PBS Kids round-the-clock TV, online channel launches

PASADENA, Calif. (AP) - PBS is launching a round-the-clock children's channel that will be available on member stations and digital platforms.

The free PBS Kids channel starting Monday is aimed at youngsters who are 2 to 6 and their families with educational programming including "Nature Cat" and "Bob the Builder," PBS said. The network called it critical for kids in low-income households that have spotty Internet access or connect only via mobile devices.

But why 24-7 programming for children?

"Believe it or not, there are many children that are up at night," PBS chief executive Paula Kerger told a TV critics' meeting Sunday. 

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