WJCT Kids Writers Contest extended

WJCT Public Media this week announced the submission deadline for the 2021 WJCT PBS Kids Writers Contest has been extended. The organization will accept entries through April 15, 2021.

Starting its 27th year, the annual contest invites students in grade K-3 to submit their original writing and illustrations. The 2020 contest collected over 200 stories from Florida, Georgia, and other parts of the country as far away as California and Alaska.

The annual contest is an initiative designed to promote the advancement of children’s literacy skills through hands-on, active learning and is open to any child in grades K-3 who writes and illustrates their own story.

All writers and illustrators, who enter and meet the requirements of the contest, will have their work published online at wjct.org and receive a certificate. First-, second- and third-place awards will be presented for stories from each grade level; winners will also receive a WJCT PBS Kids prize pack, the opportunity to create a video reading of their story and an invitation to share their story live at Be My Neighbor Day on Saturday, May 9. Winning stories will be eligible for the People’s Choice grand prize, a $100 savings bond.

“WJCT Public Media is proud to provide a platform for our youngest neighbors to share their unique stories through the WJCT PBS Kids Writers Contest,” said David McGowan, President and CEO of WJCT. “Through this contest, we hope to inspire students and their communities to experience the joy of creativity.”

For more information, including official rules and tools to help students create their stories, visit wjct.org/writerscontest.

About WJCT:  WJCT is the community-owned and operated public media organization serving Jacksonville and the First Coast since 1958, using television, radio, digital media, and live events to help community members learn, share, and grow. For more information on WJCT’s in-depth programming content, log on to WJCT Online at wjct.org. Like WJCT on Facebook (facebook.com/wjctjax) and follow WJCT on Twitter (@WJCTJax) and Instagram (@WJCTJax).

About PBS KIDS: PBS KIDS, the number one educational media brand for kids, offers all children the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, digital platforms and community-based programs. Kidscreen- and Webby Award-winning pbskids.org provides engaging interactive content, including digital games and streaming video. PBS KIDS also offers mobile apps to help support young children’s learning. The PBS KIDS Video app is available on a variety of mobile devices and on platforms such as YouTube, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Prime, Android TV, Xbox One and Chromecast. For more information on specific PBS KIDS content supporting literacy, science, math and more, visit pbs.org/pressroom, or follow PBS KIDS on Twitter and Facebook.

WJCT public media to rebrand WJCT-TV as Jax PBS

WJCT Public Media announced today that WJCT-TV will be rebranded as Jax PBS, effective February 24, 2021.

As WJCT continues to move toward production and distribution of its services across a wide range of digital technologies, its brands are also evolving to reflect this new media landscape. The programs that currently air on WJCT-TV are now available on platforms beyond the broadcast television channel, and it’s new name reflects this new multi-platform environment.

The Jax PBS brand aligns with growing demand for content across multiple platforms and expanded services available through WJCT Public Media, including live streaming content at wjct.org, the WJCT app, on-demand streaming through Jax PBS Passport, and distribution through both traditional TV providers such as Comcast and AT&T and new “virtual” multi-video program distributors (vMVPDs) such as YouTube TV.  Jax PBS will continue to be available as a broadcast channel found in channel position 7.1.

“WJCT-TV has been your trusted source for the very best in education, entertainment and news programming for more than 60 years. But as the way we all watch evolves so will our name. WJCT-TV will become JAX PBS beginning February 24, 2021. New name, same mission: educate, involve, inspire,” explained David McGowan, President and CEO of WJCT Public Media.

The identity will be implemented through a refreshed logo and new identity graphics. Other channels broadcast and distributed by WJCT Public Media will also reflect the new brand, including Jax PBS More!, Jax PBS Kids, Jax PBS WORLD and Jax PBS Create.

This rebranding is the first change to the station’s public name in its history. WJCT debuted in September 1958 as an educational television broadcaster, and became a member station of The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) in 1969.

The PBS brand is synonymous with trust and value. For the 18th consecutive year, PBS has been named America’s most-trusted institution ahead of commercial cable and broadcast television, newspapers, and digital platforms. Americans view PBS as a destination for journalistic integrity, exceptional content, and incredible storytelling appealing to a diverse range of people in the community. Families turn to PBS Kids as a trusted and safe source over other children’s media providers for high-quality, educational programming and resources that inspire and prepare children for success in school. The trust that Americans place in the PBS brand, along with its widespread recognition, led WJCT Public Media's to work with PBS to develop the local Jax PBS brand as WJCT updated the identity of its television services.

“In the more than 60 years since WJCT-TV went on the air, many things have changed — including the ways and places we all watch 'TV'” said McGowan. “Rebranding this service as Jax PBS reflects those changes, while also making us easier to find and identify in a crowded media landscape.  WJCT is much more than a traditional over-the-air broadcast channel, and we are proud to adopt Jax PBS as a name that better reflects our multi-platform future.”

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) designated call letters for Jax PBS (WJCT) will remain the same. The programming lineup will not change as part of the rebranding initiative. For more information, visit jaxpbs.org.

About WJCT: WJCT is the community-owned and operated public media organization serving Jacksonville and the First Coast since 1958, using television, radio, digital media, and live events to help community members learn, share, and grow. For more information on WJCT’s in-depth programming content, log on to WJCT Online at wjct.org. Like WJCT on Facebook (facebook.com/wjctjax) and follow WJCT on Twitter (@WJCTJax) and Instagram (@WJCTJax).