IPTV is now Iowa PBS

The statewide network's name change includes its Friends and Foundation brands

As IPTV concluded its yearlong 50th anniversary celebration, the statewide public television network changed its name to better position it for the future. Executive Director and General Manager Molly Phillips announced that as of January 1, 2020, IPTV is now Iowa PBS. Likewise, the Friends organization which raises funds for the network is now Friends of Iowa PBS Foundation.

"Iowa PBS better represents who we are and how we deliver content in today’s digital age," said Phillips. "As Iowans increasingly look to new ways to view information and entertainment, our new name will help ensure they will easily find their favorite locally produced programs as well as PBS programs where and when they want to watch."

The name change follows on the heels of PBS's recently announced update to its national brand. Iowa PBS has adopted the same refreshed look with a co-branded logo, a bold color palette and a modern, custom typeface designed to be highly legible across platforms, from televisions to mobile devices. The new local identity will be implemented throughout 2020, alongside PBS's national brand refresh. PBS claims nearly 70% of its member stations across the country are adopting the new brand identity over the next year, with the goal of providing a consistent viewer experience.

"We have a rich history of broadcasting the best of the world to Iowa, and the best of Iowa to the world," said Susan Moritz Scharnberg, President of the Iowa PBS Foundation. "The future demands we continue to evolve and grow. Our new name — Iowa PBS Foundation — will help us better serve our members while preserving our trusted brand and essential mission: to educate, inform, enrich and inspire Iowans."

The new network name has been adopted across all channels: IPTV KIDS .2 is now Iowa PBS KIDS .2; IPTV WORLD .3 is now Iowa PBS WORLD .3; IPTV Create .4 is now Iowa PBS Create .4. The new identity follows online with a new website address, iowapbs.org, and new social and video platform names.

Phillips added that while IPTV has changed its name to Iowa PBS, viewers will still find their favorite programs where they have always tuned to watch them. "Our commitment remains to Iowans in Iowa. That will never change."

For additional information, review these frequently asked questions.