– Expanded Partnership Features More Than 50 PBS Series,
Including “Downton Abbey” on MASTERPIECE, AMERICAN MASTERS,
ANTIQUES ROADSHOW, FRONTLINE, NOVA and More on Xfinity On Demand,
and Adds New PBS Titles to Xfinity TV Go Platforms –
– Partnership Includes Enhanced Branding for PBS Stations –
ARLINGTON, VA and PHILADELPHIA, PA; MAY 20, 2015 -- Today, PBS and Comcast announced a new partnership that will more than double the amount of PBS programming available via Xfinity On Demand. Recently-aired episodes from more than 50 signature PBS series will be featured on Xfinity On Demand, including primetime shows like AMERICAN EXPERIENCE, AMERICAN MASTERS, ANTIQUES ROADSHOW, CALL THE MIDWIFE, FRONTLINE, NOVA and MASTERPIECE titles including “Downton Abbey,” “Wolf Hall,” “Mr. Selfridge,” “Grantchester” and “Poldark.” As part of the expanded partnership, Xfinity TV customers will also enjoy access to more content across Xfinity TV Go platforms, including hit series GREAT PERFORMANCES, NATURE, SECRETS OF THE DEAD and more. Episodes will become available soon after they broadcast on local PBS member stations.
The expanded agreement will also provide PBS with increased promotional opportunities across Xfinity TV platforms, as well has enhanced branding for local PBS member stations on Xfinity On Demand within the menu.
“We are pleased that this new agreement recognizes public television’s unique structure and gives prominent branding to local member stations as the source of PBS content in their respective markets,” said Ira Rubenstein, Senior Vice President and General Manager, PBS Digital. “Offering an enhanced selection of PBS programming on highly engaged platforms like Xfinity On Demand is a great way to help grow our audience, introduce new viewers to our programming and offer new promotional opportunities. We are glad that our viewers — who we know are increasingly looking for on-demand content — will have even more opportunity to watch the programs they love.”
“Comcast and PBS have a longstanding relationship built around a commitment to providing the viewers we both serve with access to the content they want across devices,” said Franz Kurath, Vice President, Content Acquisition, Comcast Cable. “Xfinity On Demand and Xfinity TV Go are go-to sources for customers who want to catch up and stay current on their favorite TV shows, and the addition of PBS’ original programming brings even more high-quality, award-winning programming to the platforms.”
AMERICAN EXPERIENCE, ANTIQUES ROADSHOW, FRONTLINE, MASTERPIECE and NOVA are produced by WGBH Boston. AMERICAN MASTERS, GREAT PERFORMANCES, NATURE and SECRETS OF THE DEAD are produced by WNET New York.
"Downton Abbey" is a Carnival Films/MASTERPIECE co-production.
About Comcast Cable
Comcast Cable is the nation’s largest video, high-speed Internet and phone provider to residential customers under the XFINITY brand and also provides these services to businesses. Comcast has invested in technology to build an advanced network that delivers among the fastest broadband speeds, and brings customers personalized video, communications and home management offerings. Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) is a global media and technology company. Visit http://www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.
About PBS
PBS, with its over 350 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content. Each month, PBS reaches nearly 109 million people through television and over 28 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’ broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. PBS’ premier children’s TV programming and its website, pbskids.org, are parents’ and teachers’ most trusted partners in inspiring and nurturing curiosity and love of learning in children. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the Internet, or by following PBS on Twitter, Facebook or through our apps for mobile devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available at pbs.org/pressroom or by following PBS PressRoom on Twitter.
– PBS –
CONTACTS: Jennifer R. Byrne, PBS, 703-739-5487; JRByrne@pbs.org
Lisa Scalzo, Comcast, 215-286-5211; Lisa_Scalzo@comcast.com
For images and additional up-to-date information on this and other PBS programs, visit PBS PressRoom at pbs.org/pressroom.
