DirecTV has become the second streaming service to offer PBS and its member stations.
PBS, as well as its member stations, has traditionally been noticeably absent from streaming TV services. Until now, YouTube TV was the only service to offer it, and only since earlier this year.
PBS and DirecTV have reached an agreement for the latter to offer its customers PBS content, beginning later this year.
“Entertainment is personal and should serve every member of the household, which is why we’re partnering with PBS to deliver DIRECTV STREAM customers more choice, more control and a more convenient way to access the content they care about most,” said Rob Thun, Chief Content Officer for DIRECTV.
“As viewer habits continue to evolve, PBS remains committed to making our award-winning, national and local content available to all Americans across as many platforms as possible. This partnership will allow PBS and our member stations to expand our digital footprint and reach more viewers with content that inspires, educates and entertains,” said Ira Rubenstein, PBS Chief Digital and Marketing Officer.
The agreement was touted as especially benefits for kids, given PBS’ focus on kid-friendly programming.
“At PBS KIDS, making our high-quality content accessible to as many children across the country as possible is integral to our mission,” said Sara DeWitt, Senior Vice President & General Manager of Children’s Media and Education, PBS. “As families continue to look to us for more ways to watch, we’re thrilled we can continue building on our offerings with DIRECTV—both on broadcast and digital—to ensure we’re meeting them where they are.”