Lawmakers Slash Smithsonian Budget Over Television Deal
May 5, 2006 | Read Time: 1 minute
A contract between the Smithsonian Institution and CBS/Showtime Networks led a house subcommittee to slash $5.3-million from the museum’s budget, reports The Washington Post. The deal allows the network to film 100 programs about the museum’s collections.
Additionally, lawmakers criticized the leadership ability of Lawrence Small, the Smithsonian’s secretary. The appropriation bill included a clause that prohibits future contracts of this nature.
In a response, Mr. Small defended the television deal, saying it would bring the museum’s archives to new audiences and would bring in additional revenue. However, the board of regents would review the contract at a meeting on Monday, he said.
