The Public Broadcasting Service turns 40 this year, and today it will give itself a gift that just might make it feel young again. PBS’s new video portal allows online viewers to stream an array of its best-known shows over the Web.
The new site gathers more than 130 episodes of nearly 20 programs, including marquee fare such as “Frontline,” “Nova” and “Masterpiece Theater.” PBS says thousands of hours of programming should be available to users by summer. In giving its shows away online, PBS is joining on-demand video sites such as and YouTube — places for younger consumers who aren’t wedded to watching TV on a television. PBS’s initial selection of about 20 programs is small compared with other sites, but full-length episodes of nearly every show in PBS’s prime- time lineup have been put online. In addition, the portal will function as the hub of a nationwide network of online affiliates. Los Angeles Times
