Philadelphia, PA - September 26, 2005 PBS KIDS Sprout
today announced the launch of the new 24/7 preschool network and
its website making PBS KIDS Sprout the perfect place for parents
and their little ones to enjoy the wonders of early childhood -
anytime, anywhere. PBS KIDS Sprout is available on digital
cable and satellite with over 16 million committed subscribers
dedicated to offering little ones safe, fun, quality content.
PBS KIDS Sprout features an extraordinary line-up of shows
including:
Sesame Street®, Bob the Builder™, Barney & Friends™, Thomas
& Friends™, Angelina Ballerina™, Sagwa: The Chinese Siamese
Cat™, Caillou®, The Berenstain Bears™, Jay Jay the Jet
Plane™, Teletubbies™, Dragon Tales™, Pingu™, Noddy™ and more!
Diana Kerekes, the acting GM for PBS KIDS Sprout said, "Building
on the remarkable success of our video-on-demand (VOD) service,
we're very excited to be launching our digital cable channel and
website today-making Sprout truly a multi-platform destination for
preschoolers and their caregivers." Kerekes added, "Not only does
Sprout offer programming that is trusted, we're also able to
provide such programs after 6pm, when other preschool channels just
aren't available; that's why we say we're PBS KIDS Sprout--all
preschool, all the time!"
The channel features thematic programming blocks uniquely scheduled
to follow the day of a preschooler from breakfast through to
bedtime. Morning programming on PBS KIDS Sprout features
stimulating and upbeat shows designed to get little ones moving and
active for the day ahead. Lunchtimes and afternoons offer
shows with common learning themes such as shapes, colors and
feelings. The evening programming block includes soothing,
relaxing shows to help children gently wind down after a busy
day.
Hosts Kevin and Melanie, the first members of the PBS KIDS
Sprout on-air family, appear in original segments between favorite
shows creating a safe and nurturing environment. Throughout
the day, Kevin and Melanie lead fun and engaging activities that
encourage interactivity and learning. Kevin, the Birthday
Host, shares viewer submitted birthday greetings and celebrations,
while Bedtime Host, Melanie, plays games, does arts and crafts and
tell stories.
PBS KIDS Sprout also offers a complete video-on-demand (VOD),
service featuring 50 hours of VOD content every day. With
video-on-demand, a parent can access their preschooler's favorite
show - exactly when they want; you can start any show and play and
stop and stop and play! PBS KIDS Sprout On Demand also
features Spanish-language programming, including episodes of Barney
& Friends, Bob the Builder and Angelina Ballerina, as well as
Plaza Sésamo, the Spanish-language adaptation of Sesame Street.
The PBS KIDS Sprout complementary website, www.sproutletsgrow.com,
offers a fun, safe environment for little ones and their caregivers
to engage in shared moments of learning and laughing while surfing
and playing together. Sproutletsgrow.com offers original
games, programming schedule as well as user-friendliness in
interacting with preschoolers most beloved characters.
If PBS KIDS Sprout isn't available yet in your neighborhood,
please contact your
local cable company.
About PBS KIDS Sprout
PBS KIDS Sprout was created as a partnership between Comcast
Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) the country's leading provider
of cable, entertainment and communications products and services;
PBS (Public Broadcasting Service), the most trusted distributor of
award-winning children's programming; and HIT Entertainment and
Sesame Workshop, two of the leading providers of quality
entertainment for young children.
PBS KIDS Sprout Press Contact:
Gina B.Legnani
(917) 855-2910
ginalegnani@aol.com
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