In light of recent school closings, WBGU-PBS is joining seven other Ohio PBS affiliates in temporarily
expanding educational programming.
This is part of #LearnAtHome, an initiative geared toward stay-at-home families during the coronavirus
crisis.
WBGU-PBS has added two extra mid-day hours of children’s shows on its main channel. Those shows are
airing from 6:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. weekdays. Programming will be interrupted for daily updates, typically
at 2 p.m., from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine.
WBGU-PBS also will air programs for middle and high schoolers on its subchannel, Encore (27.2) from
noon-5 p.m. weekdays in addition to its regular schedule of late afternoon/evening children’s
programming. Encore airs on many cable lineups (numbers may differ) and is free over-the-air using an
antenna.
Extra educational resources and activities to accompany the various programs are located at wbgu.org.
The goal is for Ohio stations to offer educational programming for children of all ages. The traditional
on-air broadcasts are aimed at families, particularly those in rural areas, who may have limited or no
Internet access. The schedule has the support of State Superintendent of Public Instruction Paolo
DeMaria.
“In this unprecedented time, Ohio’s educators, parents and caregivers are doing their best to keep
learning going for students in the midst of the coronavirus crisis. I am humbled and grateful that all
eight of Ohio’s public broadcasting stations have stepped up as major partners committed to delivering
high-quality, grade-appropriate learning to students, complementing the amazing effort being made by
Ohio’s schools and districts,” DeMaria said. “This ‘at home learning initiative’ crosses the digital
divide and provides yet another tool in the toolbox, ensuring learning doesn’t stop just because school
buildings are closed.”
Other participating stations are:
WVIZ – ideastream – Cleveland
WOSU Public Media – Columbus
Think TV – Dayton
WCET Public Media – Cincinnati
WGTE – Toledo
PBS Western Reserve
WOUB Public Media – Athens
Viewers having difficulty locating Encore or using an antenna, can call 800-780-1207 weekdays from 9
a.m.-3 p.m. or leave a message after hours. WBGU-PBS is working in conjunction with NWOET to answer
technical questions as well as help teachers and parents with at-home distance learning.
WBGU-PBS is a PBS affiliate and partner of Bowling Green State University serving a 19-county region with
award-winning programming and educational resources. For more information including a complete schedule,
visit www.wbgu.org.