PBS Kids Go!

PBS Kids Go! is an educational television brand used by PBS for programs intended for older children (6 to 13-year olds), in comparison to the younger targeted PBS Kids. It was broadcast on PBS stations during the afternoon hours on weekdays. It debuted on October 11, 2004 and closed on October 7, 2013.

PBS Kids Go!
PBS Kids Go!.svg
PremieredOctober 11, 2004; 19 years ago (2004-10-11)
ClosedOctober 7, 2013; 10 years ago (2013-10-07)
ChannelPBS
PBS Kids
CountryUnited States
FormatAfternoon programming block
Runtime2 hours

History

PBS Kids Go! programming block was launched in October 2004. With the of the PBS Kids network for PBS Kids Sprout in 2005, Kids Go continued on PBS.[1]

In April 2006, PBS announced that, in October 2006, a 24-hour digital multicast network called PBS Kids Go! Channel would be launched with additional content. Slated were several programming blocks, an evening Go! family block targeted at both children and their families, a Spanish language-programming block, "PBS Kids Vayan!" and a school block. KidsWorld Sports, HIT Entertainment’s Wishbone reruns and Kratts’ Creatures were planned as exclusive programs for the network. These exclusive shows plus those from the PBS block would total seven hours of original programming. At this time, PBS planned on adding one or two new series per year. The network was to be fee-based, allowing those stations that subscript to place the network's exclusive programs on their analog channel if they wish. A branded interactive club was also part of the plan, with stations working it into their existing club or starting a new club and branding it how they would like to.[1]

With only one third of PBS stations affiliating with the network and half needed on July 6, 2006, the network was withdrawn. PBS left open the possibility to re-offer the network. Stations found that the sliding scale licensing fees were too high for what little exclusive programming they received, especially after spending additional funds for the PBS HD feed.[2]

Related pages

References