PBS Bolsters Digital Extensions

PASADENA: PBS has created a new app for the iPhone and iPod touch that features more than 300 hours of free video, including full-length programs, and has also unveiled an Antiques Roadshow game app.

The PBS App, available through the App Store on iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, features programming from Frontline, PBS Newshour and others. It also features scheduling details, previews and a new tune-in reminder calendar that can be synced with iCal.

“With a huge library from nearly 360 member stations and 1,500 public media producers, PBS is delivering a rich on-demand experience and is now one of the first broadcasters to bring full-length video to the iPhone,” said Jason Seiken, the senior VP of PBS Interactive, Product Development and Innovation. “There has been increasing demand for our content on other platforms—the PBS video player averages 22 minutes viewing time per program among audiences 18-plus and ranks 19th among video sites, with more than 104 million streams. In addition, PBSKIDS.org is the number one children’s video site in streams and unique users, according to comScore.”

Based on the popular series, the Antiques Roadshow app features dozens of game challenges that let players collect and store hundreds of virtual antiques based on images of real objects and actual values. Players appraise and learn about each item’s history and value.

“Antiques Roadshow remains a huge hit on-air, and local events draw large crowds. The series is part adventure, part history and part treasure hunt, and now the app takes it to another level, allowing players to become antiques dealers-in-training,” added Marsha Bemko, the executive producer of Antiques Roadshow. “No more waiting in line to get in. We’ve granted VIP access passes to everyone to indulge their inner appraiser.”