FYI -- forwarded from HNN (History News Network)

Smithsonian-Showtime TV Deal Raises Concerns
Source: NYT (3-31-06)

A recent deal between the Smithsonian Institution and the Showtime Networks 
cable channels has some documentary filmmakers, historians and researchers 
concerned that their access to the collections and curators of the 
Smithsonian could be limited or cut off.

This month, Showtime and the Smithsonian announced the formation of 
Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture to create television programming, 
including documentaries and short films, that draws on the Smithsonian 
collections and staff to explore scientific, cultural and historical 
events. The first venture of Smithsonian Networks will be an on-demand 
cable channel, scheduled to begin in December.

Under the agreement, the Showtime-Smithsonian joint venture has the right 
of first refusal to commercial documentaries that rely heavily on 
Smithsonian collections or staff, said Linda St. Thomas, a spokeswoman for 
the Smithsonian. That means that a filmmaker who does not agree to grant 
Smithsonian Networks the rights to the film could be denied access to the 
Smithsonian's public collections and experts, Ms. St. Thomas said.