PBS Launching Free Kids Channel, Including Streaming, On-Demand Video

By MARC TORRENCE (Patch National Staff)

Kids who are tired of watching BBC News or Charlie Rose with their parents every night are in luck.

PBS is launching a free, 24/7 television channel later this year with only kids shows that will be live-streamed online with programming available on-demand, the station announced Tuesday.

On TV, it will be a separate channel than the standard PBS, which already shows some children’s programming.

Online, a free livestream will be available for anyone to watch, while shows and clips will also be available on-demand for more Netflix-like viewing. The online content can be accessed through the PBS website or by Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and other streaming devices, PBS said.

“The television channel and the live stream will make it easier for children to watch their favorite series during primetime and after-school hours when viewing among families is high,” PBS spokeswoman Jennifer Byrne said in an email to Patch.

“Nielsen data demonstrates that TV is the dominant way children access video, with most viewing taking place on weeknights and weekend afternoons and evenings. Through the 24/7 channel and live stream, PBS KIDS educational programming will be available to children at peak viewing times.”

As part of the live stream, PBS will offer ”integrated games” alongside the programming. The PBS release said that “measurable gains in learning are achieved when children engage with PBS KIDS content on multiple platforms.”

The channel will feature popular shows such as, “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” “Odd Squad,” “Wild Kratts” and “Dinosaur Train,” along with two new series, “Nature Cat” and “Ready Jet Go!”

The station said that PBS is especially valuable to low-income families, who don’t always have access to preschool or other educational opportunities.

“The services we are launching (channel + livestream + games), will offer the very best child and parent experience, increasing round-the-clock access to award winning PBS KIDS content, especially for those who need it the most,” Byrne said.

“Together, this triple play will support our mission to reach all children with high-quality educational content.

• Read PBS’ full announcement about its new kids-only channel here.