From Smoky Hills PBS
Smoky Hills PBS is excited to announce that the 2027 PBS KIDS Writers Contest is now officially open for entries. This year, Smoky Hills PBS is moving the contest timeline earlier to allow our winning authors to visit the Smoky Hills PBS studio and experience the excitement of being on television. Winners will have the opportunity to read their own stories on camera, which will be featured during the 2027 PBS KIDS Writers Contest Award Show in May. This new contest timeline gives kids more time to write their stories while creating an even more memorable experience for our winning authors.
The contest is open to children in 1st through 5th grade to submit their own original stories, with entries being accepted Sept. 1 through Jan. 4.
The 2027 theme is:
“If I could Make My Own TV Show …”
Children are encouraged to use their creativity to imagine a television show they would love to create. Whether it’s filled with superheroes, talking animals, science experiments, adventures, or entirely new worlds every original story is welcome.
“The PBS KIDS Writers Contest is all about inspiring creativity and celebrating young storytellers," said Betsy Schwien, General Manager of Smoky Hills PBS. "Our earlier timeline this year gives children more time to write and allows us to showcase our winning authors in an exciting new way during the Awards Show!”
Students may submit stories individually, and teachers are also welcome to submit multiple entries on behalf of their classroom. Printable entry forms are available at SmokyHillsPBS.org. Completed forms and stories can be emailed to writerscontest@shptv.org or mailed to:
Smoky Hills PBS
PO BOX 9
Bunker Hill, KS 67626.
All entries must be received by Jan. 4, 2027.
Winners will receive prizes and be recognized in May 2027, during the annual Smoky Hills PBS Awards Show, where selected stories will be featured on TV.
The PBS KIDS Writers Contest continues to be a fun and educational opportunity for children to strengthen their writing skills, express themselves creatively, and share their ideas with the community.
Thank you to Messer: Gases for Life for making this year’s 2027 PBS KIDS Writers Contest possible!
About Smoky Hills PBS
Smoky Hills PBS is available over the air with an antenna, on many cable systems, DirecTV, DirecTV Stream, and Dish Network, HULU + LIVE TV, YouTube TV, and Amazon Prime. You can also access Smoky Hills PBS via the FREE mobile app for Android and iPhone devices and is also available to stream by clicking here: video.smokyhillstv.org/livestream. More information on Smoky Hills PBS and its programs and projects are available at SmokyHillsPBS.org or by calling 1-800-337-4788.