PBS Press Tour, Pasadena, CA; July 26, 2006 - PBS today announced the launch of PBS content on Google Video (www.video.google.com/pbs.html), making it possible for users to download and own a selection of PBS primetime and children's programming for the first time ever. The announcement was made by PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger at the Television Critics Association Press Tour.
Ms. Kerger said, "We've received significant viewer feedback this year, requesting that we offer our television content in downloadable formats, and we're looking forward to this launch with Google Video. As we've seen with our podcasts, PBS viewers appreciate the opportunity to consume PBS and local PBS stations' content when and where they like, and today's announcement will be a boon to the quickly-increasing number of these kinds of media consumers."
Showcasing the strong local associations PBS stations have within their communities, PBS programs downloaded through Google Video will carry a spot encouraging viewers to become members of their local PBS station.
"We are very proud to work with PBS to bring its outstanding programming to a whole new audience of Google Video users," said David Eun, Vice President of Content Partnerships, Google. "Google Video provides the widest and most diverse range of online video content, much of which wasn't previously accessible online. PBS is another great addition to our growing collection of high quality content." Google Video offers a fast and easy way for users to watch and share a comprehensive set of videos - including free and paid, user-generated and professional video content of any length or size.
Select episodes of PBS programs that users can buy on Google Video are:
Primetime Programming
ANTIQUES ROADSHOW
NOVA
NOW
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN FRONTIERS
PBS KIDS and PBS KIDS GO! Programming
ARTHUR
CYBERCHASE
FETCH!
About PBS
PBS is a media enterprise that serves 354 public noncommercial television stations and reaches almost 90 million people each week through on-air and online content. Bringing diverse viewpoints to television and the Internet, PBS provides high-quality documentary and dramatic entertainment, and consistently dominates the most prestigious award competitions. PBS is a leading provider of educational materials for K-12 teachers, and offers a broad array of other educational services. PBS' premier kids' TV programming and Web site, PBS KIDS Online (pbskids.org), continue to be parents' and teachers' most trusted learning environments for children. More information about PBS is available at pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org Web sites on the Internet.
CONTACT:
Kevin Dando, PBS, 703/739-5073; kdando@pbs.org