New Service Supports Mission to Bring Quality Educational Content to All Children
Richmond’s 24/7 PBS KIDS Channel launches today. Watch without cable on channel 57.2, on the Comcast PBS K channel or online at IdeaStations.org/PBSKIDS.
“The 24/7 PBS Kids Channel will expand the most valued and respected lineup of children’s television educational programming in the nation,” says John Felton, Community Idea Stations vice president and general manager of television.
The station is launching the channel in response to families’ evolving needs.
“National surveys show that due to work and after-school schedules, many children and their families are missing out on the opportunity to share time together watching PBS Kids programs,” says Janet Campbell, the station’s director of television programming. “We know that when families view these programs together, the takeaway is greater.”
The new channel will be an addition to the station’s existing schedule of kids programs.
“WCVE/WHTJ will continue to bring the best of the PBS KIDS lineup on weekdays and weekends in an effort to reach as many kids and their families as possible. That schedule will not change,” says Campbell.
Community Idea Stations Ready to Learn Coordinator Mary Jo Grieve, an educator for over thirty years, is excited about what the channel adds to the station’s community outreach.
“24/7 programming will be the icing on the cake for young families. The Channel expands the outstanding resources offered to families and supports the PBS KIDS mission to reach all children with high-quality educational content when they need it. It offers 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,” says Grieve.
Janet Campbell hears often about the impact PBS KIDS shows have.
“I love speaking with people who have grown up with PBS KIDS and hearing how the things they learned watching programs like Sesame Street and Mister Rogers have made a lasting impression,” says Campbell.
About Community Idea Stations: The Community Idea Stations is the largest locally owned and operated public media company in the region, each week reaching more than 300,000 people throughout central Virginia through radio with 88.9 WCVE NPR and television with WCVE/WHTJ PBS, WCVW PBS, lifestyle channel WCVE Create and international program channel MHz Worldview. Additional content for lifelong learners of all ages can be found at www.IdeaStations.org.
