ARLINGTON: U.S. public broadcaster PBS is launching new free 24/7 multiplatform children’s services later this year, including a TV channel and live stream on digital platforms.

NEW YORK: Spike and Nickelodeon are partnering with the team behind Lip Sync Battle, Casey Patterson Entertainment and Matador, to develop a kid-themed spin-off.

DUBLIN/OSLO: NRK is working with RTÉ to offer funding for an "impactful" format that can be made for both the Norwegian and Irish marketplaces.

MUMBAI: Viacom18 is launching a brand-new channel offering in India, Rishtey CINEPLEX, devoted to Hindi-language movies.

NEW YORK: Steve Macallister, the CEO of all3media international, tells World Screen Newsflash about how he is positioning the company for further global expansion in 2016.

BANGKOK: Thailand’s Channel 3 is teaming up with pay-TV platform CTH and DreamWorks Animation to launch the first daily free-to-air programming block in Asia featuring original series from the studio, including Dragons: Race to the Edge.

LONDON: Sky Vision has inked an exclusive three-script development deal with the production company Merman, which has a current roster that includes the Sarah Jessica Parker HBO series Divorce.

TORONTO: Blue Ant Media’s lifestyle specialty channel Makeful is debuting new original series, including Taste of the Country, this spring and will also launch a four-week free preview across Canada that kicks off February 29.

KNOXVILLE: Scripps Networks Interactive has acquired the remaining 35 percent interest in Travel Channel Media from Cox Communications for $99 million in cash, which includes the value of certain tax benefits.

MEXICO CITY: Comarex is slated to showcase a variety of series, miniseries, telenovelas, animation, formats and films at this year's MIPTV, including the drama Tuscan Passion.