Smithsonian Channel has launched in the UK and Ireland with distribution of Sky, Freesat, Virgin Media and Freeview.
The high-profile launch of Showtime Networks-Smithsonian Institution follows earlier distribution deals in Canada, Singapore and Latin America.
The channel has been inspired by the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum and research complex, founded by Englishman James Smithson, who donated his fortune to America for “the increase and diffusion of knowledge”.
“Smithsonian Channel has already resonated powerfully with audiences in Canada, Singapore and Latin America, so we can’t wait to bring our award-winning and varied slate of programming to the UK audience,” said Tom Hayden, President of Smithsonian Networks.
Smithsonian Channel plans to commission a series of programmes for British audiences, including When Tariq Ali Met Malcolm X, about the friendship between the British Anti Vietnam war protestor, Tariq Ali, and America’s black power advocate, Malcolm X, and Mystic Britain in which presenter Clive Anderson and anthropologist Mary-Ann Ochota explore Britain’s most mysterious sites.
