PBS to Launch New 24 Hour Streaming Network for Kids

Mobile devices, DVRs, YouTube, and streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu have challenged traditional programming for kids as much as they have for adults. Just like grownups, kids now watch their favorite shows when and where they want them – not necessarily when they were originally programmed. Because of this trend, PBS is launching a new digital-cable TV channel and live stream to broadcast programs from “PBS Kids” 24 hours a day. According to Brian Steinberg on Variety, programs available on the new service include “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” “Odd Squad,” “Wild Kratts,” “Dinosaur Train,” “Nature Cat” and “Ready Jet Go!,” as well as a brand new series, “Splash,” from the Jim Henson Co.

New @PBSKIDS channel to feature @danieltigertv @NatureCatShow but no word yet on @GoCuriousGeorge @PegPlusCatTV https://t.co/mlWUqVmw1K

— Brian Steinberg (@bristei) February 23, 2016

Kids are watching a huge amount of streaming media. Tubular Labs measured 5.6 billion views for YouTube’s kid-focused vids in the first quarter of 2015, up 224% from the same period the previous year. Meanwhile, streaming on pbskids.org accounts for nearly half of all time spent watching kids videos online, according to PBS. Across digital platforms, PBS Kids averages 419.8 million streams per month. This new PBS kid-focused service will be free. It will come from PBS itself, rather than local stations. However, local stations can carry the channel. Variety also reports that PBS intends will offer "integrated games feature'” that will allow kids to toggle between PBS Kids shows educational games aligned with the learning goals of each TV series. H/T PBS to Launch Digital Kids-TV Outlet Also on Variety: How Kids’ TV Networks Are Fighting Off Their Frightening Decline