Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the Starfish Television Network?
  2. Must I pay to air programming on Starfish?
  3. What types of programming does Starfish Television Network broadcast?
  4. How is Starfish Television Network broadcast?
  5. What are the lengths of video programming that Starfish Television Network will air?
  6. How is Starfish Television Network going to market itself?
  7. How can I get Starfish Television Network in my home?
  8. What is the start date for the Starfish Television Network?
  9. Is the Starfish Television Network a for-profit or not-for-profit organization?
  10. Where can I find Starfish Television Network on DISH Network?
  11. Do I need any specific DISH Network hardware to view Starfish?
  12. How may I acquire the correct DISH Network hardware in order to receive the Starfish Television Network?
  13. Is the Starfish Television Network affiliated with any religious denomination or government entity?
  14. What is the Starfish Television Network planning to do to help attract viewers and cut through all the clutter that is on television, so viewers are able to find you?
  15. Will the Starfish Television Network be viewable 24 hours 7 days a week?
  16. Is there additional cost to stream programs on the Internet?
  17. May we advertise on the Starfish Television Network?
  18. What formats does Starfish prefer for submission of programming?
  19. How does Starfish Television Network determine which programs air and which do not?
  20. Do you accept sponsorships for placement of programming on the Starfish Television Network?
  21. What can be in the message about our organization on the Starfish Television Network?
  22. How may I help the Starfish Television Network?
  23. What kind of experience does the Starfish Television Network have in broadcast television?
What is the Starfish Television Network?

The Starfish Television Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity. Its mission is to tell the stories of the nation's nonprofit organizations and deliver timely, accurate information and news about charitable and other worthy causes to educate, empower and entertain its viewers.

Must I pay to air programming on Starfish?

We solicit and welcome revenues connected with various announcements and acknowledgments; however, there is no charge to air programming.

The Starfish funding model is patterned after that of PBS. The cost of airing programs will be covered by acknowledgments, announcements, grants and donations. We will be working with many organizations which have existing sponsors. Starfish will also match new sponsors with qualified nonprofit organizations.

What types of programming does Starfish Television Network broadcast?

Starfish airs the informational and educational messages and stories of the respected nonprofit organizations and charities that are providing solutions relative to the world's humanitarian needs. The programming must be primarily informational and educational in nature. We endeavor to air the best quality nonprofit programming available to us.

How is Starfish Television Network broadcast?

Starfish is available on DISH Network, channel 269 & 9408, to approximately 15 million subscribers. We will expand to other satellite and cable carriers as soon as possible.
You can also view us on the Internet at www.starfishtv.org/ and click "Watch Live".

What are the lengths of video programming that Starfish Television Network will air?

At this time Starfish invites organizations to submit existing programming of any length as long as it meets quality standards and is informational and/or educational in nature.

If you have content that you would like Starfish to consider, please contact Starfish Programming at 801-567-3180 or info@starfishtv.org.

How is Starfish Television Network going to market itself?

Starfish has a number of audiences. Our principal audience is subscribers to DISH Network and our viewers on the Internet. But we also count as part of our natural audience the nation's 1.4 million charitable institutions, their staffs, members, and boards, along with the 65 million Americans who annually volunteer on their behalf. Our audience includes funders like grant-making foundations, corporations and individuals, as well as the tens of thousands of for-profit organizations whose job it is to serve the nonprofit sector. Starfish is utilizing the resources of its strategic partners to reach out to our common constituents. As with any television channel, the best advertising for our programming is on our own air. As we grow we'll make extensive use of our assets and years of experience in television, radio, print, outdoor advertising, email, direct mail, telephone, and public relations to spread the word about the Starfish Television Network.

How can I get Starfish Television Network in my home?

Starfish Television Network can be seen on DISH Network channel 9408, on DishFAMILY channel 269, and also streams live over the Internet.
If you are not a DISH Network subscriber, you can contact your satellite or cable provider and request they add Starfish Television Network to their channel lineup.
The Starfish signal is also available on the Internet, go to www.starfishtv.org/live.aspx.

What is the start date for the Starfish Television Network?

Starfish launched in April, 2007 on DISH Network.

Is the Starfish Television Network a for-profit or not-for-profit organization?

Starfish is a not-for-profit corporation, registered and qualified as a 501(c)(3) public charity, eligible to receive tax deductible donations.

Where can I find Starfish Television Network on DISH Network?

Starfish is on DISH Network, channel 269 and 9408. Starfish Television Network can be seen on DishFAMILY channel 269 and DISH Network channel 9408 as part of the following packages: ATClassic 100, ATClassic 200, ATClassic 250, Everything Pak, DishLATINO, DishLATINO DOS & DishLATINO MAX and related HD packages (note: Starfish is not currently broadcast in HD.)

Do I need any specific DISH Network hardware to view Starfish?

It's possible, depending upon your current package. Contact DISH at 888-686-2388 to find out.

How may I acquire the correct DISH Network hardware in order to receive the Starfish Television Network?

If you are a new customer to DISH Network, call 888-686-2388 to have DISH installed.

Is the Starfish Television Network affiliated with any religious denomination or government entity?

No. From time to time, you may see some programming which was provided by or makes some reference to a religious denomination or government entity, but Starfish is not affiliated with, funded or controlled by any religious denomination or government entity.

What is the Starfish Television Network planning to do to help attract viewers and cut through all the clutter that is on television, so viewers are able to find you?

If the experts are to be believed, the future of television won't just be hundreds of television channels, but thousands of specialized channels that cater to discrete niches. But as niches go, the nonprofit sector is a substantial one. The sector accounts for 5.2 percent of the U.S. GDP and about 8.3 percent of wages and salaries paid in the country. Approximately 65 million people volunteer for nonprofit organizations in the United States each year.

In order to cut through the clutter, Starfish actively promotes itself as the best way for charities and the broader philanthropic audience to reach like-minded individuals.

Will the Starfish Television Network be viewable 24 hours 7 days a week?

Yes. Starfish will be viewable 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, both on air and on-line.

Is there additional cost to stream programs on the Internet?

At this time there is no additional charge to stream programs on the Internet.

May we advertise on the Starfish Television Network?

Traditional commercial advertising is not permitted on Starfish. However, Starfish is permitted, in accordance with FCC regulations, to recognize the support of various donors and sponsors. Viewers may also be directed to the website and phone number of highlighted organizations to obtain more information.

What formats does Starfish prefer for submimssion of programming?

Preferred media formats include:

Digital Betacam
Betacam SP
Betacam SX
Betacam MPEG-IMX
DVCAM
DVCPRO (25mb)
HD CAM (HD, Sony)


Starfish will also accept the following media formats:

Varicam (HD, Panasonic)
D2
DVCPRO (50mb Panasonic)


In some cases, Starfish will also accept the following media formats. However, depending on quality, we may ask you to provide one of the above-mentioned formats:

1-inch Type C
DVD
U-matic 3/4" SP


Starfish broadcasts in standard 4x3 aspect ratio. HD programming is transferred to either 'letter box' or 'center cut' format.

How does Starfish Television Network determine which programs air and which do not?

The programming submitted to Starfish is evaluated in several ways. First the charity represented in the programming, if any, is checked to see that it meets basic standards including whether or not it's a 501(c)(3) in good standing, among other measures. The program is viewed by a small committee to ensure that it meets Starfish's standards for quality and propriety.

Do you accept sponsorships for placement of programming on the Starfish Television Network?

Program sponsorship is accepted and encouraged. Starfish actively seeks sponsorship and grant opportunities. Corporations, individuals and grant making foundations or institutions interested in sponsoring the Starfish Television Network should contact Starfish by calling 801-567-3180 or emailing info@starfishtv.org.

What can be in the message about our organization on the Starfish Television Network?

Starfish is a public service broadcaster and must adhere to FCC rules and regulations concerning program content. Programming must be informational and educational in nature. All programs submitted will be evaluated based on these and other criteria. Details are available on a case-by-case basis from our Compliance Department.

Starfish Television Network may direct viewers to the websites of featured organizations to obtain more information.

How may I help the Starfish Television Network?

Starfish welcomes your support and currently has two principal needs. Starfish is continually seeking high-quality, appropriate programming for broadcast. Starfish is also seeking qualified sponsors and grant making institutions for funding.

What kind of experience does the Starfish Television Network have in broadcast television?

Collectively, the Starfish organization has more than 100 years experience in the day-to-day production and distribution of broadcast television, and an equal amount of experience working for and assisting with nonprofit organizations.