Advanced Television

PBS to launch free streaming service

February 24, 2016

PBS, the US provider of educational media for children, will launch new 24/7 children’s services later this year. Provided by local stations, the free services include a new TV channel and live stream on digital platforms.

PBS stations across the US will be able to broadcast PBS KIDS shows 24 hours a day on an additional television channel and offer a live stream, making it easy for children to watch their favourite series during primetime and other after-school hours when viewing among families is high. Viewers will be able to watch the station-branded live stream through pbskids.org and on the PBS KIDS Video App, which is available on a variety of mobile devices, tablets and over-the-top platforms such as Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Xbox One and Chromecast.

“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. Television continues to be the most widely used platform for children’s educational content, especially among low-income families,” said PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger. “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 per cent of all children nationwide do not have the opportunity to attend preschool, providing access is a critical element of our public service mission.”

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