Cascade PBS spins off Local Public into separate entity

Cascade PBS in Seattle has spun off its Local Public streaming platform as a subsidiary of the station.

Local Public was incorporated as a public benefit corporation in Delaware May 8 and registered to do business in Washington state June 25, according to state business filings. Kevin Colligan, Cascade’s VP of media and innovation, is designated as governor of the company.

Local Public launched in early 2024 and began its pilot phase last summer. The streaming platform aims to give stations more ways to customize offerings than are possible with PBS’ video app. Stations can use data from their Local Public apps to inform decisions about what viewers watch and want to see more of.

Colligan told Current earlier this year that Local Public plans to have at least 30 stations using the platform by the end of this summer. He added he hopes all public TV stations will be using Local Public within three years.

Local Public will be wholly owned by Cascade PBS, according to a news release. “What began as a local innovation to strengthen Cascade PBS’ own digital future has evolved into a standalone business that is helping a growing coalition of stations nationwide build stronger connections with their communities in the streaming era,” said the release.

Rocky Mountain PBS, an early adopter, is one of 18 stations using Local Public. CEO Amanda Mountain said in the release that Local Public “represents the possibilities when local public media organizations work together to build better products, faster, that meet the needs of our audiences and reflect what’s most important to our communities.”

The release said Local Public–powered apps have increased contributions by 53% and have generated 30% more new supporters for stations.