Dear Mr. Wilkinson:
Thank you for writing to PBS regarding MISTER ROGERS’ NEIGHBORHOOD.
This iconic series holds an extremely special place in PBS’s heart.
Together, PBS and Family Communications, Inc. are committed to evolving
the role this cherished series plays in today’s media landscape,
ensuring future generations of children can experience this rich, unique
content.
PBS will continue to distribute repeats of MISTER ROGERS’ NEIGHBORHOOD
to all member stations. PBS stations have the option of broadcasting the
series everyday or once a week as best suited for their local community
interests. For those that choose to air the series daily, PBS is feeding
185 episodes over the summer, allowing easy access to a library of
episodes. For those stations choosing to air the series weekly, they can
pick up the weekly feed this fall.
PBS continues to invest in the MISTER ROGERS’ NEIGHBORHOOD Web site at
pbskids.org/rogers, enriching content with new games, activities and
resources for kids, parents and teachers. In addition, PBS and Family
Communications, Inc. are planning to preserve MISTER ROGERS’
NEIGHBORHOOD content and make it available on demand through Web
streaming so families can access it 24/7. We will also engage Fred
Rogers’ many active fans to vote for favorite episodes, share stories
and more.
Kevin Morrison, COO of Family Communications, added, "We've been working
with PBS on the details of the distribution of MISTER ROGERS’
NEIGHBORHOOD in 2008-09 and are pleased that stations can choose to
continue to show the series each day or once a week. Fred Rogers was one
of the pioneers of public television and it's exciting that he will now
be a new media pioneer on an expanded PBS KIDS Web service. Both PBS
and Family Communications have some great ideas to make this a rich
resource for children and parents for years to come.”
Our support for MISTER ROGERS’ NEIGHBORHOOD reaches far beyond the TV
series and Web site, including participation in comprehensive viral
campaigns such as "Sweater Day" in March and various sweater drives
across the country. PBS has carried on the legacy of Fred Rogers
through his TV show, the Web and PBS station community outreach
activities for years because of the incredible impact Fred has had on
children.
Fred Rogers' values are embedded in all the work we do and have been an
inspiration to new generations of children’s producers. Everyday, PBS
KIDS is taking children on a journey to learn about themselves, others
and the world around them, a philosophy that’s very much inspired by
Fred Rogers’ work and his dedication to the betterment of all children.
We appreciate your interest in our programs and hope you will continue
to watch and support your local PBS station.
Sincerely,
Felicia
PBS Viewer Services