PBS has been one of the last holdouts when it comes to live TV streaming. Current PBS is not on any of the major live TV streaming services like Sling TV, DIRECTV NOW, Hulu, PlayStation Vue, & More. Now it sounds like that is all about to change according to PBS Cheif Digital Officer Ira Rubenstein.

“I believe, and others in the system believe, that we should be there,” said PBS’ chief digital officer Ira Rubenstein. “It’s important for us to be up with the other networks so that we are not forgotten. The question becomes, how do we do it?”

Though Rubenstein says there are a few holdups in their talks with live TV streaming services. “Some don’t want to have to carry local station feeds,” he said. “All they want is the national PBS feed. Obviously, that doesn’t work for us.”

Right now PBS says they have assembled a station advisory group to help create a plan to move forward with live TV streaming deals. Georgia Public Broadcasting; Lakeland PBS, Bemidji, Minn.; Idaho Public TV; KUED, Salt Lake City, Utah; KQED, San Francisco, WGBH, Boston; and WNET, New York City have all teamed up to help move PBS forward into the age of cord cutting.

Rubenstein says he hopes to strike a deal this year. PBS is concerned that if they wait their content may not be wanted by live TV streaming services like Sling TV, Hulu, or PlayStation Vue. Now it is important to remember that well they may strike a deal this year PBS may not go live on your favorite live TV streaming service until next year.

If you want to learn more about how PBS is hoping to partner with live TV streaming services Current has a great in-depth look at PBS plans HERE.

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