Knowledge Network

Knowledge Network (CKNO) is a British Columbian public television educational network. It is a provincial crown corporation owned by the Government of British Columbia's Open Learning Agency . It went on air January 12, 1981.

External link:

• Knowledge Network official website

What does Knowledge Network do?

By offering programming that enriches and educates, Knowledge Network creates television-led, life-long learning opportunities for British Columbians. From kids' shows and how-to programs to documentaries and international specials, Knowledge Network offers meaningful television.

With an inventory of more than 6,000 programs, Knowledge Network's line-up offers a premium choice of shows. Topics cover just about every interest and subject, including arts and music, social and political issues, science and technology, nature and environment, history and culture, dramas, and children and youth programming.

Knowledge Network also plays a critical role in supporting the independent production community in BC and Canada by showcasing independent productions and pre-licencing programs which allow producers to develop further sources of funding.

How is Knowledge Network funded?

Knowledge Network, a not-for-profit organization, is funded through a combination of sources. These include the provincial government, which provides a base operating grant for staffing and facilities; more than 30,000 individual donors, collectively called Partners in Knowledge, whose financial contributions enable Knowledge Network to acquire one out of every three programs seen every night by our viewers; and organizational partners whose support provides funding for locally-produced programs.

Who watches Knowledge Network?

Knowledge Network has an average weekly reach of 1.4 million viewers throughout British Columbia (Fall 2004 BBM Canada). Dramas, nature and history programs such as Heartbeat, Wild Encounters and Historylands are popular with our viewers. In addition, Telly TV programs such as Blue's Clues and The Magic School Bus are favourites for our viewers aged 2-6.

Where do the shows come from?

Knowledge Network produces more than 50 hours of programming a year, drawing on the expertise of numerous British Columbian writers, producers, directors and craftspeople. Approximately 160 additional hours of pre-licensed programming are acquired from independent producers in B.C. and across Canada. Approximately 60% of the programming budget is spent on Canadian shows. The schedule is rounded off with a selection of the best of international programming.

How will new technologies affect Knowledge Network?

As B.C.'s public educational broadcaster enters its third decade of broadcasting, its core business continues to be the creation of provocative, engaging programs for British Columbians.

Technological advances are helping Knowledge Network meet this mandate in different ways. An enhanced web site at www.knowledgenetwork.ca will introduce exciting new learning opportunities to enrich viewer experiences. Webcasting offers another method of delivering programming to audiences.