Smithsonian Channel today makes its award-winning programming available on Apple’s market-dominating iTunes Store, with initial offerings such as Stories from the Vaults, Remembering Vietnam: The Wall at 25, Day of the Kamikaze and Nature Tech. Smithsonian Networks programming celebrates the American experience with branded original content drawn largely from the assets of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum and research complex and features original documentaries, short-subject explorations and innovative and groundbreaking programs highlighting America’s historical, cultural and scientific heritage.
The films, documentaries and limited series available on iTunes cover genres such as wildlife, technology, history, pop culture and children’s programs and are available for purchase and download at US$1.99 per episode.
The Tom Cavanagh-hosted Stories from the Vaults is a series of half-hour programs that showcase a variety of the Smithsonian’s rarely-seen treasures. The series won a 2008 Gold Award from the Parents’ Choice Foundation for excellence in child- and family-friendly programming. The original documentary, Remembering Vietnam: The Wall at 25 was nominated recently for a 2008 Emmy award and was also awarded a Gold World Medal from the New York Festivals. Another Gold World Medal was awarded to Day of the Kamikaze, a fascinating docudrama recreating the Japanese suicide attacks against the Allied Fleet in 1945. Nature Tech, which received two 2008 Emmy nominations, is a three-episode series that examines the new field of bio-mimetics, and was awarded Best Limited Series by the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival.
“Our presence on the iTunes Store is great exposure for our new network and will allow a much broader audience the opportunity to sample our award winning original programming and builds and demonstrates the brand value of the Smithsonian name,” said Tom Hayden, General Manager of Smithsonian Networks, in the press release.
The network also has received recognition on a different level with five 2008 Parents’ Choice Awards for excellence in its family and child-friendly programming. The annual awards, established in 1978 by the Parents’ Choice Foundation — the nation’s oldest nonprofit guide to quality children’s media and toys — are bestowed at different levels. Smithsonian Channel won two Gold Awards, one Silver Honor, one Recommended and one Approved rating for its shows Nature Tech, Critter Quest, America’s Treasures and Loose at the Zoo: Golden Lion Tamarins, as well as Stories From the Vaults: Season One.
Smithsonian Networks is a joint venture between Showtime Networks Inc. and the Smithsonian Institution. It was formed to create new channels to showcase scientific, cultural and historical programming based largely upon the assets of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum complex. Smithsonian Channel features original documentaries, short-subject explorations and innovative and groundbreaking programs highlighting America’s historical, cultural and scientific heritage. Visit Smithsonian Networks on the internet at http://www.smithsonianchannel.com.
Source: Smithsonian Networks
This should get all the old people out there to buy a Mac.
Some of us older types already have Macs
The Smithsonian Channel is good viewing for all ages and at $1.99 US a episode it’s a bargain.
could not find on iTunes ?
Wow. “Education=Old People”.
I take it back mom, you were right- I pity this generation.
Sorry, no.
$1.99 per episode is not a good bargain.
Imagine paying $1.99 each time you check out a book from a Library, dig in Reference, or use other Services ?
Yes, am enough of a realist to know Free won’t happen.
But – perhaps the $29.99 annual dues to ‘join’ the Institution would also make this material available for unlimited consumption/streaming.
Those who own the Gateways to Information should realize the potential the Internet represents – and do all possible to remove any toll-booth$.
Plus, the Smithsonian is funded and controlled, at least partially, by U.S. Congress and Tax Payers.
Not going to be a good future for our Planet if we nickel, dime, and play profit/capitalist with access to Education and Knowledge.
Thanks
BC Kelly
Tallahassee Fla
@BC Kelly
Your argument would have made sense if the public library gave you “that book” forever and ever, and never expected it back.
Other than that, it was a very nice rant!
Yeah yeah
Make that “the public library doesn’t give you that book” forever and ever.
It was a looooong day.
@ Sixvodkas “It was a looooong day.”
You’re still sexy though.
When is The Jeffersonian going to smarten up and do the same thing?
Bones, I got a bone for you.
Hopefully the iTunes revenues for these films and documentaries actually go to the Smithsonian. That would be a great way to increase funding for a terrific institution.
I wonder if the Apple iPod boom box is at the Smithsonian.
I started with the Lisa in 1982. I’ve been using Macs ever since and encouraging others to do the same every since. Let’s see that was 26 years ago. Oh I almost for got, I’m 70 – in the eyes of some that makes me an old guy.