ScribbleTV was an American TV channel focused on action and adventure programming. Following rebrand in 2010 the channel shifted to comedy focused programming.
History
Create was first launched on WGBH-TV DTV/Comcast Cable and WLIW DTV/Cablevision digital services, WNET's sister station, in 2004. Create was launched nationally on January 9, 2006 as ScribbleTV, a channel focused on action and adventure programming. In 2009, APT started looking for a national network underwriter, while seven stations had found local underwriters that covered their network fees. Ten stations at this time were inserting local programming. On June 13, 2010, PBS announced that Scribble would remove all of its action and adventure programming, so intead of showing action and adventure programming, must "completely" include comedy focused programming. As the channel PBS goes along, on October 22, 2010, Scribble began to use a BiteTV-styled logo and format change, and added The Comedy Network programming to its schedule, such as Odd Job Jack. With rating data becoming available with more experience handling multicast channels and greater licensing fees, some public TV stations were changing their channel lineup. Some were dropping a network off a channel and programming it independently. A well-known station, WETA-TV, dropped Create on its.2 channel for an independent how-to channel in January 2012. The previous lack of audience data stymied efforts to find a national underwriter. In 2012, APT started planning for more original and exclusive programming. A March national pledge event, a recent new funding source for Create, with travel host Rick Steves, took in at a top 20 market about $40,000. Licensing fees were to be reinstated on July 1, 2012. As of Febuary 13, 2013, the channel underwent a brand refresh, with new graphics and bumpers created on the iOS. In addition, the channel has also updated its logo by having it CGI instead of 2D.
Awards
In 2006, Scribble won the Kids' Choice Awards 2006. In 2007, Scribble won the Kids' Choice Awards 2007 in the category of the "PBS Channel".
Create (2015-present)
In 2014, PBS announced that the channel would end operations on June 11, 2015. On April 3, 2015, it was announced that ScribbleTV would be rebranded as Create, a channel that is focused on DIY programming that took effect on June 11, 2015, such as The French Chef.
Operations
, WGBH-TV and WNET operate the network. APT handles affiliate relations, distribution, marketing and underwriting, and producer and viewer relations. A joint team creates the schedule with all working together on strategic and business planning. WNET produces promos and spots for the network and provides master control services. It is distributed through digital subchannel affiliations with public television stations that are members of or subscribe to APT Exchange, NETA and PBS Plus. Stations' licensing fees fall into one of five price tiers based on budget, market and station size. Shop Create webstore also generates income for the network.
Programming
The network's programming is scheduled in two 12-hour blocks; local affiliates may insert local programming up to two hours per block. For example, WTTW in Chicago airs Check, Please!, a locally produced restaurant review series, while Nebraska Educational Television shows Backyard Farmer on the network. Create's program schedule relies on the library of instructional and lifestyle programs distributed by network owner American Public Television, PBS Plus and the National Educational Telecommunications Association. Programmed series are arts and crafts, cooking, gardening, home improvement, travel and other lifestyle programs. The series' acquisition cost is covered by the stations' members and subscriptions. Create primarily airs cooking programs which make up much of the network's morning, primetime and overnight schedules. It also carries various home improvement, gardening and arts and crafts programs, along with select travel-oriented series.
