PBS Kids wins digital funding boost

MIPCOM: The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) in the US has awarded PBS Kids a US$5.6m grant to help fund digital content for children.

Lesli Rotenberg,

The grant will be used to create integrated video and game experiences for children and allow the public broadcaster to experiment more with shortform video.

PBS Kids is currently developing a media service for two- to eight-years-olds, integrating 24/7 live linear television, VoD and gaming.

The grant will also be used to increase community engagement around the recently launched PBS Kids 24/7 channel and live-stream via local PBS stations.

The 24/7 channel launched in January and is available in over 90% of US TV households. It is also available as a live stream on pbskids.org and on the free PBS Kids video app.

“CPB is committed to supporting innovation that keeps public media at the forefront of helping kids and families learn, grow and access trusted, safe content,” said Debra Sanchez, CPB senior VP, education and children’s content.

“We’re also committed to ensuring that all kids have access to this kind of cutting-edge content experience, for free and commercial-free.”

“The PBS Kids 24/7 channel has been a great success, extending our reach to America’s children, with families in low-income and broadcast-only homes benefiting the most,” said Lesli Rotenberg, senior VP and general manager, children’s media and education at PBS.