Sprout
channel to launch on Comcast September 1
Sesame
Street is available now "on demand" and daily on PBS Kids
Sprout beginning this September
Courtesy
of Sesame Workshop
April
4, 2005
It’s
the start of something big for families of preschoolers as Comcast
Corporation, PBS (Public Broadcasting Service), Sesame Workshop
and HIT Entertainment today announced the launch of PBS KIDS Sprout.
This month marks the initial launch, with PBS KIDS Sprout On Demand,
a new video-on-demand (VOD) service debuting on Comcast. In addition
to the new VOD service, a 24x7 digital cable channel will launch
this fall, making PBS KIDS Sprout the perfect place for parents
and their little ones to enjoy the wonders of early childhood.
PBS
KIDS Sprout was created as a partnership between Comcast, the country’s
leading provider of cable, entertainment and communications products
and services; PBS, the most trusted distributor of award-winning
children’s programming; and HIT Entertainment and Sesame Workshop,
two of the leading providers of quality entertainment for young
children.
Featured
programs on PBS KIDS Sprout on Demand that parents can pause, fast
forward and rewind so their children can enjoy favorite scenes as
many times as they’d like include:
Sesame
Street
Bob the Builder
Barney & Friends
Thomas & Friends
Angelina Ballerina
Sagwa: The Chinese Siamese Cat
Caillou
The Berenstain Bears
Jay Jay the Jet Plane
Teletubbies
Dragon Tales
PBS
KIDS Sprout On Demand now is available for no additional charge
in Comcast markets with VOD service and is being brought to viewers
in association with local PBS stations. Insight Communications also
is launching PBS KIDS Sprout On Demand this month. The VOD service
will offer 50 hours of programs a month, with twenty-five percent
of the programs updated every two weeks, so families will always
have a fresh selection of episodes to enjoy together.
“Children’s
programming is one of the most popular VOD categories, and now Comcast
is offering customers even more of the programs they enjoy anytime
they want,” said Brian Roberts, Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of Comcast. “Families can depend on PBS KIDS Sprout
for the programs kids love and parents trust.”
“Bringing
together shows children love and parents trust - from Bob the Builder
to Barney & Friends to Sesame Street - PBS KIDS Sprout is the
ultimate destination for preschoolers and their families,”
said Charlie Caminada, Chief Operating Officer, HIT Entertainment.
“This unprecedented partnership couples quality programming
from the leaders in children’s content with the leading US
cable provider and the most trusted name in children’s television,
PBS KIDS."
“This
partnership provides a second home for the popular, award-winning
children’s programming block that PBS stations premiere in
every home in America, free and over-the-air,” added Pat Mitchell,
PBS President and CEO. “Delivered locally on cable in association
with our stations, and via satellite, the new service extends the
access to these programs that children love and parents trust to
24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
"Imagine
laughing and learning with Elmo, Big Bird and even Oscar any time
of day," said Gary E. Knell, President and CEO of Sesame Workshop.
"PBS KIDS Sprout offers parents an opportunity to share in
the simple moments of a child's everyday world, and a chance for
a new generation of children to enjoy engaging shows at their convenience."
In
addition to the stand-alone titles, a “Children’s Favorites”
category includes episodes of Boohbah; George Shrinks; Seven Little
Monsters; Kratt’s Creatures; Zoboomafoo; Archibald the Koala;
Big Sister, Little Brother; Adventures of Captain Pugwash; Three
Friends & Jerry; Dennis & Gnasher; Fireman Sam; Pingu; Noddy;
and more.
PBS
KIDS Sprout On Demand also will feature Spanish-language programming,
including episodes of Barney & Friends, Bob the Builder and
Angelina Ballerina, as well as Plaza Sesamo, the Spanish-language
adaptation of Sesame Street.
MORE
SESAME NEWS
• Sesame
Street Season 45 premieres Monday September 15
• Elmo
Muppeteer Kevin Clash resigns from Sesame Street
• Kevin
Clash takes leave from Sesame Street
• Sesame
Street to air hurricane special Friday November 9
• Sesame
Street Old School Volume 3 coming to DVD November 6
• Sesame Street Season 43 begins September 24 on PBS
• Fan
support essential for production to begin on "I Am Big
Bird"
• "I
Am Big Bird" Caroll Spinney documentary in development
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