Connecticut Public Television (CPTV) has commissioned mobile developer Ruckus Media to launch a new station-branded iOS mobile – and monetization – platform for its growing interactive audience.

The CPTV-branded platform will be available via the App Store and features downloadable videos, eBooks and interactive books from CPTV Kids, as well as content from Ruckus’ children’s library.  After the initial launch this month, a separate app featuring general interest content will roll out later this year.

The storefront app will also enable CPTV, which reaches between 50,000 and 70,000 households daily, to experiment with content production that’s not limited by traditional broadcast constraints, as well as monetize mobile content locally via in-app purchases and generate funds to support public media programming efforts. App users can purchase digital products within the store, with the ability to give directly to support their local station.

Future Ruckus/CPTV advancements for the platform include a CPTV mobile app for adults, as well as mobile apps for other systems, including Android. Further, CPTV is looking to offer the turn-key mobile strategy to other public stations that are interested in creating their own locally branded mobile platform.