Get Ready For Alma’s Way on PBS Kids

• Fred Vigeant
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  Fred Vigeant is WITF's Director of Programming and Promotions for TV and Radio. Fred manages the schedules for our radio and television platforms. He also analyzes audience research and manages the public affairs program Smart Talk. Previously, Fred was at WRVO in Oswego, NY for 12 years serving in various roles including Program Director and before that Operations Manager. Fred graduated from the State University of New York College at Oswego with a B.A. in Mass Communications and Broadcasting.

Alma’s Way is a new animated series from Fred Rogers Productions, premiering on October 4 on WITF and WITFK PBS Kids 24/7. The series is created by Sonia Manzano, beloved by generations as “Maria” on Sesame Street, who broke new ground as one of the first Latino characters on national TV.

Inspired by Manzano’s own childhood, Alma’s Way centers on 6-year-old Alma Rivera, a proud, confident Puerto Rican girl who lives in the Bronx with her family among a diverse group of close-knit friends and community members. Infused with Manzano’s humor and grounded in a social and emotional curriculum, the series will give children ages 4-6 the tools to find their own answers, express what they think and feel, and recognize and respect the unique perspective of others.

The engaging modern-day series stars Alma, along with her parents, Mami and Papi; younger brother, Junior; her Abuelo; and their lovable little dog, Chacho. In every episode, Alma speaks directly to young viewers with asides and her “Think Through” moments, where she stops, thinks, and processes. She models optimism and determination, showing that if she puts her mind to a problem, she can figure it out. Young viewers will tag along with Alma as she learns to speak up for herself, make tough decisions, figure out how to help friends, and so much more.

Each episode showcases different aspects of Latino cultures through language, food, music, and customs. All viewers will see how other families are both alike and different from their own. Music is the “backbeat” of the series and includes traditional Puerto Rican styles like Plena, Bomba, and salsa along with other Latino genres such as Cuban son and Colombian cumbia. The original theme song, written and produced by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Bill Sherman, is performed by Flaco Navaja and Summer Rose Castillo, who plays Alma. The series music is composed by Asher Lenz, Stephen Skratt, and Fabiola M. Mendez.

Watch Alma’s Way daily on WITF at 8:30am and weekdays at 5pm on WITFK PBS Kids 24/7 beginning October 4. The series will be available for viewers in both English and Spanish on air and through the PBS Kids Video app.

WITFK is the PBS Kids 24/7 channel which can be found here:

• Over the air: 33.2 (may require you to “re-scan” your television if it’s not in your current lineup)
• FIOS: 465
• Xfinity: 239
• DirecTV 288
• DirecTV Now 
• YouTubeTV
• PBS Kids App: iOS, AppleTV, Amazon Fire, Android, Windows, Roku 

Support for WITFK PBS Kids 24/7 is made possible with generous support from the Anne M. And Philip H. Glatfelter, III Family Foundation.

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