Smithsonian Institution Archives

Smithsonian Channel Records, 1997-2010

Summary

Collection ID:
SIA.FA14-134
Creators:
Smithsonian Enterprises
Dates:
1997-2010
Languages:
English
Physical Description:
5 cu. ft. (5 record storage boxes)
Repository:
Smithsonian Institution Archives

Descriptive Entry

Descriptive Entry
Created in 2006, Smithsonian On Demand was a partnership between Showtime Networks and the Smithsonian Institution to develop, launch, and operate a Smithsonian video programming channel. The partnership's purpose was to widen and extend the reach of the Smithsonian through unique and original programs that utilized Smithsonian collections, exhibitions, and research. In the partnership, Showtime was the funding and managing partner, while the Smithsonian would provide the content and production assistance. Under the umbrella of Smithsonian Networks, Smithsonian On Demand became Smithsonian Channel in 2007.
This accession consists of records that document the development, creation, and implementation of the Smithsonian Channel. There are records related to the various partnerships the Smithsonian was looking into before going with Showtime Networks. Some of these partnerships included Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and the Starz Encore Entertainment. Also included are records related to the development of programming for the channel as well as records related to the controversy about the Smithsonian and Showtime partnership. People of note in the accession include Gary Beer, CEO, Smithsonian Business Ventures and Secretary Lawrence M. Small. Some records were created when Smithsonian Enterprises was known as Smithsonian Business Ventures.
Materials include correspondence, memoranda, reports, presentations, meeting notes and minutes, contracts, agreements, financial records, program proposals, program reviews, press releases, and clippings. Some materials are in electronic format.

Administration

Author
Finding aid prepared by Smithsonian Institution Archives

Using the Collection

Prefered Citation
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Accession 14-134, Smithsonian Enterprises, Smithsonian Channel Records
Use Restriction
Restricted for 25 years, until Jan-01-2036. Boxes 1-3 contain materials restricted indefinitely; see finding aid; Transferring office; 03/28/2014 memorandum, Toda to Kennard; Contact reference staff for details.

More Information

Notes

SI Records


Keywords

Keywords table of terms and types.
Keyword Terms Keyword Types
Small, Lawrence M. Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Beer, Gary Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Smithsonian Business Ventures Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Showtime Networks Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Public Broadcasting Service (U.S.) Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Starz Encore Entertainment (Firm) Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Smithsonian Channel Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Smithsonian On Demand Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Smithsonian Networks (Firm) Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Smithsonian Institution Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Television programs Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Museums -- Educational aspects Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Museums -- Public relations Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Clippings Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Manuscripts Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Compact discs Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Electronic records Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid

Smithsonian Institution Archives
Washington, D.C.
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