Part of Statewide Effort, Beginning March 30, as Coronavirus School Closings Continue to Affect Families with Children
DETROIT – Effective Monday, March 30, 2020, Detroit Public TV (DPTV) is responding to the learning needs of families with children at home as a result of Michigan schools being closed because of the COVID-19 crisis by adjusting its entire daytime programming schedule.
From 7 a.m. until 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, DPTV will offer blocks of programming geared to specific age groups – early childhood, middle school and high school – on its main broadcast channel (56.1), as part of a collaboration with Michigan’s public television stations and the national PBS system.
While Michigan schools are closed this school year, weekday programming will be as follows:
- Current PBS KIDS programming (Ages 2-8 years old) – 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
- Grades 4th-8th – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Grades 9th-12th – 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
DPTV’s schedule during those hours will be filled with PBS programming that aligns to curriculum goals, with associated online learning activities. The programs are designed to supplement children’s learning and not be a replacement for grade-level credit.
Parents and caregivers seeking traditional PBS KIDS programming after 9 a.m. will find it on the 24/7 Detroit PBS KID Channel (56.2).
In addition, DPTV’s World Channel (56.4) will airing learning programs for grades 6th-12th on weekdays from noon- 5 p.m., starting on April 6.
Note: Because the new daytime schedule draws on many popular PBS programs, like “Masterpiece,” “NOVA,” “American Experience,” and recent special, adults who also find themselves at home will find it appealing.
“We have decided to use our ability to reach into every home, regardless of the digital technology or internet access available, in a new way,” said Rich Homberg, President and CEO of Detroit Public Television.
“Educators have told us that they know that in many homes, siblings are having to compete for computer time to work on learning. We are providing an option for parents who want to support what educators are able to do online during this unusual and challenging time.”
DPTV’s main channel (56.1) and Detroit PBS KIDS channel (56.2) are available to the vast majority of families in Michigan, over the air, from cable and satellite providers and on streaming services like YouTube TV. Detroit PBS KIDS programming is also available at DPTV.org/kids and through the PBS KIDS app.
For daily programming schedules visit DPTV.org/schedule
About Detroit Public TV
Detroit Public TV (DPTV) is Michigan’s only community-licensed public television station, operating entirely independent of any educational institution or governmental entity. With more than 2 million weekly viewers across its four channels, DPTV is the state’s largest and most watched public television station, as well as having the most diverse public television audience in America. DPTV is licensed to the Detroit Educational Television Foundation and governed by a volunteer board of trustees from the local business, civic and cultural communities. For more information, visit dptv.org