Tech
Cascade Public Media app aims to deliver long-awaited upgrades to PBS streaming experience
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A pilot of Cascade’s Local Streaming Initiative will introduce new tools for stations to customize the user experience for viewers and donors.
Programs/Content
‘Little Bird’ brings unique story of Indigenous identity to PBS
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The six-part drama has a “social consciousness that can really appeal to younger viewers,” says Jessica Turk of Nashville Public Television.
Development
PBS stations experiment with local sponsorship, membership spots on Passport and video app
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Stations have yet to earn much from the pilot program, but participants remain hopeful for phase two and the future.
Programs/Content
Survey finds PBS app users want more content, features
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The survey’s findings were presented last week at the Public Media Development and Marketing Conference in Atlanta.
Development
Upgrades to PBS Passport seen as only one part of the solution to public TV’s fundraising challenges
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With improvements coming to PBS’ members-only streaming service, development strategists at the Public Media Development and Marketing Conference advised stations to invest more in digital fundraising.
Development
Public TV fundraisers weigh future of on-air pledge as shift to streaming accelerates
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After a difficult March drive, stations look for ways to head off a “glide path downward.”
Programs/Content
‘Masterpiece’ tests digital-first release strategy for steamy costume drama
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EP Susanne Simpson predicts “Beecham House,” a new TV series by filmmaker Gurinder Chadha, will be a “membership magnet” during March pledge.
Tech
PBS unveils streaming-video apps for Samsung TVs
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Funds from the electronics company backed development of apps customized for its Tizen platform.
Programs/Content
PBS Distribution brings Brit drama ‘Jamestown’ to Passport, Amazon viewers first
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At present there are no plans to present the miniseries on “Masterpiece,” the iconic WGBH drama series.
Development
Key decision ahead: How to improve Passport experience for viewers, stations
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Passport supporters argue that its performance to date has demonstrated its impact, while critics caution that it’s too early to know how the system will retain this new class of donors.
Development
Farewell, tote bags: PBS Passport draws younger donors as membership reward
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More than a year after its debut, PBS and stations are reaping rewards of the on-demand offering and planning for its future.
Programs/Content
Teacher’s experience is a ‘passport’ to a PR problem for public TV
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Public TV undercuts its own case for public support when episodes of Nova go behind a paywall.
PBS Passport
WHYY finds interest in PBS Passport premium among radio audience as well
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In December 2015, the station began promoting Passport, PBS’s members-only streaming service, on WHYY-FM.
PBS
PBS board committee endorses tentative guidelines for new kids’ service
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Board members also got an update on the success of PBS Passport.
Programs/Content
PBS will decide shortly on another season of ‘Mercy Street’
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Online viewers watched 500,000 streams of Mercy Street within a week after its debut.