ADRIANO SCHMID JOINS PBS KIDS AS VICE PRESIDENT OF CONTENT

ARLINGTON, Va., June 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- PBS has named Adriano Schmid to serve as Vice President of PBS KIDS Content. In this role, Schmid will oversee the PBS KIDS Content team and the network's full content library. In addition, he will be responsible for expanding PBS KIDS' robust multi-platform content strategy to meet the evolving needs of the PBS KIDS audience. This will include identifying new industry talent, fostering relationships with current producers and partners, and supporting development of new approaches to content production on emerging platforms. He will join the team on June 13 and will report to Sara DeWitt, SVP and General Manager of PBS KIDS.

Schmid, a media veteran with more than 20 years' experience, comes to PBS from Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc., where he most recently focused on multi-lingual programming in both Latin American and U.S. Hispanic markets. There, he developed and produced curriculum-based projects for preschool-age audiences in the non-fiction, live-action & animation long-form genres. Schmid also supervised the creation of short and digital kids' content, such as e-books, games and webisodes.

Some of his most recent projects include "Ba Da Bean," a children's comedy series that explores the sometimes-invisible connection between art and STEM, and the Latin American hit series "Mini Beat Power Rockers," a CG-animated show with a strong music appreciation curriculum. In addition, he has led the network's editorial supervision on popular co-productions "Agent Binky" and "Earth to Luna." Schmid's contribution to children's entertainment has been recognized with awards such as the Pulcinella award for the ground-breaking "Papernauts" (2018) and the Cine Golden Eagle Award (2014) for "Doki." He is also a four-time International Emmy Award nominee (2015-2018).

"We're thrilled to welcome Adriano to PBS. His extensive background, focus on educational, diverse, and accessible kids' content, and deep respect for the PBS KIDS legacy and mission make him a strong addition to our team. Adriano will bring a great new perspective to the team as we continue to build and expand on the ways in which we serve children, families, and communities across the country," said DeWitt.

"PBS KIDS brings such a unique proposition: combining the directive to embrace different styles, formats, points of view and voices, together with an unwavering commitment to creating content with a purpose. It's an honor to join this amazing team and work on this growing family of beloved characters. I am delighted to have the opportunity to continue my work empowering children to connect, learn and have fun," said Schmid.

Prior to joining Discovery Inc., Schmid worked on factual and lifestyle programming, oversaw on-air promotion, and worked in production for HBO Brazil. He received an MFA in Screenwriting from the University of Miami and a bachelor's degree in Business from Fundação Getúlio Vargas.

PBS, with more than 330 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and digital content. Each month, PBS reaches over 120 million people through television and 26 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS's broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry's most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. Decades of research confirm that PBS's premier children's media service, PBS KIDS, helps children build critical literacy, math and social-emotional skills, enabling them to find success in school and life. Delivered through member stations, PBS KIDS offers high-quality educational content on TV – including a 24/7 channel, online at pbskids.org, via an array of mobile apps and in communities across America. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the internet, or by following PBS on Twitter, Facebook or through our apps for mobile and connected devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available at pbs.org/pressroom or by following PBS Communications on Twitter.

PBS KIDS believes the world is full of possibilities, and so is every child. As the number one educational media brand for kids, PBS KIDS helps children ages 2-8 learn lessons that last a lifetime. Through television, digital media, and community-based programs, PBS KIDS wants children to see themselves uniquely reflected and celebrated in lovable, diverse characters who serve as positive role models, and to explore their feelings and discover new adventures along the way. Families can watch PBS KIDS anytime on the free PBS KIDS 24/7 channel and the PBS KIDS Video app, available on mobile and connected-TV devices, no subscription required. PBS KIDS' large collection of mobile apps and pbskids.org provide accessible content, including digital games and streaming video to spark kids' curiosity. PBS KIDS and local stations across the country support the entire ecosystem in which children learn and grow – including their teachers, parents, and community – providing resources to support children's learning, anytime and anywhere. For more information, visit pbs.org/pressroom, or follow PBS KIDS on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

SOURCE PBS