Smithsonian Channel expands international presence

Smithsonian Networks and Blue Ant Media are expanding the distribution of Smithsonian Channel in Asia-Pacific, Turkey, Israel, the Middle East and Africa.

Blue Ant Media will operate the network’s HD and 4K SVOD platforms, free-to-air and pay TV linear television services and branded programming blocks in these territories.

The agreement combines Smithsonian Channel’s brand and programming with Blue Ant Media’s affiliate sales, marketing and operations presence, and marks the latest partnership between the two companies.

Smithsonian Networks and Blue Ant have previously worked together to launch the Smithsonian Channel in Canada and on their joint venture, Love Nature 4K, which is available via linear TV and to stream in 60-plus countries.

“Blue Ant Media is uniquely positioned to seamlessly facilitate Smithsonian Channel’s entry into new territories in Asia, Africa and the Middle East,” said Tom Hayden, president of Smithsonian Networks. “We are very pleased to continue our successful relationship with Blue Ant Media in expanding the brand’s global presence.”

Blue Ant Media’s CEO, kids and global networks, Ward Platt, said: “The Smithsonian Channel is an iconic brand committed to extraordinary factual storytelling through documentaries and series covering science, nature, culture, history, air and spacecraft, stemming from the Smithsonian Institute’s impressive 130-plus year history as a cultural hub.”

“Blue Ant Media has a suite of global brands, with great programming, that are rapidly growing in popularity all over the world, and a strong team on the ground in multiple territories internationally, which will see Smithsonian Channel grow its footprint even further in markets such as South East Asia, India, China, Japan, Australia, Middle East and Africa.”

Smithsonian Networks is a joint venture between Showtime Networks and the Smithsonian Institution, while Blue Ant Media is a privately held content producer, distributor and channel operator.