MPT Press Release

MARYLAND PUBLIC TELEVISION SELECTS NEW TITLE FOR ITS EXPANDED SERVICES TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
MPT KidWorks Debuts This Month
Maryland Public Television has launched a new name and look for its ongoing children's programming, MPT KidWorks, which encompasses the shows and services MPT provides for children and families both on and off screen.
"Our new MPT KidWorks name reflects the expanded services MPT now offers families and children on the air, on-line and in the community," said MPT President and CEO Robert J. Shuman. "Marylanders will still see the programming they have grown to love on MPT. The new title reflects the broad-based services MPT provides as a community resource."
MPT KidWorks initiatives include its broadcast programming, appearances by MPT talent around the state, an upgraded children's area on its Web site at www.mpt.org, the Vid Kid Club and community outreach. MPT KidWorks replaces the Children's Channel name.
Bob Heck continues as host of children's programming on MPT KidWorks, appearing in educational and fun messages in breaks between the shows. His community involvement has been expanded with more appearances. Heck appeared at a series of MPT Birthday Bash mall tours this summer including Marley Station, Prince George's Plaza, Reisterstown Road Plaza and The Centre in Salisbury. He performs at Artrain in Taneytown, August 7 and 8 from 12 to 4 p.m. Heck will be featured in several new MPT children's specials in the coming season.
MPT has a permanent exhibit area, MPT StudioWorks, at Port Discovery children's museum in downtown Baltimore. Heck appears at Port Discovery August 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. MPT has offered extensive Ready to Learn workshops statewide to train day-care providers to use PBS children's programming to help pre-schoolers become ready to learn by the time they attend school. MPT will be adding a new workshop initiative this fall.
MPT broadcasts more than 50 hours of educational, commercial-free children's programming per week over its six channels. The past five years MPT expanded its involvement in national productions for children and presents ongoing series Kratts' Creatures, Zoboomafoo and Wimzie's House nationally on PBS.