IndependentFilm.com

ORLANDO, Fla., May 18 /PRNewswire/ -- PBS today announced the addition of seven PBS programs to its existing roster of primetime titles available for viewing via local free video-on-demand. With these additions -- including a number of hallmark PBS series -- PBS stations now can provide local cable operators a diverse package of ten VOD titles, available to viewers on-demand for free up to seven days after their broadcast premieres. The announcement was made by PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger at PBS' Annual Showcase meeting in Orlando.

The entire free VOD package, including the three existing PBS titles, now includes:

* ANTIQUES ROADSHOW (existing VOD title)
* FRONTLINE (existing VOD title)
* THE NEWSHOUR WITH JIM LEHRER (existing VOD title)
* NATURE (new)
* NIGHTLY BUSINESS REPORT (new)
* NOW (new)
* P.O.V. (new)
* TAVIS SMILEY (new)
* WASHINGTON WEEK WITH GWEN IFILL & NATIONAL JOURNAL (new)
* WIDE ANGLE (new)

In addition, there will be quarterly features (including selected episodes from NOVA, MASTERPIECE THEATRE and MYSTERY!).

Showcasing the strong local associations PBS stations have within their communities, these PBS on-demand titles will be the same localized broadcasts seen by viewers in their own markets. Local PBS stations work with their cable operators, who record the selected programs from the local PBS station broadcasts as they air. The cable operator then encodes the recorded programs and makes them available on free VOD shortly after broadcast.

Paula Kerger said, "As viewer habits shift, it's critical that local PBS stations make their content available on-demand in this way, allowing our stations to not only reach additional viewers at times convenient to them, but also to highlight the quality content and variety of services the stations offer their communities."

About PBS

PBS is a private, nonprofit media enterprise that serves the nation's 348 public noncommercial television stations, reaching nearly 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.

Source: PBS