PBS KIDS(R) Launches Search for Preschool Host

PBS KIDS(R) Launches Search for Preschool Host

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the recent announcement of its new five-year initiative entitled PBS KIDS Next Generation Media, PBS has launched a nationwide search for the host of its new preschool multi- platform destination, one of the cornerstone components of the Next Generation initiative. This new, cohesive environment, launching in fall 2006, is designed exclusively for preschoolers and features favorite and premiering children's series, as well as a new live host.

Recognizing the discerning audience it serves, kids and their parents, PBS is looking for an authentic talent who embodies a warm, creative and charismatic approach to life-long learning and child engagement. The new host will motivate children through fun, interactive, language-rich and musical original content segments, bridging lessons from each episode that relate ideas and themes to real world appreciation and application. While understanding parents and caregivers' needs, the new host will support PBS KIDS' goal to build a partnership with them in their child's learning and help preschoolers prepare for success in school and in life. The search will target not only the television and talent industries but also pursue education and child development avenues.

"All of PBS' children's programs have valuable lessons that extend beyond the TV screen and the new host will help bring this to life in a safe, familiar environment, further inspiring kids to think about what they are watching and how it applies to their lives," said Lesli Rotenberg, Senior Vice President, PBS Brand Management.

PBS KIDS Next Generation Media is a five-year initiative to define the role PBS will play in the changing digital children's media landscape. In addition to the new preschool multi-platform destination, a 24-hour multicast service for early elementary school kids will also launch in fall 2006.

With a 360-degree approach to learning and reaching children, PBS KIDS leverages the full spectrum of media and technology advancements, as well as community to build knowledge, critical thinking, imagination and curiosity. PBS KIDS encourages children to interact as respectful citizens in a diverse society. By involving parents, teachers and caregivers as learning partners, PBS KIDS helps to empower children for success in school and in life.

Qualified candidates can find submission requirements at http://pbsparents.org/, available beginning Friday January 20th, and should be sent to:

Barbara Barna Casting
249 Smith Street, #122
Brooklyn, NY 11231
http://www.barbarabarnacasting.com/

Deadline for submissions is February 10, 2006.

PBS KIDS is committed to providing the highest-quality non-commercial content and learning environment for children across the country. Providing age-appropriate, diverse programming for kids, PBS KIDS' programs consistently earn more prestigious awards than any other broadcast or cable network. Only PBS KIDS has earned the unanimous endorsement of parents, children, industry leaders and teachers. With additional PBS resources to complement its programming, including PBS KIDS online (http://www.pbskids.org/), PBS KIDS GO! (http://www.pbskidsgo.org/), PBS Parents (http://www.pbsparents.org/), PBS TeacherSource (http://www.pbsteachersource.org/), PBS Ready To Learn services and literacy events across the country, PBS KIDS is providing the tools necessary for positive child development. PBS is a nonprofit media enterprise owned and operated by the nation's 348 public television stations, serving nearly 90 million people each week and reaching 99% of American homes.

Source: PBS KIDS

CONTACT: Stephanie Aaronson, +1-703-739-5074, saaronson@pbs.org, or Jill
Corderman, +1-703-739-5788, jcorderman@pbs.org, both of PBS KIDS

Web site: http://www.pbskids.org/
http://www.pbsparents.org/
http://www.barbarabarnacasting.com/
http://www.pbskidsgo.org/
http://www.pbsteachersource.org/

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