{"id":8123,"date":"2017-07-31T10:47:21","date_gmt":"2017-07-31T14:47:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/worldscreen.com\/tvusa\/ruff-ruffman-character-returns-to-pbs-kids-with-digital-series\/"},"modified":"2017-07-31T12:27:14","modified_gmt":"2017-07-31T16:27:14","slug":"ruff-ruffman-character-returns-to-pbs-kids-with-digital-series","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worldscreen.com\/tvusa\/ruff-ruffman-character-returns-to-pbs-kids-with-digital-series\/","title":{"rendered":"PBS Launches New Shows, Initiatives"},"content":{"rendered":"

PBS has unveiled new initiatives and programs focused on reading and art, while PBS Kids is set to bring back the canine star of the classic program\u00a0Fetch! With Ruff Ruffman<\/em> in an all-new digital series and will premiere the animated show\u00a0Luna Around the World<\/em>.<\/p>\n

PBS will launch\u00a0The Great American Read<\/em> (working title)\u00a0in spring 2018. The new eight-part TV series and nationwide campaign explores the joy of books and the power of reading\u00a0and is told through the prism of America\u2019s 100 best-loved books, as chosen by the public. The Great American Read<\/em> encompasses the PBS series, community reading programs and special events, as well as a range of digital and social media initiatives. Also in spring 2018, PBS will air\u00a0Civilizations<\/em>, a new nine-part series presented in partnership with the BBC that tells the story of art from the dawn of human history to the present day on a global scale. Inspired by\u00a0Civilization<\/em>, Kenneth Clark\u2019s landmark 1969 acclaimed series about Western art, the show will reveal the roles art and creativity have played in the forging of humanity.<\/p>\n

The Ruff Ruffman Show<\/em> is a brand-new short-form animated digital series that aims to help kids aged 4 to 8 learn core science concepts through videos, gameplay and hands-on activities. In the series, canine host Ruff Ruffman and his assistants Blossom and Chet answer questions from real kids. All 20 videos of the show will be available on September 28 on PBS Kids digital platforms, including online and via the PBS Kids Video app.<\/p>\n

The videos will also roll out on the PBS Kids YouTube channel beginning September 28, and segments from the series will air on the new PBS Kids 24\/7 channel and live stream this fall. PBS stations will also offer the content in underserved communities across the U.S. Related games will be available online and on the PBS Kids Games app. A Ruff Ruffman<\/em> app will also become available on a range of mobile devices. The Ruff Ruffman Show<\/em> was developed as part of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and PBS Ready to Learn Initiative with funding from the U.S. Department of Education. Ready to Learn is a federal program that supports the development of innovative educational television and digital media targeted at preschool and early elementary school children and their families. The multiplatform series is produced by WGBH Boston.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt PBS Kids, we\u2019re always looking for ways to innovate across platforms through new formats and interactive content to meet the needs of today\u2019s kids,\u201d said Lesli Rotenberg, the senior VP and general manager of children\u2019s media and education at PBS. \u201cWe\u2019re excited to offer The Ruff Ruffman Show<\/em> through digital shorts to introduce children to a variety of science concepts that allow them to learn from challenges and failure. Ruff is a character kids can relate to, modeling skills they can apply to their own daily curiosities.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWGBH is dedicated to creating opportunities for children to discover and learn, and Ruff Ruffman is the ideal character to engage kids in science experimentation,\u201d said Terry Fitzpatrick, WGBH\u2019s VP for children\u2019s media and education. \u201cWe\u2019re delighted that he is joining the CPB-PBS Ready to Learn Initiative to introduce real-world science experiences that are essential building blocks for lifelong achievement.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPublic media\u2019s free and high-quality educational programs introduce important learning concepts to children in innovative ways,\u201d said Deb Sanchez, CPB\u2019s senior VP for education and children\u2019s content. \u201cThe Ruff Ruffman Show<\/em> demonstrates for young learners how to think like scientists, promoting positive perceptions of themselves as explorers of their world and learners.\u201d<\/p>\n

In addition, PBS Kids revealed that the all-new animated series Luna Around the World<\/em>, created by Joe Murray (Rocko\u2019s Modern Life<\/em>, Camp Lazlo<\/em>) and produced by 9 Story Media Group, will premiere in fall 2018. The new multiplatform series will debut nationwide on PBS stations, the new 24\/7 PBS Kids channel and PBS Kids digital platforms. The show focuses on a social studies curriculum and is meant to encourage kids aged 4 to 7 to explore and appreciate cultures from around the world, as well as to build global citizenship and social skills. The series follows the adventures of three friends from Australia, Mexico and the U.S. as they traverse the globe with their parents’ traveling performance troupe. Each episode will feature two 11-minute stories and interstitial content, including live-action segments about arts and cultures, and animated folktales and songs.<\/p>\n

The program is currently in production on 38 half-hour episodes and an hour-long special. Digital content will also be available for kids, parents and teachers beginning in fall 2018, and a Luna Around the World<\/em> app will launch after the series’ debut. 9 Story Distribution International is managing the distribution and merchandising rights for the property outside of Canada.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur approach with\u00a0Luna Around the World<\/em> is to offer engaging stories and adventures that are fun, developmentally appropriate and align with our whole-child approach to content,\u201d said Linda Simensky, the VP of children\u2019s programming at PBS. \u201cLuna is a trusted guide who will encourage children to learn about the world beyond their own neighborhoods. The series seeks to foster an appreciation for cultural diversity, developing social and civic skills and promoting global stewardship.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLuna Around the World<\/em> is designed to ignite kids\u2019 curiosity about the world and inspire them to learn about the many different cultures that call it home,\u201d added Murray. \u201cThrough this show, my goal is to give all children the opportunity to explore cultures other than their own, and to learn about the similarities that unite all of us through challenges that kids can relate to, with the universal language of laughter woven into each story.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are thrilled to be working with PBS Kids and the incredibly talented Joe Murray to bring\u00a0Luna Around the World<\/em> to life,\u201d said Vince Commisso, the president and CEO of 9 Story Media Group. \u201cWe\u2019ve had the pleasure of working with PBS Kids over the years on several shows, including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood<\/em>, Peg + Cat<\/em>, Wild Kratts<\/em> and Nature Cat<\/em>, and it\u2019s exciting to take our partnership to the next level. The PBS Kids team is best-in-class at what they do, and showcasing\u00a0Luna Around the World<\/em> across their various platforms will have tremendous reach with kids.\u201d<\/p>\n

The news about all series and initiatives was unveiled during the Television Critics Association Press Tour.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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