Pioneer TV to launch kids channel

 On April 3, Pioneer Public TV will launch a new 24/7 PBS KIDs multicast channel in collaboration with other PBS stations throughout the county.

The channel will be available for free to families everywhere within range of Pioneer’s broadcasting towers and via live stream. The over-the-air channels are 10.5 in the Appleton area, 20.5 in the Worthington area and 49.5 in the Fergus Falls area.

The service can also be accessed online at www.pioneer.org/kids by clicking on the “Live TV” graphic in the lower left hand corner. PBS KIDS 24-Hour Services, presented locally by Pioneer, are designed to serve all children, especially the most at-risk, to prepare them for school and life.

Pioneer currently offers 7 1/2 hours of kids programming through its main HD Channel 10.1 on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and from 5 a.m. - 9 a.m. on weekends.

However, studies show that most kid viewing takes place between 4 and 10 p.m. on weeknights and all day on weekends.

“The new channel will help us expand our service to kids,” stated Pioneer General Manager Les Heen.

“Through this new service, Pioneer is helping the next generation find success by providing new opportunities for learning that have been proven to make a difference in children’s lives,” Heen added.

For more information, call 1-800-726-3178 or email Pioneer at yourtv@pioneer.org.