Smithsonian Networks Announces Programming Slate

Signs production deals with top international non-fiction producers

    WASHINGTON, April 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Smithsonian Networks is announcing
 an ambitious slate of programming from some of the industry's top
 non-fiction producers. More than one hundred hours of High Definition
 programs will be the foundation of the US's newest blue chip factual
 network.
     (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060131/SHOWTIMELOGO )
     The announcement was made by David Royle, Executive Vice President for
 Programming and Production, who arrives today at the MIPTV sales convention
 in Cannes.
     "We are delighted to be announcing deals with some of the top
 non-fiction producers and leading international broadcasters from around
 the world during this exciting pre-launch period," said Royle. "The
 Smithsonian name represents the highest quality and integrity, and our
 programs will build upon that reputation. We continue to look for
 programming that entertains, inspires and educates."
     Smithsonian Networks' programming will feature documentaries, events,
 and short subject exploration of the major scientific, cultural, and
 historical events. and reflect the broad scope of the Smithsonian
 Institution's resources.. From the iconic collections of the world's most
 visited museums to the work in species preservation at the National Zoo,
 the Smithsonian name is recognized worldwide. The high definition channel
 will cover a variety of platforms around the US.
     The producers with which the network has signed deals represent a truly
 international roster of some of the top companies in the non-fiction arena.
     These include:
     **Darlow Smithson Productions (UK) in a co-production with Channel 4
 (UK) will produce a 90-minute drama-documentary special Day of the
 Kamikaze, which will explore the cultural and psychological motivations
 behind the Japanese kamikaze campaign at the end of World War II.
     **A co-production and output deal with the BBC for their flagship
 history series, TIMEWATCH. TIMEWATCH is the BBC's longest running history
 series and regularly airs stories that change our understanding of world
 events.
     **A co-production with Pioneer (UK), Channel 4 (UK) and ZDF (Germany),
 "Hindenburg" is a landmark two-hour drama-documentary about the fatal
 voyage of the giant German airship that coincides with the 70th anniversary
 of the disaster that took place on May 6,1937.
     **A co-production with Tile Films (Ireland) Vision TV (Canada), TG4
 (Ireland), and S4C (Wales) to produce "Christianity Decoded," a 6-part,
 one- hour series. "Christianity Decoded" provides compelling new insights
 into the artistic and spiritual "codes" of Christianity, from the meanings
 of miracles to the hierarchy of angels and the Protestant/Christian divide
 over the crucifixion ... Smithsonian Networks is also acquiring Tile Film's
 "Lost Gods," a compelling 6 half-hour series that looks at the religions
 that once lorded over vast and powerful empires and "The Ghosts of Duffy's
 Cut" - a historical mystery about Irish Immigration to the United States.
     **ZDF (Germany) - Smithsonian Networks has acquired four documentaries
 including "Wanted: Anaconda" where a multi-national team searches for the
 largest snake in the world using advanced technology to reveal the snakes
 in their natural habitat.
     **NHK/MIKO (Japan): In an acquisition deal with MIKO, Smithsonian
 Networks has bought five one hour programs produced by NHK including
 "Pandas in the Wild," which shows the reclusive animal in the wild,
 including remarkable footage of a mother and her new born baby panda.
     **Fulcrum (UK): Smithsonian Networks commissioned Fulcrum to produce
 "Hunt for the Double Eagle," a mystery story about the intrigue and greed
 stirred by the world's most valuable coin. This film retraces the U.S.
 Secret Service investigation of the 1933 Double Eagle through nearly
 three-quarters of a century, from its minting in Philadelphia, acquisition
 by King Farouk of Egypt, re-discovery in London, "capture" in a sting at
 New York's Waldorf Astoria, to its extraordinary sale at Sotheby's.
     **ORF (Austria): Smithsonian Networks has acquired the three -hour blue
 chip science and natural history series "Nature Tech" where scientists and
 engineers study nature to sleuth out the secrets of superior design.
     Royle will be at MIPCOM from April 16-20, with Chris Hoelzl,
 Smithsonian Networks VP for Program Development, and is reachable by email
 at d.royle@smithsoniannetworks.com. Chris Hoelzl can be reached at
 c.hoelzl@smithsoniannetworks.com
     High-resolution .jpgs for each of the programs can be downloaded by
 clicking on the below links:
     http://www.st-photoservices.com/press/doubleeagle.jpg
     http://www.st-photoservices.com/press/hindenburg.jpg
     http://www.st-photoservices.com/press/pandas.jpg
     http://www.st-photoservices.com/press/kamikaze.jpg
 
     ABOUT SMITHSONIAN NETWORKS
     Smithsonian Networks (SN), a new venture between Showtime Networks Inc.
 and the Smithsonian Institution, was formed to create new networks that
 will showcase scientific, cultural, and historical programming based
 largely on the assets of the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest
 museum complex. The networks will feature original documentaries,
 short-subject explorations, and innovative and groundbreaking programs
 highlighting America's historical, cultural and scientific heritage
 
 

SOURCE Showtime Networks Inc.; Smithsonian Networks