Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between Showtime Networks Inc. and the Smithsonian Institution, and Blue Ant Media are partnering to launch Smithsonian Channel in Canada this fall. This marks Smithsonian Channel’s first expansion into an international market. The HD channel will feature an extensive assortment of exclusive content for broadcast, digital and mobile platforms. The announcement was made today by Michael MacMillan, CEO Blue Ant Media and Tom Hayden, President of Smithsonian Channel.
Smithsonian Channel “brings amazing to life” with award-winning programming – largely inspired by the assets of the world’s largest museum complex – that entertains, educates and inspires. Program genres include air and space, science and nature, pop culture and history. Smithsonian Channel travels beyond the ordinary to reveal a vast scope of exciting stories and experiences to fuel the curiosity in all of us.
“Our agreement with Smithsonian Channel allows one of the most unique U.S. television networks to provide the Canadian market with programming that we feel our viewers will really respond to,” said MacMillan. “This channel will be a significant addition to our premium high definition specialty television services as we continue to build a strong, independent media company.”
“Partnering with Blue Ant Media to bring the Smithsonian Channel to Canada is something we could not be more pleased with,” said Hayden. “We are excited to bring our entertaining brand of storytelling to a new international audience.”
“Smithsonian Channel is one of the fastest growing channels in America and we anticipate considerable interest for this brand in the Canadian market,” said Raja Khanna, CEO Television and Digital, Blue Ant Media. “Audiences can expect to have Smithsonian Channel’s distinct, quality programming across all platforms when we launch this fall.”
“Smithsonian Channel will carry a robust selection of exclusive titles with new content being added regularly to provide our viewers with the very best programming,” said Vanessa Case, EVP Programming, Blue Ant Media. “We intend on making this a uniquely Canadian offering by building on the outstanding programming provided by our partner.”
Premium specialty channel eqhd will rebrand to Smithsonian Channel this fall and will be available throughout Canada through all major distribution partners. The Canadian channel will also make mobile applications available to Canadians. Smithsonian Channel’s mobile apps in the US for iOS and Android platforms have been downloaded over 1 million times. Smithsonian Channel in Canada will complement the Blue Ant Media premium, commercial-free brands Oasis HD, HIFI and radX.
