Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between the Smithsonian Institute and Showtime Networks Inc., is set to launch its cable TV channel, Smithsonian Network on Demand, in September, though it has yet to announce a deal with a carrier.
“We’re in conversation with all operators — satellite, cable, and telecom,” said Stuart Zakim, vice president of corporate public relations for Showtime Networks.
The venture, which was formed in January 2006 and announced a few months later, has created programming for the channel that will showcase a “wide grasp of the Smithsonian umbrella,” said Zakim. One show called “Stories from the Vaults,” hosted by Tom Cavanagh, will feature artifacts from the Smithsonian.
The channel, which will be in high definition, will be offered directly and through on-demand type services. Customers won’t have to subscribe to Showtime to get access.
But no carrier has been announced as having signed on to offer the channel as of yet. Zakim refused to comment on recent articles in the Daily Variety, which suggested that the launch date could be “pushed back.”
When the Smithsonian Network was originally announced, the venture came under fire from the filmmaking community because of the concern that access to the institution’s footage would be limited. Zakim said that the Smithsonian Network tried to quickly reassure filmmakers.
“We need relationships and successful partnerships with film makers,” Zakim said, noting that the films that have recently been produced show that that need has been filled.
