PBS to Launch New Kids Channel and Digital Live Stream

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PBS to Launch New Kids Channel and Digital Live Stream

The move comes as competitors like Netflix, Amazon and HBO, which recently acquired first-run rights to PBS mainstay 'Sesame Street,' have increased their library of programming aimed at children.

PBS will launch a new TV channel and digital live stream featuring kids programming, it was announced Tuesday.

The free services will be powered by local stations and will allow kids to stream their favorite series during primetime and other after-school hours via pbskids.org and on the PBS Kids Video App, which will be available on mobile devices, tablets and platforms like Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Android TV, Xbox One and Chromecast.

PBS' move comes after HBO acquired first-run rights to its long-running mainstay Sesame Street and as Netflix and Amazon have increased their children's programming offerings.

Kids programming has become increasingly important in a multiplatform world with the youngster-aimed offerings proving especially popular on streaming services.

“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,” PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger said in a statement. “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% of all children nationwide do not have the opportunity to attend preschool, providing access is a critical element of our public service mission.”

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/pbs-launch-new-kids-channel-868675?utm_source=twitter
 
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