PBS Signs Carriage Deal With YouTube TV

PBS has secured carriage for its member stations on YouTube TV, the public broadcasting network announced on Monday morning at the Television Critics Association (TCA) Summer Press Tour. Under the agreement, YouTube TV will livestream all of the 330 PBS member stations that choose to participate. This marks the first digital partnership of its kind for PBS, making YouTube TV the only streaming service to carry the network’s channels. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. In addition to the live channels, YouTube TV subscribers can access the content through YouTube TV’s video-on-demand service. “We’re thrilled to partner with PBS to introduce both the PBS and PBS Kids channels to YouTube TV,” Lori Conkling, global head of partnerships at YouTube, said. “Audiences of all ages love and trust PBS, and today’s announcement demonstrates our commitment to delivering the best possible lineup for our subscribers.” “We’re excited to launch our very first local livestream on YouTube TV,” PBS chief digital and marketing officer Ira Rubenstein said. “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.” Digital distribution continues to be a priority for PBS, which launched PBS Living, a $2.99 a month OTT service in March. The service, which is available as an Amazon Prime Channel, gives subscribers access to PBS lifestyle and how-to content like “This Old House” and “Antiques Roadshow.”