FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 31, 2006
Contact: Bobbie Fisher, Director of Corporate Communications, 757.889.9107
WHRO-TV 15 NEW MORNING SCHEDULE RAISES VIEWERSHIP AMONG CHILDREN, FAMILIES
HAMPTON ROADS: WHRO, Hampton Roads’ public broadcasting stations, announced today that two months into the launch of its new hosted preschool destination on TV 15, WHRO-TV has experienced a 75% increase in viewing from 6am-5:30pm over last year at the same time, based on Nielsen ratings. Hampton Roads children and parents are getting to know new stars Curious George, Miss Lori and Hooper -- and they’re continuing to enjoy Clifford, Dragon Tales and It’s a Big, Big World, in an age-appropriate, interactive and educational environment. The Curious George link on the pbskids.org website has become the most visited site on pbskids.org with 1.3 million visitors nationally.
“These programs represent the best of television for our youngest viewers,” said WHRO Chief Operating Officer Regina Brayboy. “They teach children complex concepts like math and science, while instilling a sense of sharing and fair play. And in the true spirit of public television, there are no commercials to dilute the messages!”
Angie Callahan, Director of Children’s Services, added, “We rarely make changes in our children’s line-up because we know parents depend on WHRO to be there with quality programs for their children at specific times. This fall PBS gave us the opportunity to offer a new preschool line-up in the morning with breaks hosted by Miss Lori. She sings songs, plays games, does crafts and extends the learning presented in the programs. We did hear from a few parents when their favorite PBS Kids program changed time, but the overwhelming response to this new line-up has been positive.”
WHRO is a public service media company that promotes education, culture and citizenship to the citizens of Hampton Roads, Virginia through a variety of telecommunications services. Thousands of viewers and listeners tune in to broadcast programming on WHRO's public television and two public radio stations every day. Since its founding 45 years ago to support education, WHRO has employed creativity and technology to serve its mission to enrich audiences through content that engages, educates, entertains and enlightens. Owned by 16 local school divisions, WHRO delivers educational and new media services to 286,000 students and 25,000 educators per month as well.