Chicago-based Performer, Teacher and Mom
Lori Holton Nash Named New PBS KIDS Host

New Preschool Destination Launches September 4, 2006 with the
Premiere of CURIOUS GEORGETM

Arlington, VA, May 30, 2006 - PBS KIDS announces its first-ever live host - Chicago-based performer, teacher and mom Lori Holton Nash - for its new preschool destination launching on September 4, 2006. As the new host, Lori and an animated sidekick will guide kids through a two-hour programming block for preschoolers. The new block will feature four PBS KIDS programs age-appropriately grouped including PBS KIDS' two new series - CURIOUS GEORGE, emphasizing science, math and engineering and narrated by Emmy-winning actor William H. Macy, and IT'S A BIG BIG WORLD, highlighting science and geography - alongside existing favorites CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG and DRAGON TALES.

"Based on research PBS conducted with parents we identified valuable content that parents feel is missing from children's media today, including positive real adult role models and opportunities to connect lessons learned from programming to kids' lives," said Lesli Rotenberg, SVP PBS KIDS Next Generation Media. "PBS KIDS new preschool destination will meet parents' needs by introducing Lori, a host who has a passion for children and a unique and engaging teaching style that incorporates humor, music, movement and storytelling."

After an extensive nationwide talent search, PBS KIDS named Lori as the host of its new preschool block to inspire and entertain kids in a playful setting designed to spark kids' imaginations, give them a greater sense of discovery and build their excitement for learning about the world around them. In addition to her on-air and online presence, Lori will make appearances at various events across the country, visiting local PBS member stations and participating in children's events.

"I'm extremely excited to be named PBS KIDS' first-ever host," commented Lori. "Performing and educating is not just what I do, it's who I am and I look forward to reaching out to children across the country through the most trusted kids content source, PBS KIDS. I grew up watching PBS' children's programs and today, I am raising my own kids as PBS KIDS."

A Wisconsin native, Lori has been performing since she was nine years old. After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in musical theater from The Boston Conservatory, she eventually settled in Chicago where she performed on stage in numerous dramatic and musical roles. Lori, who is a wife and mother of three young children, is the founder of The C.A.M.P.U.S. Inc. (Celebrating Artistry Musicality Physicality United Successfully), a resource for families in search of recreational arts programming that enriches their souls, engages their bodies and challenges their minds.

In addition to Lori's broadcast debut, the new block will feature the premiere of CURIOUS GEORGE. Produced by Imagine Entertainment, WGBH Boston and Universal Studios Family Productions, and based on the best-selling Curious George books by Margret and H.A. Rey, CURIOUS GEORGE uses George's insatiable curiosity as a way of acquainting preschoolers with key concepts in math, science and engineering. The series encourages inquiry and curiosity, promotes hands-on exploration, and shows parents and caregivers how to support children's science and math-related play.

PBS KIDS new hosted preschool destination is one part of PBS KIDS Next Generation Media, a broad-based initiative to define public television's role in the changing digital children's media landscape. In addition to the launch of the new preschool environment, PBS recently announced a new 24/7 early elementary school digital broadcast service, PBS KIDS GO! Channel, scheduled to launch in October 2006 and delivered to the community through local PBS stations, which will meet the educational and developmental needs of this underserved audience. With a 360-degree approach to learning and reaching children, PBS leverages the full spectrum of media and technology advancements, as well as classroom and community, to build children's love of learning, knowledge, critical thinking, imagination, curiosity and respect for others in a diverse world.

PBS KIDS is committed to providing the highest-quality non-commercial content and learning environment for children across the country. Providing age-appropriate, diverse programming for kids, PBS KIDS' programs consistently earn more prestigious awards than any other broadcast or cable network. Only PBS KIDS has earned the unanimous endorsement of parents, children, industry leaders and teachers. With additional PBS resources to complement its programming, including PBS KIDS online ( www.pbskids.org ), PBS KIDS GO! ( www.pbskidsgo.org ), PBS Parents ( www.pbsparents.org ), PBS TeacherSource ( www.pbsteachersource.org ), PBS Ready To Learn services and literacy events across the country, PBS KIDS is providing the tools necessary for positive child development. PBS is a nonprofit media enterprise owned and operated by the nation's 348 public television stations, serving nearly 90 million people each week and reaching 99% of American homes.

 

Contacts:
Jill Corderman, 703.739.5788, jcorderman@pbs.org
Alan Winnikoff, 212.679.2982, alan@sayleswinnikoff.com
Carina Sayles, 609.397.6200, carina@sayleswinnikoff.com