Smithsonian’s Film Deal Passes Muster With Government Agency

A report by the Government Accountability Office, Congress’s watchdog unit, has concluded that a deal struck between the Smithsonian Institution and Showtime Networks has not hindered researchers’ access to the museum’s materials, reports The Washington Post.

Members of Congress and other critics had objected to the deal on grounds that it restricted access to Smithsonian archives. The Government Accountability Office review, started last June, found that out of 177 requests to film objects owned by the Smithsonian, only two were turned down.

The review also found that the partnership, which is expected to produce $150 million over 10 years, was made after a fair and competitive process.

However, the report was critical of the Smithsonian, stating information “provided about the contract’s impact to interested parties has been insufficient.”

Members of Congress were especially irked by the Smithsonian’s lack of disclosure: A House committee has voted to reduce the institution’s proposed 2007 budget by $20-million because of concerns about the deal.

The deal involves the creation of a digital cable channel called Smithsonian on Demand and will allow Showtime to gain semi-exclusive rights to use museum resources.