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Smithsonian Channel Inks Deal with Charter Communications

February 15, 2008

Smithsonian Channel will now reach five million more viewers thanks to a recent able carriage deal signed with Charter Communications. Smithsonian also inked a deal with Verizon Communications’ FIOS TV service which adds an additional 800,000 viewers. The two agreements increase Smithsonian’s total number of viewers to 21 million.

Both Charter and Verizon will carry the Smithsonian Channel’s high-definition programming as well as “Smithsonian On Demand,” the channel’s video-on-demand service.

The Smithsonian Channel launched Sept. 26 to 15 million DirecTV homes as a co-venture of the Smithsonian Institution and Showtime Networks. The intent of the network is to showcase the Institution’s extensive resources of collections, exhibitions, archives, and cultural expertise.

The channel’s video-on-demand service offers programming on history, science, art, popular culture, and educational programs including documentaries, live events, performances, and stories similar to those in Smithsonian magazine.

Revenue generated by the channel will help support Smithsonian exhibitions and public outreach programs.