PBS No Longer To Carry “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” and “Reading Rainbow”

(Jackson, Miss)-- The Public Broadcasting System (PBS) has announced it will no longer distribute “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” and “Reading Rainbow” for weekday viewing. Because PBS supplies MPB with a portion of its national programming, MPB will no longer be able to include these programs in its regular lineup.

“At Mississippi Public Broadcasting we were disappointed to learn that the Public Broadcasting System will no longer distribute ‘Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood’ and ‘Reading Rainbow’,” said MPB Executive Director, Dr. Judith Lewis. “These programs have enriched the lives of Mississippi children for generations. The life lessons Mr. Rogers shared have provided countless children with tools to use as they grow into responsible teenagers and adults. ‘Reading Rainbow’ has not only inspired young people to read but also to seek out new books and sources of knowledge. Both programs will be sorely missed in Mississippi.”

“Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” first aired in 1968. It has not been in production since 2001. “Reading Rainbow” has been on the air since June of 1983. The program was last produced in 2006. The final weekday airing for both shows was today.

“MPB is committed to providing quality television programming to Mississippi’s children,” said Dr. Lewis. “We are excited about our Fall 2009 line up, which includes the award winning show, ‘Between the Lions’, an early childhood literacy program, as well as new programs such as ‘Dinosaur Train’ and ‘The Electric Company’.”

Coming this fall to the 1:30 p.m. weekday time slot on MPB is Jim Henson Company’s “Dinosaur Train”, a new series created for preschoolers. “Dinosaur Train” will embrace and celebrate the fascination that preschoolers have with both dinosaurs and trains. The new program is designed to encourage basic scientific thinking and skills as the children learn about natural science, natural history and paleontology.

A new version of “The Electric Company” is airing on MPB starting weekdays at 4:00 p.m. and Sundays at 10:00 a.m. Design for six-to-nine year olds, the program reinforces strong literacy skills and teaches kids that reading is cool.

###

Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) provides relevant instructional and public programming to Mississippians through its statewide television and radio network. MPB enhances the work of educators, students, parents and learners of all ages through quality programs, resources and services that educate, entertain and enlighten. Children’s programs constitute a major portion of the daytime and weekend morning schedules. Since 1970, MPB has won over 350 national and regional awards, including Emmys and Parents’ Choice Awards, for its productions.

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Mari Irby
August 28, 2009	601-432-6286
PBS No Longer To Carry “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” and “Reading Rainbow”
(Jackson, Miss)-- The Public Broadcasting System (PBS) has announced it will no longer distribute “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” and “Reading Rainbow” for weekday viewing. Because PBS supplies MPB with a portion of its national programming, MPB will no longer be able to include these programs in its regular lineup. “At Mississippi Public Broadcasting we were disappointed to learn that the Public Broadcasting System will no longer distribute ‘Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood’ and ‘Reading Rainbow’,” said MPB Executive Director, Dr. Judith Lewis. “These programs have enriched the lives of Mississippi children for generations. The life lessons Mr. Rogers shared have provided countless children with tools to use as they grow into responsible teenagers and adults. ‘Reading Rainbow’ has not only inspired young people to read but also to seek out new books and sources of knowledge. Both programs will be sorely missed in Mississippi.” “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” first aired in 1968. It has not been in production since 2001. “Reading Rainbow” has been on the air since June of 1983. The program was last produced in 2006. The final weekday airing for both shows was today. “MPB is committed to providing quality television programming to Mississippi’s children,” said Dr. Lewis. “We are excited about our Fall 2009 line up, which includes the award winning show, ‘Between the Lions’, an early childhood literacy program, as well as new programs such as ‘Dinosaur Train’ and ‘The Electric Company’.” Coming this fall to the 1:30 p.m. weekday time slot on MPB is Jim Henson Company’s “Dinosaur Train”, a new series created for preschoolers. “Dinosaur Train” will embrace and celebrate the fascination that preschoolers have with both dinosaurs and trains. The new program is designed to encourage basic scientific thinking and skills as the children learn about natural science, natural history and paleontology. A new version of “The Electric Company” is airing on MPB starting weekdays at 4:00 p.m. and Sundays at 10:00 a.m. Design for six-to-nine year olds, the program reinforces strong literacy skills and teaches kids that reading is cool. ### Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) provides relevant instructional and public programming to Mississippians through its statewide television and radio network. MPB enhances the work of educators, students, parents and learners of all ages through quality programs, resources and services that educate, entertain and enlighten. Children’s programs constitute a major portion of the daytime and weekend morning schedules. Since 1970, MPB has won over 350 national and regional awards, including Emmys and Parents’ Choice Awards, for its productions.