Author: Brooke Wehrle

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

There is no more genuine source of dreams and shared possibilities in our community than our children. With their unique and imaginative perspective on the world, they can encourage us all to do better.

With support from The Heinz Endowments, we gathered a group of real kids from a wide range of Pittsburgh neighborhoods last year to talk about kindness and respect and heroes, and to tell us – in their own words – what it means to call our city their home. (Pittsburghers will recognize the whimsical Randyland as one of the locations in the videos.)

In light of the recent acts of violence in Squirrel Hill, we’re inspired to share these videos. Here, the kids discuss what it means to show respect. We hope these videos spark conversations and actions that will ultimately shape the Pittsburgh of the future.

 

https://player.vimeo.com/video/298646423

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Meet Our Neighbors: Christine Toye, Costume Designer for Odd Squad

October 30, 2018

Just in time for Halloween, meet Christine Toye, the Emmy-winning costume designer behind Odd Squad, our live-action series on PBS KIDS.

Dream Big Pittsburgh: Heroes

November 7, 2018

There is no more genuine source of dreams and shared possibilities in our community than our children.
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Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

How did you become a costume designer?

I became a costume designer by happenstance! I wanted to be a sound engineer, but out of college the only positions available in theater were in costuming. I’d always sewn, having been taught by my mother, and was interested in fashion and design, so working with costume and design just came naturally. I was always putting together wild outfits as a kid/teen, ah who am I kidding, as an adult as well. I taught myself to sketch and express my ideas, and I was already a fabulous shopper as evident by my vast personal wardrobe, so it all came together along with hard work and learning from other costumers with more experience.

What was your favorite television show when you were growing up?

I had a few – during the daytime I’d watch Days of our Lives (my mother used to joke she thought I would become a dramatic actress). At night, I was a HUGE fan of The X-Files, Unsolved Mysteries and Star Trek: The Next Generation. I have always had a fascination with drama and fantasy looks.

What are the steps that go into making a costume?

Lots of steps go into the making of a costume, and it usually repeats the same format every time. I start with cues from the character descriptions and actions in the script. I then interpret what I’ve read and present a design through sketches, reference images and fabric swatches.

After executives and directors approve the looks, there are two paths – one down the route of building it from scratch, which would then be taken on by my cutter, who creates the patterns for the garments from my sketches. We measure the actor, buy the fabrics and notions. Sometimes we make a mock up – this is a way to figure out fit, drape and overall look of the costume using muslin (an inexpensive cotton), as the “real” fabrics tend to be pricier and we don’t want to be wasteful. After a fitting or two, the garments (if required) get broken down before the final product makes it to camera.

If it’s not a build, then it’s a store purchase, and I’ll set out shopping. Sometimes, we have to alter a purchased garment so that it fits within the overall design of the show. We might tea dye it, or remove pockets or make it look worn using paint.

What is your favorite costume that you’ve made for Odd Squad?

A favorite Odd Squad costume, isn’t that like asking who your favorite child is!? Lady Bread was one of my favorites because the only direction I was given was, “she has bread for hands”. Using the inspiration of Marie Antoinette, I set out to create a regal bread basket look. Around the corner from our studio was a fabulous bakery, where I purchased $35 of fresh bread to make her look. I cut the slices in half, dried and lacquered them, and then applied them to the crinoline base. Big loaves were hollowed out to make room for the actor's hands. Over twelve yards of fabric are in her skirt, which was in line with the excessively elaborate nature of the 18th century way of dressing royalty.

What are you going to be for Halloween?

I’ll be honest with you – everyday is basically Halloween, so I usually don’t dress up myself. I love to see what the everyday person comes up with using cardboard, paint, found objects and balloons. One year, someone covered themselves in balloons to make up the chemical compound of the influenza! Another year, I saw a group of people as Mario Kart characters with cardboard cars and balloons hanging above them, representing their lives! It’s a day of the year for the general population to express themselves creatively through costume, whereas I am so fortunate to be able to call that my day job.

 

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Tragedy in Squirrel Hill

October 29, 2018

Everyone at Fred Rogers Productions is devastated by the tragedy at Tree of Life synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood that Fred Rogers called home for many years.

Dream Big Pittsburgh: Respect

November 2, 2018

There is no more genuine source of dreams and shared possibilities in our community than our children.
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Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Everyone at Fred Rogers Productions is devastated by the tragedy at Tree of Life synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood that Fred Rogers called home for many years. We offer our deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones and whose world has been upended.

The importance of community is even more evident at times of tragedy and though this terrible event took place in our home city of Pittsburgh, we know it also deeply affects our neighbors around the country and the world.

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Pittsburgh, PA, May 7, 2018 – It’s a beautiful new day in the Neighborhood! The Fred Rogers Company, the celebrated children’s entertainment company founded by children’s TV pioneer Fred Rogers nearly five decades ago and now home to multiple award-winning series loved by children and families around the world, has rebranded to Fred Rogers Productions. The change is designed to better reflect the company’s expanding catalog of programs, which today encompasses top-rated multiplatform PBS KIDS series such as Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Peg + Cat, and Odd Squad as well as popular apps, games, and more. Along with the new name is a refreshed logo featuring an image of Daniel Tiger to more clearly connect the company with its signature property. The rebrand was done in partnership with The Possibility Shop and SJI Associates.

“The name change helps position us for continued growth in all areas of children’s entertainment production, while reflecting the company’s deep roots in social-emotional learning and our iconic namesake,” said Paul Siefken, President and CEO of Fred Rogers Productions. “We remain committed to inspiring a lifetime of learning in children and to earning the trust of their parents and caregivers every day.”

One of the most trusted names in children’s media, the company has a sterling reputation as a producer of children’s educational and entertaining media. Beginning with Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, its first original series since the iconic Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, which revolutionized television as an early learning tool, the company’s mission continues to be reaching young children, families and educators in innovative, effective ways by harnessing the power of media. Building on its 50-year history of success with exceptional programming for every platform, the company and its programs have earned numerous prestigious awards and honors, including 23 Daytime Emmys, multiple Parents’ Choice Gold Awards, a host of Common Sense Media Awards, and, most recently, an Institutional Peabody Award, among other accolades.

In March 2018 alone, the company’s programs reached more than 7 million kids ages 2-8 and garnered more than 50 million views through streaming video. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, a top PBS KIDS show among preschoolers and moms, accounts for nearly 500 million video streams per year, and its mobile apps have been downloaded more than 2 million times.

Stats for the company’s other hit shows are also impressive: Peg + Cat, the animated math and problem-solving series, racks up an average of 145 million video streams per year*; and Odd Squad, the live-action problem-solving PBS KIDS series, averages over 27 million streams digitally** per month.

Source: * Google Analytics 01/14 – 12/17, **Google Analytics 01/15 – 03/18

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Four Honors from the Parents’ Choice Foundation

February 12, 2018

All four of The Fred Rogers' Company's current productions -- Odd Squad, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, Peg + Cat, and Through the Woods -- have been awarded by the Parents' Choice Foundation with their prestigious Gold Award.

Tragedy in Squirrel Hill

October 29, 2018

Everyone at Fred Rogers Productions is devastated by the tragedy at Tree of Life synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood that Fred Rogers called home for many years.
More News
Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

We are thrilled to share this opportunity with our partners and collaborators at Out of the Blue Enterprises, 9 Story Media, 100 Chickens Productions, Sinking Ship Entertainment, Houghton-Mifflin Harcourt and Curious World.

Designed to help parents and caregivers of all achievements and backgrounds make informed decisions about which new products are right for their children, the Parents' Choice Awards is the nation's oldest nonprofit program created to recognize quality children's media. The program honors the best material for children: books, toys, music and storytelling, magazines, software, videogames, television and websites.

Parents' Choice Foundation's panels of educators, scientists, performing artists, librarians, parents, and even kids identify the very best products for children of different ages and backgrounds, and of varied skill and interest levels.

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MISTER ROGERS: IT’S YOU I LIKE Premieres March 2018 on PBS

January 22, 2018

New Star-Studded One-Hour Special Is a Heartfelt Tribute to the  Beloved Children’s Television Series That Turns 50 This Year

The Fred Rogers Company Rebrands to Fred Rogers Productions

May 7, 2018

Trailblazing Children’s Entertainment Company Introduces New Name; Positions Itself for Continued Strategic Growth.
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Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

MISTER ROGERS: IT’S YOU I LIKE, a celebrity-filled, hour-long special that premieres on PBS stations in March 2018 (check local listings), celebrates Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, the pioneering PBS series that premiered nationally 50 years ago and became an iconic and enduring landmark in the world of children’s television and beyond. Cast members from the groundbreaking series share their personal perspectives and insights in this new production, which pays tribute to television’s longest-running children’s series, still broadcast on many PBS stations today. The program also features interviews with numerous celebrities who have been influenced and inspired by Fred Rogers, a modest man who always said, “I am not a teacher, I simply help children learn.”

Judd Apatow, Joyce DiDonato, Whoopi Goldberg, Chris Kratt, John Lithgow, Yo-Yo Ma and son Nicholas Ma, Itzhak Perlman, Sarah Silverman, Esperanza Spalding and Caroll Spinney reveal their favorite memories from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, while Joe Negri (“Handyman Negri”), David Newell (“Mr. McFeely”) and Joanne Rogers, Fred’s widow, share their personal stories. Also featured are performances from the archives by Tony Bennett, The Empire Brass Quintet, Hillary Hahn, Margaret Hamilton, Yo-Yo Ma and Nicholas, Wynton Marsalis and Perlman.

The nearly 900 episodes created by Fred Rogers encompass topics that resonate to this day with adults and children alike. Favorite segments, such as a visit with Koko the Gorilla, Big Bird’s appearance in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe as well as trips to the Crayola Factory and the Radio Flyer Wagon Company, are highlighted.

MISTER ROGERS: IT’S YOU I LIKE is produced by JoAnn Young (JFK: The Lost Inaugural Gala, Oscar Hammerstein: Out of My Dreams) and John Paulson (JFK: The Lost Inaugural Gala and A Raisin in the Sun Revisited). Ellen Doherty and Kevin Morrison of The Fred Rogers Company are executive producers.

PBS special programming invites viewers to experience the worlds of science, history, nature, and public affairs; hear diverse viewpoints; and take front-row seats to world-class drama and performances. Viewer contributions are an important source of funding, making PBS programs possible. PBS and public television stations offer all Americans from every walk of life the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content.

Underwriters: Public Television Viewers and PBS
Producer/Presenting Station: The Fred Rogers Company/TPT

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U.S. Postal Service Provides a Sneak Peek at Select 2018 Stamps

December 13, 2017

"Forever" our favorite neighbor, we're so excited that Fred is listed among these iconic cultural figures. Read on for more information about the full 2018 lineup.

Four Honors from the Parents’ Choice Foundation

February 12, 2018

All four of The Fred Rogers' Company's current productions -- Odd Squad, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, Peg + Cat, and Through the Woods -- have been awarded by the Parents' Choice Foundation with their prestigious Gold Award.
More News
Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

WASHINGTON — With a new year just around the corner, the U.S. Postal Service is raising the curtain to provide a sneak peek at a portion of its 2018 stamp program. Icons such as Lena Horne, John Lennon and Sally Ride and will be immortalized on Forever stamps next year. Stunning photographs of America’s dramatic landscapes will commemorate the song “America the Beautiful.”

Other diverse and educational stamps on deck for 2018 will:

  • Shine light on bioluminescent creatures that glow in the dark;
  • Showcase the art of magic through five classic magic tricks;
  • Celebrate mythological fire-eating dragons; and,
  • Offer “tasty” frozen treats for those with a sweet tooth.

Detailed information and issuance dates on these stamps and others will be revealed later. All stamp designs are preliminary and are subject to change until issuance dates.

Love Flourishes (Love series)

Love Flourishes is the latest stamp in the Love series. The stamp art features a fanciful garden of colorful flowers surrounding the word “Love.”

Year of the Dog (Celebrating Lunar New Year series)

The Year of the Dog stamp is the 11th of 12 stamps in the Celebrating Lunar New Year series. The Year of the Dog begins Feb. 16, 2018, and ends Feb. 4, 2019.

Lena Horne (Black Heritage series)

The 41st issuance in the Black Heritage series honors the achievements of legendary performer and civil rights activist Lena Horne (1917–2010). Remembered as one of America’s great interpreters of popular songs, Horne also was a trailblazer in Hollywood for women of color. She used her personal elegance, charisma and fame to become an important spokesperson for civil rights.

U.S. Flag

For more than half a century, U.S. stamps have depicted the American flag in vivid red, white and blue. This eye-catching new issuance continues that tradition with a striking graphic design of a flag with two crisp folds. Bioluminescent Life This issuance celebrates the phenomenon of bioluminescence — the ability of some species to glow — with a pane of 20 stamps featuring 10 life-forms that create their own light.

Illinois Statehood (Statehood series)

This stamp celebrates the 200th anniversary of Illinois statehood. Known as the Prairie State, Illinois became the 21st state of the union on Dec. 3, 1818.

Mister Rogers

Fred Rogers (1928–2003) was known as a beloved television neighbor to generations of children. His groundbreaking public television series Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood inspired and educated young viewers with warmth, sensitivity and honesty.

STEM Education

These Forever stamps celebrate the role of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in keeping our nation a global leader in innovation. Designed to pique the curiosity of the viewer, each of these four stamps features a collage of faces, symbols, drawings and numbers that represent the complexity and interconnectedness of the STEM disciplines.

Peace Rose

Peace Rose celebrates one of the most popular roses of all time. The peace rose revolutionized hybrid tea roses with its unique coloring, hardiness, and disease resistance.

Sally Ride

America’s first woman in space, Sally Ride (1951–2012), inspired the nation as a pioneering astronaut, brilliant physicist and dedicated educator.

Flag Act of 1818

With this stamp, the Postal Service marks the 200th anniversary of the Flag Act of 1818, which gave us the basic design of the current American flag: 13 stripes symbolizing the original 13 colonies and one star for each state in the union.

Frozen Treats

Frozen Treats features frosty, colorful icy pops on a stick. The tasty, sweet confections come in a variety of shapes and flavors.

O Beautiful

With the release of O Beautiful, the Postal Service commemorates the beauty and majesty of the United States through images that correspond with one of the nation’s most beloved songs, “America the Beautiful.”

World War I: Turning the Tide

With this stamp, the Postal Service pays tribute to the sacrifice of American soldiers and millions of supporters on the home front who experienced World War I. Entering World War I (1914–1918) in its later stages, the United States helped turn the tide of war in favor of the Allies.

Dragons

The Postal Service celebrates dragons, the high-flying, fire-breathing mythological creatures that have roamed our imaginations for millennia.

Birds in Winter

Birds in Winter celebrates four of winter’s winged beauties: the black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus), the northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), the blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata), and the redbellied woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus).

John Lennon (Music Icons series)

The newest stamp in the Music Icons series honors singer and songwriter John Lennon (1940–1980), a rock ’n’ roll hero successful both as a founding member of the Beatles and as a solo artist.

The Art of Magic

The Postal Service celebrates the art of magic with this pane of 20 stamps featuring digital illustrations of five classic tricks magicians use to amaze and delight audiences: a rabbit in a hat (production), a fortune teller using a crystal ball (prediction), a woman floating in the air (levitation), an empty bird cage (vanishing), and a bird emerging from a flower (transformation).

Byodo-In Temple (Priority Mail)

This Priority Mail stamp features a colorful illustration of the Byodo-In Temple, a popular tourist attraction in Hawai‘i.

Sleeping Bear Dunes (Priority Mail Express)

With this Priority Mail Express stamp, the Postal Service celebrates the Sleeping Bear Dunes, a national park in Michigan that takes its name from a Native American legend.

Meyer Lemons

Meyer Lemons is a 2-cent definitive stamp. The stamp art features a whole Meyer lemon next to two wedges of the cut fruit.

Stamp ideas welcome

The public is encouraged to submit stamp suggestions. Visit this link for details on the stamp selection process and instructions for submitting suggestions in writing. Due to the time required for research and approval, ideas for stamp subjects should be received at least three years prior to proposed release. Each submission should include pertinent historical information and important dates associated with the subject. The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

# # #

Please Note: For broadcast quality video and audio, photo stills and other media resources, visit the USPS Newsroom at about.usps.com/news/welcome.htm. For reporters interested in speaking with a regional Postal Service public relations professional, please go to about.usps.com/news/media-contacts/usps-local-media-contacts.pdf.

Follow us on twitter.com/USPS and like us at facebook.com/USPS. For more information about the Postal Service, go to usps.com and usps.com/postalfacts

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PBS KIDS Renews “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” for a Fourth Season

October 11, 2017

The Fred Rogers Company has announced that a fourth season of DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD, its top-rated hit for preschoolers and parents, is coming to PBS KIDS.

MISTER ROGERS: IT’S YOU I LIKE Premieres March 2018 on PBS

January 22, 2018

New Star-Studded One-Hour Special Is a Heartfelt Tribute to the  Beloved Children’s Television Series That Turns 50 This Year
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Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

The Fred Rogers Company has announced that a fourth season of DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD, its top-rated hit for preschoolers and parents, is coming to PBS KIDS. The exciting new season, which will feature 20 engaging episodes, including a one-hour special, will also bring relatable new characters to the popular series. Season Four episodes are slated to premiere beginning in summer 2018 and will explore important preschool themes – such as being accepting of others and making new friends – through the show’s trademark catchy musical strategies.

“We are delighted to present a brand-new season of DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD on PBS KIDS – and to introduce new neighbors that young fans and their families will be sure to love,” said Paul Siefken, President and CEO, The Fred Rogers Company. “Our mission has always been to help children navigate everyday challenges with their parents and caregivers, and Season 4 will introduce even more of the gentle life lessons and messages that help make the show so popular and effective with viewers.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome a new season of fan-favorite, DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD, to PBS KIDS,” said Linda Simensky, Vice President, Children’s Programming, PBS. “We know children have loved growing with Daniel, and we’re excited to continue building on the important social-emotional learning that research has shown time and again is the foundation for success in school and life.”

DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD was created by some of today’s preeminent innovators of quality children’s media. Creator Angela Santomero, from lead production partner Out of the Blue Enterprises, is co-executive producer, along with Kevin Morrison of The Fred Rogers Company and Vince Commisso of the award-winning animation studio, 9 Story Media Group. The animated series has garnered numerous prestigious awards, including a 2016 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Writing in a Preschool Animated Program, a 2016 Television Critics’ Association Award for Outstanding Achievement in Youth Programming, three consecutive Parents’ Choice Gold Awards from 2015 – 2017, and a 2014 Prix Jeunesse International Selection.

As of August 2017, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood was the #1 PBS KIDS program for Kids 2-5, Kids 2-8, and with moms of young children*. In addition, it continues to be one of the most streamed shows, averaging over 40 million streams per month**. More than 4.5 million Daniel Tiger books have been published to date, and downloads of the apps, music, and episodes continue to rank high on iTunes.

*Nielsen National Toolbox NTI Broadcast months, GAA%, Reach% (75% Uni, 6+ Qual.).
**Data collected from Google Analytics report from August ’16 – August ’17.

 

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The Fred Rogers Company Statement Regarding Federal Funding for Public Broadcasting

March 17, 2017

For more than two generations of Americans, The Fred Rogers Company has partnered with CPB and PBS to share what Fred Rogers called an “expression of care” for children and families through broadcast and digital media as well as neighborhood outreach. We stand firmly in support of continued federal funding for public media. In the […]

U.S. Postal Service Provides a Sneak Peek at Select 2018 Stamps

December 13, 2017

"Forever" our favorite neighbor, we're so excited that Fred is listed among these iconic cultural figures. Read on for more information about the full 2018 lineup.
More News
Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

For more than two generations of Americans, The Fred Rogers Company has partnered with CPB and PBS to share what Fred Rogers called an “expression of care” for children and families through broadcast and digital media as well as neighborhood outreach. We stand firmly in support of continued federal funding for public media. In the nearly 50 years since Fred spoke on its behalf before the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Communication, public broadcasting has provided countless hours of free, evidence-based educational content to millions of children, exploring topics like science, literacy, math, and the core social and emotional subjects that foster kindness, friendship, curiosity, and enthusiasm for learning.

 

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The Fred Rogers Company’s First Mobile Series Now Available

February 7, 2017

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and The Fred Rogers Company have partnered to launch an original short-form video series for kids and families.

PBS KIDS Renews “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” for a Fourth Season

October 11, 2017

The Fred Rogers Company has announced that a fourth season of DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD, its top-rated hit for preschoolers and parents, is coming to PBS KIDS.
More News
Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and The Fred Rogers Company have partnered to launch an original short-form video series for kids and families. Marking its first foray into original programming for mobile, The Fred Rogers Company debuts Through the Woods, a new series of animated shorts on Curious World, HMH’s award-winning mobile platform.

Each episode of Through the Woods follows a young boy named Rider and his beloved dog Wolfie as they venture into their backyard woods in search of adventures. As they meet the animals that live there, they observe, ask questions, and ultimately inspire viewers to make discoveries of their own in their neighborhoods and communities.

A vibrantly-animated new production, Through the Woods nurtures respect for nature and models a variety of essential lessons for kids and families, from the importance of self-guided play and curiosity to the power that loving relationships (with family, friends and pets!) have to support a child’s blooming confidence and sense of self.

“I cannot overstate how thrilled we are to be working with the amazing team at The Fred Rogers Company,” said CJ Kettler, EVP and Chief of Consumer Brands and Strategy, HMH. “Curious World’s philosophy aligns perfectly with The Fred Rogers Company’s commitment to creating kids’ media that families can trust to inspire off-screen learning and support an interest in life science and nature. Our viewers are going to love joining Rider and Wolfie as they explore the natural world.”

“As an innovative, mobile content service, Curious World is ideal for showcasing Rider’s and Wolfie’s outdoor adventures,” said Paul Siefken, President and CEO of The Fred Rogers Company. “Viewers can reenact these familiar and relatable encounters with nature in their own neighborhoods. At the same time, the shorts display key early learning skills like self-regulation, persistence and inquiry – as well as sharing new experiences with loving parents and grandparents. The Fred Rogers Company recognizes that it’s important for positive, developmental content to be everywhere kids and families are today.”

Launched in 2015, Curious World’s mobile platform provides more than 1,200 videos of engaging kids’ content tied to key learning areas – all housed within a safe, trusted digital environment. From iconic HMH characters like Curious George to new friends like Rider and his family in Through the Woods, Curious World curates the best kids’ content, including original IP offerings and licensed programming from leading children’s media production companies, as well as original games and celebrated children’s books that can be accessed by users anytime, anywhere on iPhone, iPad or AppleTV.

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The Fred Rogers Company Promotes Paul Siefken to President and CEO

December 19, 2016

Paul Siefken has been named President and CEO of The Fred Rogers Company

The Fred Rogers Company Statement Regarding Federal Funding for Public Broadcasting

March 17, 2017

For more than two generations of Americans, The Fred Rogers Company has partnered with CPB and PBS to share what Fred Rogers called an “expression of care” for children and families through broadcast and digital media as well as neighborhood outreach. We stand firmly in support of continued federal funding for public media. In the […]
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