Smithsonian Networks Reveals Programming Slate

WASHINGTON, January 29: Smithsonian Networks, the joint
venture of Showtime Networks and the Smithsonian Institution, has unveiled the
lineup for its VOD service that will be rolled out to operators this spring,
with more than 60 titles on offer, including the BBC’s Timewatch.

Smithsonian Networks' programming will feature
documentaries, events, and short subject exploration of the major scientific,
cultural, and historical events of the day.

The venture has inked a co-production deal with the BBC for Timewatch,
the British public broadcaster’s flagship
history series. Also slated for the service is Fulcrum TV’s The Hunt
for the Double Eagle, a documentary
revolving around the greed stirred up by the world’s most valuable coin, and Stories
from the Vaults, a six-part series of
30-minute shows hosted by Tom Cavanagh, star of the NBC show Ed.
Stories from the Vaults takes viewers
behind the scenes to showcase rarely-seen treasures in the back rooms of the
Smithsonian. ORF’s Nature Tech is
also on the lineup, as is Tigress Productions’ Critter Quest.

Smithsonian Networks plans to make its first offering,
Smithsonian On Demand, available later this spring. According to the AP,
Smithsonian Networks, which was announced last March, plans to spend at least
$10 million for more than 130 hours of programming each year.

"It's a very exciting time for Smithsonian
Networks," said David Royle, the executive VP for programming and
production at Smithsonian Networks. "I think filmmakers recognize that we
offer a unique opportunity to make quality, entertaining shows that are
inspired by the Smithsonian and its broad interests. Their enthusiasm is
infectious and we're delighted that so many have embraced the new opportunity
the network offers as partners in production and distribution.”