KPBS announced this week the launch of three new channels offering new, localized broadcast streams. The three channels will begin Jan. 18 and will support KPBS’ mission to reach local audiences with high-quality content while offering unique schedules, designed to provide viewing options 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The new channels include: KPBS 2 featuring public television’s finest drama, science, nature, original documentary, and news programming; KPBS Create featuring more than 60 of public TV’s best cooking, travel, home improvement, gardening, and arts & crafts shows; and KPBS Kids airing signature PBS kids shows to support early learning.
The new channels will be broadcast over-the-air, providing free access to each household in the San Diego area. KPBS will continue to be located at 15.1; KPBS 2 will be located at 15.2, KPBS Create at 15.3, and KPBS Kids at 15.4. The new channels will also be carried on Cox Cable: 811 for KPBS 2, 816 for KPBS Create, and 809 for KPBS Kids. Spectrum subscribers can access KPBS 2 on channel 1277; the designations for KPBS Create and KPBS Kids are expected to be announced from Spectrum soon. DirecTV, Dish, and U-verse TV customers are encouraged to contact their provider about accessing the new channel options from KPBS.
“You no longer need to wait until primetime to watch a compelling documentary or the weekend to catch Jacques Pepin in the kitchen. And with KPBS Kids, your kids can watch their favorite shows – at any time on any day,” said KPBS General Manager Tom Karlo. “The addition of KPBS 2, KPBS Create, and KPBS Kids means more of what viewers love about KPBS programming,” continued Karlo. “We are delighted to provide these new channel options and meet the growing demand for trusted and unique content for the entire family.”
The new channels do not replace the current lineup of kids, how to, or nonfiction programming found on the station’s primary channel, 15.1 (Cox 1011). Viewers who watch KPBS via over the air transmissions (using an antenna), are encouraged to re-scan their TV channels to begin accessing the new channels. Guidance on rescanning TV channels, as well as the programming schedule for each channel, are available on KPBS.org/tv. CHANNEL DESCRIPTIONS KPBS 2 (15.2 ? Cox 811)
Geared specifically for adult audiences, KPBS 2 offers award-winning and original nonfiction content that connects viewers to today’s news headlines, scientific advances, historic revelations, natural wonders, and personal stories along with exclusive dramas and encore presentations of the best that PBS has to offer. Series presented on KPBS 2 include “American ReFramed,” “Independent Lens,” “POV,” “Secrets of the Dead,” and “American Masters,” among others. The primetime line-up will be locally scheduled and will feature the best of KPBS original content including “KPBS Evening Edition,” “KPBS Spectrum,” “the Roundtable,” and selections from KPBS Explore. KPBS Create (15.3 ? Cox 816)
Create TV is public television’s most-watched lifestyle channel, seen annually by 46 million viewers. KPBS Create presents the best educational and entertaining public television series— from “America’s Test Kitchen” to “Rick Steves’ Europe” to “This Old House.” On the weekends, KPBS Create will air themed marathons featuring 12 hand-picked episodes centered on a specific holiday, host, or event. KPBS Kids (15.4 ? Cox 809)
The KPBS Kids channel supports the station’s mission to provide curriculum-based entertainment through its broadcast and digital platforms. KPBS Kids will present educational children’s shows 24 hours a day, making it easy for San Diego area children to watch their favorite series during primetime and other non-school hours when viewing among families is high. Programs aired on KPBS Kids include popular favorites such as “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” “Odd Squad,” “Wild Kratts,” and “Dinosaur Train;” PBS Kids’ newest series “Splash and Bubbles,” “Nature Cat,” and “Ready Jet Go!” will also be featured. Content from the KPBS Kids channel will also be available through pbskids.org and on the PBS KIDS Video App, found on a variety of mobile devices and tablets. KPBS Kids will also be available on over-the-top platforms such as Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Xbox One, and Chromecast.
The addition of the new channels extends KPBS’ commitment to early childhood development, life-long learning, and exceptional content across its media platforms.