Smithsonian Channel Debuts

The Smithsonian Institution, in partnership with Showtime Networks, began airing television programs on the new 24-hour, high-definition Smithsonian Channel on Wednesday.

The Smithsonian Channel hopes to differentiate itself from competitors such as National Geographic and the Discovery Channel by providing educational programming and behind-the-scenes looks at its museums and current exhibitions, reports the Associated Press.

Smithsonian representatives hope the channel will increase revenue for the organization but say the first goal of the venture is to capture new interest in the nonprofit organization’s undertakings. Acting Smithsonian Secretary Cristian Samper says that, “In my view the most important thing about the channel is not the business; it’s the outreach.”

The 30-year contract with Showtime guarantees the Smithsonian at least $500,000 a year. The rest of the contract details have not been released.

The arrangement prompted some controversy from scholars who were concerned the deal could limit their access to Smithsonian materials. But Smithsonian officials said they have denied only two of 217 requests since the contract with Showtime took effect in January 2006.

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