Champaign-Urbana families are getting more choices for kids’ programming starting next week.
WILL-TV is launching a free, around-the-clock PBS Kids channel as well as a live stream of the content on Jan. 16. The channel, 12.2, will broadcast PBS Kids shows 24 hours a day, and the live stream will be available at will.illinois.edu, pbskids.org and on the PBS Kids Video App, which is available for mobile devices and tablets. Soon after the launch, the live stream will be available on over-the-top platforms such as Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Xbox One and Chromecast.
The programming on the WILL PBS Kids 24/7 channel will include favorites such as Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Odd Squad, Wild Kratts and Dinosaur Train along with new series Splash and Bubbles, Nature Cat and Ready Jet Go!
The PBS Kids 24/7 challenge is available in select U.S. cities.
“This is more of a national intiative from PBS,” Liz Westfield, communications manager for Illinois Public Media. “It’s not systemwide. Each station could choose to pick it up or not.”
The schedule of children’s programming on the primary WILL channel will be different from the 24/7 channel. The full local TV schedule is available here.
“We want to make sure families have the most variety and options,” Westfield said. “Whatever is on 12.2 will be identical to the live stream.”
To accommodate the new channel, WILL will merge its World and Create channels into one channel. The broadcasts will share channel 12.3. World was previously located on 12.2. The Create content will air from 5 a.m.-5 p.m. The World content will air from 5 p.m.-5 a.m.
“We are excited to build on the work we do every day for Central Illinois’ families by adding these new 24/7 services to our offerings, ensuring that our proven educational content is accessible anytime and anywhere to all kids — especially those who need it the most,” said Kimberlie Kranich, director of community content and engagement at Illinois Public Media.
Beginning later this year PBS will offer interactive games, allowing kids to toggle between a PBS Kids show and an activity that extends learning. The free games will align with the learning goals of each series.
Where to find PBS Kids 24/7 channel (12.2):
Over the air: 12.2
Cable:
Xfinity C-U: 417
Xfinity Comcast Springfield / Decatur / Lincoln: 416
Xfinity Comcast Bloomington: 417
Mediacom (Pontiac / Mahomet / Rantoul / Farmer City / Clinton / Gibson City / Leroy / Heyworth / McLean Co): 119
ITV3 C-U: 13