24/7 Multiplatform PBS Kids Services to Roll Out This Year

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 that will feature hit shows such as Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.

The launch of these free services will allow PBS stations across the U.S. to broadcast PBS Kids 24/7 on an additional channel and via a live stream so that children can access PBS Kids programming during prime time and after-school hours. The station-branded live stream will be accessible via pbskids.org and on the PBS Kids Video app.

The PBS Kids 24/7 channel will be offered in addition to local stations’ current primary PBS channel, which will continue to feature a PBS Kids daypart. The new channel will air popular shows such as Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Odd Squad, Wild Kratts and Dinosaur Train. New shows coming to the channel include Nature Cat and Ready Jet Go!, which premiered this month. It will also feature the tentatively titled Splash from The Jim Henson Company, which has been slated for a fall premiere.

The live stream complements on-demand clips and full episodes of PBS Kids shows, which will continue to be available for free on the PBS Kids Video app and streaming via pbskids.org. The app is available on mobile devices, tablets and OTT platforms such as Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Xbox One and Chromecast. Following its initial launch, the live stream experience will expand to offer an integrated games feature, enabling children to toggle between a PBS Kids show and an activity that extends learning. The games will complement the learning goals of each TV program.

“Parents know that PBS Kids makes a difference in their children’s lives, which is why so many have said they would value having access to our content throughout the day,” said PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger. “Television continues to be the most widely used platform for children’s educational content, especially among low-income families. The new PBS Kids 24/7 channel and live stream offered by local member stations ensure that educational media is available to all families all the time and via a platform that works for them. Given that 54 percent of all children nationwide do not have the opportunity to attend preschool, providing access is a critical element of our public service mission.”