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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 8, 2026

Media Contact: Tia Brown

Senior Promotions Coordinator

(716) 845.7000 ext. 355 • lbrown@btpm.org

CALLING ALL KID WRITERS!

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The BTPM PBS KIDS Writers Contest Is Back

The Buffalo Toronto Public Media PBS KIDS Writers Contest has returned, calling students in grades K-3 to compose and illustrate stories. Boundless imagination, creativity and insight make young writers a known force in storytelling, and BTPM is wholeheartedly dedicated to investing in those skills.

Creative writing helps power children’s brains and boosts results in other academic subjects including math, science, and languages. The PBS KIDS Writers Contest especially strengthens self-expression, self-confidence, and communication skills and provides an opportunity for children to share stories with an audience, learn how to meet deadlines, and understand word count and subject matter boundaries.

"We are thrilled to be able to offer this educational opportunity again for children in our region,” said Beth Fronckowiak, BTPM’s Senior Director of Learning & Engagement. “We love to hear how Contest participation impacts their children with improved confidence and attitude towards reading and writing.” "We are thrilled to be able to offer this education opportunity again for children in our region,” said Beth Fronckowiak, BTPM’s Senior Director of Learning & Engagement. “We love to hear how Contest participation impacts children with improved confidence and attitude towards reading and writing.” For more information about entry rules, contest resources and more visit btpm.org/writers-contest.

Children in grades kindergarten through third, from our Western New York and Southern Ontario viewing areas, are encouraged to write and illustrate stories and submit them to BTPM, who will select winners and award prizes. This year’s deadline is March 31, 2026.

Entries may be mailed, dropped off, or emailed along with the official entry form to WritersContest@btpm.org.

The BTPM PBS KIDS Writers Contest is sponsored by Denny’s, America’s Diner.

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About Buffalo Toronto Public Media

Buffalo Toronto Public Media engages with our communities through exploration and entertainment –everywhere. Our member-supported services include BTPM PBS, BTPM NPR (88.7 in Buffalo, 91.3 in Olean, 88.1 in Jamestown), BTPM Classical (94.5 in Buffalo, 89.7 WNJA in Jamestown), BTPM The Bridge (88.7 HD2 and 94.5 HD2 in Buffalo), BTPM Radio Bilingüe (88.7 HD3), BTPM Create, PBS KIDS, and the BTPM YouTube channel. Additional information about Buffalo Toronto Public Media can be found at btpm.org.