Blue Ant & Smithsonian Align for 4K JV

TORONTO/NEW YORK: Blue Ant Media and Smithsonian Networks are partnering on a new joint venture, Blue Skye Entertainment, which will develop and distribute 4K natural-history and wildlife content.

Operating out of London, the venture will distribute the 4K content globally via SVOD and linear services under Blue Ant's Love Nature brand and Smithsonian's standalone streaming service, Smithsonian Earth.

Jo Parkinson was appointed managing director of Blue Skye Entertainment. She has previously held posts at such companies as BSkyB, Time Warner, Viacom and Liberty Global. In her most recent role at WWE’s London office as VP and general manager, Parkinson was responsible for growing the WWE Network across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

“Together, Smithsonian Networks and Blue Ant Media will bring stunning and engaging 4K wildlife and nature content to audiences all over the world,” said Raja Khanna, the CEO of television and digital at Blue Ant Media. “Blue Skye is the international evolution of our existing relationship with Smithsonian Networks, which has already seen us work together to bring Smithsonian Channel to Canadian audiences.”

"Blue Skye Entertainment is at the forefront of television's evolution to 4K," added Tom Hayden, the president of Smithsonian Networks. “As worldwide leaders in the natural history category, Smithsonian Networks and Blue Ant Media are joining forces to deliver the best nature and wildlife programming to viewers everywhere.”