PBS Local Stations Expand to Over 100 Markets on YouTube TV
PBS and YouTube TV launch a new partnership bringing over 100 local PBS stations and PBS Kids channels to the live TV streaming platform. The deal significantly broadens public television's reach among cord-cutters across 75 percent of U.S. households.
Over 100 local PBS stations start streaming live and on-demand content today on YouTube TV. This partnership makes PBS the first public broadcasting network to integrate its local affiliate stations directly into a live TV streaming app. Viewers access dedicated live channels for both PBS and PBS Kids, along with a robust library of on-demand programming.
The expansion brings popular PBS shows like "Masterpiece," "Frontline," and "Antiques Roadshow" to YouTube TV subscribers, while PBS Kids features favorites such as "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood" and "Odd Squad." Currently, this service covers 75 percent of U.S. households, with additional local stations scheduled to join the platform throughout 2020.
While PBS content already exists on various streaming apps, websites, and on-demand services like Netflix, this deal marks a milestone for live local access on a skinny bundle. PBS executives emphasize that this move fulfills their commitment to making trusted content available across as many platforms as possible to meet the changing viewing habits of modern audiences.