Smithsonian Networks has signed its first carriage agreement with DirecTV to broadcast its original programming on a new linear HD channel, Smithsonian Channel, on or about September 26. The airing
will make the network's programming available to more than 16.3 million customers across the U.S. Much of Smithsonian Networks' programming will celebrate the American experience with branded original
content drawn from the museum's assets. "Stories from the Vaults" with actor Tom Cavanagh ("Ed") hosting, is a 30-minute show that goes behind the scenes with some of the Smithsonian's top curators to
reveal amazing artifacts that visitors don't always get to see, and the back stories of each.
