Our Channels

As North Carolina's only statewide public media network, PBS North Carolina's 12 stations provide all 100 counties with four full-time, unique broadcast program channels: PBS NC, the North Carolina Channel, Rootle 24/7 PBS KIDS & the Explorer Channel. For more information about accessing our channels, please contact your individual service provider. For a handy, printable channel overview, please download our TV Channel Guide PDF.

PBS NC

Now more than ever, PBS NC is by your side—whether you're watching over-the-air with an antenna, on cable or satellite, or streaming online or on the PBS App.

You can stream PBS NC online within our viewing area, and streaming live on YouTube TV, DIRECTV STREAM, Local Now and Hulu + Live TV.

See the TV schedule below for what's airing on PBS NC this week!

PBS North Carolina coverage map in green.

PBS NC TV Schedule

Rootle PBS KIDS

Rootle is your 24/7 PBS KIDS destination for wholesome, educational & entertaining content for children ages two to eight.

You can stream Rootle PBS KIDS online within our viewing area, and you can now catch Rootle streaming live on YouTubeTV.

PBS KIDS shows are also available on all PBS platforms, including pbskids.org and the PBS KIDS Video app available on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung TV & Chromecast.

See the TV schedule below for what's airing on Rootle this week!

Rootle TV Schedule

North Carolina Channel

The North Carolina Channel focuses on civic affairs, issues, entertainment and educational programs relevant to North Carolina.

With our long-standing commitment to producing locally-originated content, the North Carolina Channel serves as a showcase for North Carolina-based independent producers. The North Carolina Channel is accessible to virtually all viewers in North Carolina, as well as those near the border of neighboring states.

The North Carolina Channel is only available over-the-air with an antenna, or through local cable or satellite providers.See the TV schedule below for what's airing on the North Carolina Channel this week!

North Carolina Channel TV Schedule

Explorer Channel

As one of our four over-the-air program services, the Explorer Channel brings you the best in travel, culture, science, nature, history and outdoor adventure programming.

The Explorer Channel is only available over-the-air with an antenna, or through local cable or satellite providers. See the TV schedule below for what's airing on the Explorer Channel this week!

Explorer Channel TV Schedule

Questions about our TV channels? We have answers.

The sound does not match the picture on my television. What is happening?

Some digital television receivers can cause this problem. Changing to another channel and then back to PBS NC should fix the problem.

On some shows I hear a narrator describing the scene that is taking place. Why am I hearing this?

Some of our shows feature an optional DVS (Descriptive Video Service) track. This is very useful visually impaired viewers, as the DVS describes the essence of the broadcast. You can turn the DVS setting off in your television’s sound settings.

I am seeing words on the screen describing the scene. Why is this?

You have CC (closed captions) enabled on your television. You can disable them under the captions settings.

I am receiving other channels, but not PBS NC. What should I do?

You may need to do a channel search or scan for new channels. If you are using an indoor antenna you may need to readjust slightly the position or orientation of the antenna and perform the scan again after each adjustment. If you are using an outdoor antenna you should check the direction the antenna is aimed.

I am receiving PBS NC through an antenna and am getting poor reception, pictures freeze and pixelate, etc. What should I do?

Make sure your antenna is a UHF or VHF/UHF antenna. All PBS NC transmitters operate in the UHF frequency range. A four- or eight-bay bowtie outside antenna provides good performance for receiving our various transmitters located across the state. Reception will vary by location, terrain obstructions and antenna height. Please contact our Audience Services team for a specific antenna recommendation for your location.

If you are using an outdoor antenna, check that it is aimed towards our transmitter site for your location. Here is the FCC antenna website where you can enter your address and determine where to aim your antenna.

If you are using an indoor antenna you may need to experiment with different locations and orientation to get satisfactory reception. Locating the antenna near a window facing towards our transmitter may help. Outdoor antennas are preferable and will always give better results than an indoor antenna. Attic antennas will work, though outdoor antennas with an unobstructed view will provide best performance.

How do I rescan my tv?

Press menu on your remote
Got to the channel setup option
Select antenna or tuner
Start a new scan

It's a good idea to scan your TV occasionally, as new channels may be available since your last scan. So, if you haven't rescanned your TV in a while, you may be pleasantly surprised at the channels now available to you. If you suddenly don't see a channel where it should be, the first thing you should do is to rescan your TV.

The on-screen program guide does not match the program being aired. I am receiving your services on cable or satellite. How do I fix this?

PBS NC tries to ensure that guide information is correct for each of our services. Occasionally, with last-minute program changes, the guide may not reflect the actual program. If this problem persists, please contact our Audience Services team as there are various cable providers across the state and the problem may be unique to your provider.

How do I watch Explorer Channel or North Carolina Channel through my cable or satellite subscriber?

Spectrum Cable subscribers on former Time Warner systems can access PBS NC’s four digital services at the following channel numbers: PBS NC – 1221, The Explorer Channel – 1277, North Carolina Channel – 1276, and Rootle (PBS’s 24 hour Kids Channel) – 1275. The channels will be different for Spectrum Cable subscribers on former Charter systems. Contact your provider if you need help finding us in your area.

Contact Your Provider

Channel numbers vary by location; please call provider for details.

AT&T Uverse: 1-800-288-2020
Comcast: 1-800-934-6489
Direct TV: 1-800-531-5000
Dish: 1-800-333-3474
Mediacom: 1-855-633-4226
Northland Communications: 1-888-667-8452
Spectrum: 1-855-757-7328
Suddenlink Communications: 1-888-882-5151

Click here for printer-friendly channel information.

What if my question is not listed here?

The FCC has more information on its DTV website, or contact our Audience Services team.