PBS streams its first full episodes in a test

Filed in archive Business Trends on December 18, 2006

Condensed from a Broadcasting & Cable article
PBS is trying a little science experiment. On January 1st, PBS will stream pilots/specials for three potential new science series at PBS.org then air them on member stations starting Jan. 3 and ask Web surfers and viewers to weigh in online with their favorite.

The move comes as the network explores program delivery on multiple platforms and looks to boost its online presence.
Although the effort is being dubbed in-house as "PBS Science Idol," the online vote will not actually be determinative. PBS will take the surfers' top vote getter into account along with other research in determining the winner, which will get a 10-episode slot in fall 2007 on member stations.

The first pilot is Wired Science, a co-production of KCET Los Angeles and Wired Magazine. Wired Science will translate the magazine into a "stylish and irreverent" take on the latest discoveries and innovations.

The second pilot is Science Investigators, a co-production of WGBH Boston and Lion TV. Science Investigators four young hosts providing solutions to a series of scientific mysteries like what secrets a Neanderthal's DNA could unlock, can bacteria power an iPod, are disappearing frogs something to worry about, and why the knuckleball does whatever it is that knuckleballs do.

Finally there is 22nd Century, from Tower Productions and presenting station Twin Cities Public Television. This will look at the shape of scientific things to come, posing such questions as: Will lifespans increase to 250 years, will machines get so small they can do a Fantastic Voyage like repair of the human body, and the Borg-like premise of brains one day being linked much as computers on the Web are today.