SCETV announces partnership with Local Public to develop new streaming experience, SCETV+

— 4 min read
SCETV announces partnership with Local Public to develop new streaming experience, SCETV+

Written by
Landon Masters

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) today announced a new partnership with Local Public, a collaborative streaming initiative developed by public media organizations, to create a new locally curated streaming platform for audiences across South Carolina.

The future platform, branded as SCETV+, will bring together PBS programming, SCETV original productions, livestreamed channels and curated South Carolina-focused content into one streaming experience designed specifically for viewers in the state and beyond.

“Public media organizations across the country are recognizing that strong local streaming experiences are essential to the future of audience engagement, and this partnership gives SCETV the opportunity to shape how our content and services are experienced digitally,” said SCETV Assistant General Manager/Deputy Director Dr. Stephanie Cook. “SCETV+ will strengthen our connection to communities across South Carolina while ensuring audiences continue to have access to the trusted programs and resources they value most.”

The partnership marks a significant step in SCETV’s long-term digital transformation strategy as audiences increasingly shift toward on-demand and streaming viewing habits. The platform is expected to enhance SCETV’s ability to connect with younger and streaming-first audiences while expanding opportunities for audience engagement and membership growth.

“SCETV+ represents a major step forward in how we serve audiences across South Carolina,” said SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell. “For more than six decades, SCETV has provided trusted storytelling, education and public service to communities across our state, and this investment ensures that mission continues to thrive as audience habits and media consumption continue to evolve. We remain committed to making high-quality local programming and services accessible wherever and whenever people choose to engage with them.”

SCETV+ will be powered by the Local Public platform, a public media-led initiative originally launched by Cascade PBS in collaboration with stations across the country. The platform is designed to help public media organizations create customizable, member-supported streaming experiences while leveraging existing national infrastructure and content systems.

“SCETV has a longstanding legacy of serving audiences through trusted storytelling, education and public service, and we’re excited to welcome them to the growing community of stations shaping the future of local public media streaming,” said Cascade PBS Vice President of Media and Innovation Kevin Colligan. “SCETV+ will create new opportunities to connect South Carolinians with the local and national content that matters most to them in a streaming environment designed specifically for their communities.”

The Local Public initiative has grown steadily in recent years, with stations across the United States adopting locally branded streaming platforms that combine national programming with locally curated content and community storytelling.

Existing digital services, including the PBS App and the SCETV Passport member benefit, will continue unchanged and remain an important part of the public media experience for viewers and supporters. Current SCETV Passport members will continue to have access to the extensive library they already enjoy, while SCETV+ will build upon that experience with a locally curated approach designed specifically for South Carolina audiences.

Support from members and the ETV Endowment of South Carolina will continue to play a critical role in sustaining both SCETV’s existing services and the future growth of SCETV+ as public media evolves to meet audiences across new platforms and devices.

“The launch of SCETV+ represents a significant investment in the future of public media in South Carolina,” says ETV Endowment of South Carolina President and CEO Coby Latham.

SCETV+ is expected to serve as a centralized streaming destination for viewers seeking:

  • PBS and SCETV Passport programming 
  • SCETV original series and documentaries 
  • Public affairs programming and coverage 
  • Educational and cultural content 
  • Livestream access to SCETV broadcast channels 
  • Curated collections focused on South Carolina people, places and history 

SCETV+ will emphasize local curation and storytelling, allowing SCETV to highlight programming and collections tailored specifically to South Carolina audiences.

Additional details about SCETV+, including its official launch, supported devices, features and expanded content offerings, will be announced later in Fall 2026.

FAST FACTS

  • SCETV is partnering with Local Public to develop SCETV+, a new locally curated streaming platform for South Carolina audiences. 
  • SCETV+ will combine national programming, SCETV originals, livestream channels and South Carolina-focused collections into one streaming experience. 
  • The platform is part of SCETV’s long-term digital transformation strategy aimed at expanding engagement with streaming-first and younger audiences. 
  • Existing services, including the PBS App and SCETV Passport, will continue unchanged, with SCETV+ serving as a localized and curated viewing experience. 
  • Additional details about SCETV+, including launch timing, supported devices and platform features, will be announced in Fall 2026. 

About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio

South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Kitchen Curious with Vivian Howard, Reel South and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.

About Local Public

Local Public is a service which empowers local PBS and dual-licensee stations to launch member-supported streaming services. Our apps generate station revenue primarily via Passport member conversion and retention, and sponsorship opportunities. They are designed to replace declining broadcast-driven revenue and become a core revenue engine for local stations. Local Public is built around a collaborative Content Management System paired with human-powered metadata, AI-powered recommendations, and advanced curation and messaging tools.

Media Contacts

South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
(803) 737-3337

Local Public
Kevin Colligan
kevin.colligan@cascadepbs.org

Written by

Andrew Alvarez