SPRINGFIELD — Beginning Monday, Jan. 16, WGBY Kids will be a 24/7 multiplatform offering. Families with children can now enjoy the nation’s most trusted, educational content anytime, anyplace.
PBS Kids programs will air on WGBY Kids 24 hours each day. Additionally, a live stream will be offered, making it easy for children (typically aged 2–8 years) to watch their favorites series during primetime and other after-school hours when viewing among families is high. The digital stream will be accessible online (where other related interactive games and resources await) via WGBY.org/kids or the PBS Kids app (compatible with most devices as well as such platforms as Roku, Apple TV, Xbox One, etc.).
The live stream complements on-demand clips and full episodes, which will continue to be available for free on the PBS Kids Video App and WGBY.org/kids. According to PBS, its PBS Kids content average 419.8 million streams per month.
“For over 40 years, WGBY has offered a steady stream of engaging, educational PBS Kids programming that sparks kids’ imaginations and fosters a life-long love of learning,” says WGBY Interim General Manager Lynn Page. “The new 24/7 PBS Kids channel builds on that mission, providing an essential service for children, parents, and teachers alike.”
Page goes on to remind station viewers that PBS Kids content extends well beyond TV sets and devices. “Our staff works face-to-face with educators and children throughout western New England. We act as a PBS Learning Media ambassador and liaison, providing freeclassroom-ready, curriculum-based materials both inside and outside the classroom,” she says. “PBS Kids and PBS LearningMedia are important resources for young minds in America, and we work hard to get it into the hands of educators and before the eyes of children. We’re proud any time we can expand services here in our region.”
Designed to meet the needs of today’s families, the new free 24/7 services will provide learning opportunities for every child, especially those at risk, whenever and wherever they access media. Following its initial launch, the live stream will expand to offer an integrated games feature, enabling children to toggle between a PBS Kids show and an activity that extends learning. The live stream and games feature is grounded in research demonstrating that measurable gains in learning are achieved when children engage with PBS Kids content on multiple platforms. The games will align with the learning goals of each TV series, deepening children’s involvement and supporting learning.
WGBY Kids will continue to include such popular favorites as Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Odd Squad, Wild Kratts, and Dinosaur Train as well as new series Nature Cat, Ready Jet Go! and Splash & Bubbles.
The 24/7 PBS Kids offering is an integral part of PBS’ long-term vision for its children’s service and will build on the reach and impact WGBY already has in the western New England community. In the coming year, PBS and WGBY will roll out a variety of additional initiatives designed to meet the needs of today’s children, including new STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) content, digital innovations and customizable tools for parents and caregivers.
WHERE TO FIND WGBY KIDS
To access 24/7 PBS Kids content through WGBY, families may visit WGBY.org/kids or tune into the broadcast on the following channels:
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