WNET Strikes Deal to Deliver 40 Episodes of Original Video Content with PBS Digital Studios

New York's flagship public media provider to help expand PBS' online original content offerings

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Oct 29, 2014, 01:30 ET

NEW YORK and ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- WNET, the flagship PBS station based in New York, and producer of award-winning PBS series including American Masters, Great Performances, Nature and PBS NewsHour Weekend, and PBS Digital Studios, PBS' unit dedicated to the creation of online original content for YouTube, have announced a new strategic partnership agreement. The agreement tasks WNET's Interactive Engagement Group, in collaboration with the WLIW21 production unit, to develop and produce 40 episodes of new programming for the PBS Digital Studios YouTube network. The agreement marks PBS Digital Studios' first major co-production deal with a member station.

Following on the success of PBS Digital Studios series such as "PBS Idea Channel," "It's Okay to be Smart" and "Blank on Blank," the two new series from WNET, currently slated to premiere in January 2015, will be short-form and host-driven. The first series will focus on issues surrounding gender identity, and the second will focus on consumer technology. Casting and premiere information will follow.

"WNET is already a leading producer of content for the PBS system," said Dan Greenberg, WNET's Chief Digital Officer. "This partnership is a natural fit and WNET is honored to have the chance to create new generation of smart, interesting and informative content that will appeal to a digitally savvy audience."

"We are extremely gratified that WNET has been chosen to create new content with PBS Digital Studios," said Neal Shapiro, President & CEO of WNET. "We are excited to have another opportunity to share our content on digital platforms."

"This new collaboration with WNET will help boost the volume of high-quality content available across the PBS Digital Studios network," said Ira Rubenstein, Senior Vice President and GM, PBS Digital. "WNET is a great example of how PBS member stations are eager to experiment and partner with PBS Digital Studios to offer audiences innovative programming on digital platforms. I think you'll see more partnerships with other member stations in the future."

This is not the first collaboration for WNET and PBS Digital Studios. Last year WNET's Interactive Engagement Group premiered DIORAMA, a digital video and new media partnership between WNET and the American Museum of Natural History in New York, which breaks down big ideas about science and natural history in an engaging and palatable way for viewers.

About WNET
As New York's flagship public media provider and the parent company of THIRTEEN and WLIW21 and operator of NJTV, WNET brings quality arts, education and public affairs programming to over 5 million viewers each week. WNET produces and presents such acclaimed PBS series as Nature, Great Performances, American Masters, PBS NewsHour Weekend, Charlie Rose and a range of documentaries, children's programs, and local news and cultural offerings available on air and online. Pioneers in educational programming, WNET has created such groundbreaking series as Get the Math, Oh Noah! and Cyberchase and provides tools for educators that bring compelling content to life in the classroom and at home. WNET highlights the tri-state's unique culture and diverse communities through NYC-ARTS, Reel 13, NJTV News with Mary Alice Williams and MetroFocus, the multi-platform news magazine focusing on the New York region. WNET is also a leader in connecting with viewers on emerging platforms, including the THIRTEEN Explore iPad App where users can stream PBS content for free.

About PBS Digital Studios
The PBS Digital Studios network on YouTube includes more than 30 online original series, including more than a dozen co-productions with PBS member stations across the country, designed to engage, enlighten and entertain online audiences. The PBS Digital Studios network has more than one million subscribers and has generated more than 100 million views. Series include the multiple Webby Award-winning PBS Idea Channel, as well as popular series such as Blank on Blank, It's Okay To Be Smart, Everything But the News and more.

About PBS
PBS, with its over 350 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content. Each month, PBS reaches nearly 109 million people through television and over 28 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS' broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry's most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12^th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. PBS' premier children's TV programming and its website, pbskids.org, are parents' and teachers' most trusted partners in inspiring and nurturing curiosity and love of learning in children. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the Internet, or by following PBS on Twitter, Facebook or through our apps for mobile devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available at pbs.org/pressroom or by following PBS Pressroom on Twitter.