Seattle PBS launches Local Public to offer its streaming tech to other stations

Cascade PBS has launched Local Public, a wholly owned public benefit subsidiary offering streaming app technology for local public media stations.

The Seattle-based public media organization, which operates KCTS, developed the platform to support its own streaming strategy before spinning it out as a standalone company serving PBS stations across the U.S.

“Local Public represents the possibilities when local public media organizations work together to build better products, faster, that meet the needs of our audiences and reflect what’s most important to our communities,” Amanda Mountain, president and CEO of Rocky Mountain Public Media, the parent of Cascade PBS, said in a statement.

Local Public allows stations to create locally branded and locally curated streaming video services across connected TV, web and mobile platforms. The platform is designed to help stations maintain a direct connection with viewers as more public media consumption shifts from broadcast to streaming.

The company gives participating stations access to a shared ecosystem where they can exchange curated collections, best practices and product improvements.

Local Public currently supports 18 PBS stations, with additional launches planned in the coming months.

Participating stations include Arizona PBS; Buffalo-Toronto Public Media; Cascade PBS, serving Seattle-Tacoma and Yakima-Pasco-Richland-Kennewick; Houston Public Media; KPBS in San Diego; KVIE in Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto; Lehigh Valley PBS; Nashville PBS; OPB in Oregon; PBS Charlotte; Rocky Mountain PBS in Colorado; SCETV in South Carolina; Vegas PBS; WCTE in Upper Cumberland, Tennessee; WETA in Washington, D.C.; WHRO in Norfolk-Portsmouth-Newport News; WHYY in Philadelphia; and WQED in Pittsburgh.

Cascade PBS reported that its own Local Public-powered streaming apps have increased contributions by 53%, generated 30% more new supporters and produced a 7% higher retention rate among donors acquired through the apps, based on internal analytics and CRM data.

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“Public media has always been strongest when it is deeply rooted in the communities it serves,” Rob Dunlop, president and CEO of Cascade PBS, said. “Streaming shouldn’t diminish that connection — it should strengthen it. Local Public gives stations the tools to create digital experiences that reflect their communities, deepen audience engagement and build a more sustainable future for public media.”