PBS World to Launch in August

BEVERLY HILLS, July 11: PBS World, a new channel devoted
exclusively to documentary, public affairs and nonfiction programming from PBS,
will debut in the U.S. on August 15.

At launch, PBS World will be offered in nearly 20 markets
across the U.S., by stations representing more than 26 percent of the nation’s
households. Major markets include New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Cleveland and
Tampa, as well as many mid-sized markets across the country. The channel can be
tailored to regional needs and states, and member stations will also be able to
brand the channel with their own call letters. PBS World is produced and
distributed by PBS, WGBH Boston and Thirteen/WNET, in association with American
Public Television (APT) and the National Educational Telecommunications
Association (NETA).

PBS World will regularly showcase signature PBS series like American
Experience, Frontline, Nature,
The Newshour With Jim Lehrer, NOVA and The Tavis Smiley Show. The new channel will also offer up mini-series like
Ken Burns' The War, in addition
to a variety of appropriately themed independent films and programs.

"PBS World has been created both for viewers who have
an appetite for nonfiction programming, as well as loyal public television
viewers who want choice and convenience in accessing their favorite
programs," said Paula Kerger, the president of PBS. "This new channel
allows us to deliver more of the news and public-affairs programming that our
audiences tell us they want."