WSRE, PBS for the Gulf Coast, announced that full-length episodes and clips from favorite PBSandWSRE programs are available for Xbox Live Gold members in the U.S. on Xbox 360 starting today.
The PBS app will include hundreds of videos from PBS stations, including full-length episodes from new primetime programs as well as the PBS archives, with new national and local content updated daily. PBS programming includes full-length episodes from AMERICAN EXPERIENCE, AUSTIN CITY LIMITS, FRONTLINE, MASTERPIECE, NOVA and SECRETS OF THE DEAD, as well as web-original video from PBS Digital Studios, winner of five 2013 Webby Awards. WSRE programs available via the app will include CONVERSATIONS WITH JEFF WEEKS, STUDIOAMPED, IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD and various LOCAL DOCUMENTARIES.
Xbox 360 users will access and personalize their PBS experiences by identifying their local PBS station, providing them access to locally produced content along with signature PBS programs.
“We are excited about the prospect of reaching new viewers through innovative partnerships to distribute our local content,” said Sandy Cesaretti Ray, General Manager, WSRE. “With a plethora of ways to watch content these days, we recognize the need to make our content available where the viewers are.”
"This launch is an important next step in our strategy to make PBS content available through a variety of platforms, while maintaining the connection between the viewer and their local PBS station,” said Jon Brendsel, Vice President of Product Development, PBS Digital. “While PBS member stations will always be the first place to find high-quality PBS programming, the launch of our Xbox offering recognizes that viewers are looking to engage with their local station in the time and manner they choose.“
“As one of America’s favorite destinations for high-quality content on television and online, PBS is a great addition to our expansive lineup of entertainment experiences on Xbox 360,” said Kathy Styponias, General Manager, Interactive Entertainment Business. “The addition of PBS is another example of how we’re continuing to expand our catalog of entertainment so that Xbox Live members can find all of their favorite experiences in one place.”
The app was developed by PBS and Digiflare. More information can be found atpbs.org/xbox.
WSRE and PBS programs, including PBS KIDS programs, are also available to consumers via the Roku® streaming platform which launched this past May.
About WSRE, PBS for the Gulf Coast
WSRE is a PBS member station that is locally owned and licensed to the Pensacola State College Board of Trustees operating as a service of Pensacola State College. The public broadcasting station has been serving the needs of the Gulf Coast community through programming, educational services and outreach since 1967. WSRE produces, acquires and distributes programs that address local interests and reflect the diverse cultural, political, geographic and demographic characteristics of its audience. The Educational Services unit for WSRE serves as the connection to teachers, parents, caregivers and children to extend the rich resources found in public television. For more information about WSRE, its services, programs or available resources, visit wsre.org.
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 120 million people through television and nearly 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 12th 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.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: PBS LAUNCHED ON XBOX 360