PBS Beefs Up Free-VOD Slate

PBS added seven programs to its roster of primetime titles available for viewing via local free video-on-demand.

Cable operators now have 10 shows to choose from to make available to subscribers via free VOD up to seven days after their broadcast premieres.

Joining Antiques Roadshow, Frontline and The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer will be: Nature, Nightly Business Report, Now, P.O.V., Tavis Smiley, WashingtonWeek with Gwen Ifill & National Journal and Wide Angle.

PBS will also provide quarterly features, including selected episodes from Nova, Masterpiece Theatre and Mystery!.

“As viewer habits shift, it's critical that local PBS stations make their content available on-demand in this way, allowing our stations to not only reach additional viewers at times convenient to them, but also to highlight the quality content and variety of services the stations offer their communities,” PBS CEO Paula Kerger said in a prepared statement.