes, you can! Easy Chex is the most convenient and cost-effective way for you to support programming on WQED tv13 and WQED fm89.3. You simply complete an enrollment form authorizing us to transfer the monthly contribution from your checking account, and your enrollment will remain in effect until you notify WQED Multimedia that you wish to suspend your monthly giving.

I've never used my credit card on the Internet before. How does it work? Is it safe?
WQED Multimedia uses the best security and encryption technology available for your protection. The personal and financial information your computer sends us, and that we send back to your computer, must be encrypted while in transit. Encrypted files are scrambled and can only be reassembled by someone who has the correct encryption key. This means that when you send your personal and financial information to Membership, it is encrypted so that no one buy us can decipher it. Your credit card number is never stored unencrypted on our server, and it is only decrypted at the time of its use.

I'm a supporter of WQED Multimedia and the company I work for will match all or some of my charitable contributions. Does WQED have a form to send me so my company can match my gift?
Matching gifts are an excellent way to increase your support of public television and public radio here in Pittsburgh. We accept the matching gift form your company provides you. Simply send your completed form to us at: WQED Multimedia, 4802 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.

Where is my premium? Why do you take the money right away, when I'm still waiting for my premium?
To be fiscally responsible we wait until we have an order for a thank you item. Premiums normally take 6 to 8 week to be received after your pledge of support.

Is my pledge/renewal paid? Why are you sending me reminders? You're using donated monies irresponsibly.
If you get multiple reminders, chances are for that month, the data and your check crossed in the mail. Because our database is so large, we pull data for reminders 5 weeks in advance.

Was that telemarketing call legitimate?
WQED Multimedia does use a company to make calls to our members. The callers identify themselves as a company calling on our behalf.

When does my membership expire? I have not been getting a magazine for 3 or more months -- can't you extend it?
No, your renewal date actually is based upon the magazine and we can't extend past your renewal timeframe.

I have waited long enough for this premium and I just found out that I can buy it elsewhere for 80% less than you offer it. How long will it take for my refund?
We are a nonprofit company who is dependent upon public support. "Thank you" items are just one way we thank you. Since we are a charitable organization and your gift is tax deductible, we can not offer a refund because you found the product at a lesser price.

Is it better to be a Gold or Silver member?
Please see Clubs for details.

Why does pledge take so long? I'm tired of seeing the same cooking programs repeated day in and day out. When will my program be back on at it regular time?
We run pledge campaigns approximately 65 days a year to support the station and the various programs we buy and produce. We do try to contain the days of pledge but since this is the largest source of operational revenue for the station, it's a necessity. Please refer to your program guide to see when your program will air again.

What do I need to do to submit/receive a recipe for/from a cookbook?
Go to QED Cooks.

Pledge just ended and I was not able to pledge at that time. Am I still able to get a premium that was offered during pledge?
Yes, you can call the Customer Service Hotline at 412-622-1370 and pledge for a thank you item any time.

Further questions about membership? Email the membership team.