PBS signs live streaming deal with YouTube

PBS’s Sesame Street

US public broadcaster PBS has announced a partnership with YouTube to provide a live stream for its subscription YouTube TV service.

The deal will see YouTube TV subscribers have live access to the entire channel, which includes all 330 PBS member stations that choose to participate.

YouTube TV offers live TV from over 70 networks at US$49.99 per month.

In addition to live channels for PBS and PBS Kids, users will have VOD access and YouTube TV’s DVR service with no storage space limit. 

PBS describes this as the “first digital partnership of its kind” for the organisation, and that it “represents an important step as PBS expands its digital footprint”.

PBS chief digital and marketing officer Ira Rubenstein said: “We’re excited to launch our very first local livestream on YouTube TV. Our goal is to reach as many Americans as possible with content that educates, inspires and entertains. As a broadcaster that is rooted in communities, we appreciate YouTube’s commitment to local content, and we are pleased that this service provides audiences with access to programming that is produced and distributed by our member stations.”

Lori Conkling, global head of partnerships at YouTube added: “We’re thrilled to partner with PBS to introduce both the PBS and PBS KIDS channels to YouTube TV. Audiences of all ages love and trust PBS, and today’s announcement demonstrates our commitment to delivering the best possible lineup for our subscribers.”

PBS previously launched PBS Living on Amazon Prime Channels earlier this year at US$2.99, but this partnership will be the first time the full array of PBS channels will be available for live streaming.