Available later this year, PBS KIDS programs will be available 24 hours a day. The new services will include a new TV channel and live stream on digital platforms. Local PBS stations across the nation will be able to broadcast favorite PBS KIDS shows, like Curious George and Wild Kratts, 24 hours a day on an additional television channel and offer a live stream on digital platforms. This new set up will mean kids can watch their favorite PBS shows during peak viewing times, such as prime time or after school.
PBS says that they making these changes to reach families, especially lower income families, with children’s high-quality educational content. The changes were made to respond to Nielsen research that discovered that most kids are viewing TV on weeknights and weekend afternoons.
There will also be access to full episodes through pbskids.org and on the PBS KIDS Video App, which is available on a variety of mobile devices, tablets and over-the-top platforms such as Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Xbox One and Chromecast.
The PBS KIDS 24/7 channel will include popular favorites, such as DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD, ODD SQUAD, WILD KRATTS and DINOSAUR TRAIN; the new series NATURE CAT and READY JET GO!, which debuted February 15; and SPLASH (w.t.), a series from The Jim Henson Company that will premiere in fall 2016. Stations will be able to provide the PBS KIDS 24/7 channel in addition to their current primary PBS channel, which will continue to feature a PBS KIDS day part. The schedule of children’s programming on the primary PBS channel will be different from the 24/7 channel, offering families a variety of options.
Following its initial launch, PBS plans to add a games specially designed for kids. Eventually kids will be able to select a game or activity that aligns with their favorite show to create a fun PBS digital experience. According to PBS, the live stream and games feature is grounded in research demonstrating that measurable gains in learning are achieved when children engage with PBS KIDS content on multiple platforms.
About PBS
PBS, with 350 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content. Each month, PBS reaches nearly 100 million people through television and nearly 33 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’ broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. PBS’ premier children’s TV programming and its website, pbskids.org, are parents’ and teachers’ most trusted partners in inspiring and nurturing curiosity and love of learning in children. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the Internet, or by following PBS on Twitter, Facebook or through our apps for mobile devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available at pbs.org/pressroom or by following PBS Pressroom on Twitter.
