PBS Kids

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PBS Kids (often styled all-caps as "PBS KIDS") is the umbrella brand for children's programming aired by the Public Broadcasting Service in the United States. As with all PBS programming, PBS Kids programming is non-commercial.

PBS KIDS was a separate television network founded on 1999 and was targeted at children aged 3-6 years. The PBS Kids Channel was running for 7 years and was largely paid for by DirecTV, which decided not to renew its licensing deal. The channel ceased operation on October 1, 2005, in favor of a new joint commercial venture, PBS Kids Sprout, which is a partnership owned in part by Comcast (40%).[citation needed] Some stations (such as WNET, KTCI, and WHA) still program a PBS Kids channel themselves.

Contents

[edit] Programming

[edit] Programming Blocks

[edit] PBS Kids Bookworm Bunch

In September 2000, PBS Kids launched PBS Kids Bookworm Bunch which featured: George Shrinks, Seven Little Monsters, and Timothy Goes to School. This block of programming was discontinued in September 2004 after Corduroy, and Elliot Moose ceased production.

[edit] PBS Kids GO!

In October 2004, PBS Kids launched PBS Kids GO! which features: Arthur and Cyberchase. Maya and Miguel, Postcards From Buster, Fetch! With Ruff Ruffman, Wishbone, and WordGirl.

[edit] PBS KIDS Preschool Destination

In September 2006, PBS Kids launched "Miss Lori and Hooper", a preschool-themed block which aired weekday mornings. It was hosted by Miss Lori (actress Lori Holton Nash) and Hooper (an animated guinea pig) and featured Curious George, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Dragon Tales, and Super Why! (which replaced It's a Big Big World, an original member of the block.) In May of 2008, this block was renamed "PBS KIDS Preschool Destination" and two new hosts were added: Miss Rosa (actress Jennifer Pena) and Mr. Steve (musician Steve Roslonek, aka "SteveSongs").

[edit] Special Programing

[edit] Vote-A-Rama

In September 2002, PBS Kids introduced "Vote-A-Rama". Children could vote online for their favorite episode of a show out of four choices, or their favorite episode of different shows on a particular theme. On some PBS stations, this feature is referred to as "Kids' Picks".

[edit] Pet-Tacular

On September 1, 2003, PBS Kids introduced Clifford's Puppy Days with their "Pet-Tacular" block. It included two episodes of Arthur, and two new episodes of Clifford's Puppy Days, and was introduced by three Zoom Members, Aline, Mike, and Shing Ying.

[edit] Share a Story Talent Show

In May 2004 and September 2004, PBS Kids ran a block of programming centered around the theme of storytelling. This block featured episodes of Arthur, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Cyberchase, and Dragon Tales.

[edit] Share the Earth Day

On April 21, 2006, PBS Kids aired a block of programming in honor of Earth Day, featuring episodes of Dragon Tales, Clifford, and It's a Big Big World. On Friday April 20, 2007, PBS Kids aired another Earth-Day-themed block with Miss Lori and Hooper. A new episode of Super Why! based on the Australian story "Tiddalick the Frog" aired on April 22, 2008.

[edit] Big Big Friend Day/Friend Day

In 2005, PBS Kids instituted an annual Friend Day, broadcast on the Friday after Thanksgiving Day. First aired as "Big Big Friend Day", featuring the debut of It's A Big Big World (hence the original name) and featured two episodes of Clifford the Big Red Dog and Dragon Tales. Programs on Friend Day feature episodes centered around the themes of friendship and keeping in touch. The 2006 Friend Day was the first PBS Kids special to be hosted by Miss Lori and Hooper. The 2007 Friend Day featured episodes of Curious George and Super Why! in addition to Clifford and Dragon Tales. The 2008 Friend Day will feature two new episodes of Super WHY! back to back, The Three Feathers and The Little Mermaid, premiering on November 28th.

[edit] Others

Other specials include Cyberchase: My Big Idea, Fetch-a-Thon, George to George, Come Fly with Dragon Tales, Piggley Wiggly Party, Arthur and Buster's Thanksgiving Spectacular, WordGirl Go-riffic Marathon, and more.

[edit] List of programs broadcast by PBS Kids

(Note: Not all shows are aired on all PBS stations.)

[edit] References

[edit] External links

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