Capitol Hill Joins Criticism of Smithsonian Film Deal

CAPITOL HILL JOINS CRITICISM OF SMITHSONIAN FILM DEAL
[SOURCE: Washington Post 4/29, AUTHOR: Jacqueline Trescott]
Angered that the Smithsonian Institution sold a television network access to its treasures without consulting Congress, two influential members of the House have asked for a public airing of the business deal. Rep. Charles Taylor (R-N.C.), chairman of the House subcommittee that approves the federal appropriation to the Smithsonian, and Rep. Norman D. Dicks (D-Wash.), the ranking minority member of the subcommittee, are also displeased that the institution refuses to make the contract public. In a letter to Smithsonian Secretary Lawrence Small, the congressmen warned that they are monitoring all future agreements, especially ones that "appear to essentially sell access to Smithsonian resources." "The Subcommittee requests the Board of Regents to immediately review this contract to determine whether it violates the spirit if not the letter of the Smithsonian Trust and to consider changes to the contract which would fully guarantee that its terms are limited to a narrow set of programs," the letter said. Reps Taylor and Dicks also said they objected to the restrictions on "legitimate commercial filmmakers who we believe have the right to reasonable access to the collections and staff." In a written response, released Friday night, Small defended the venture and said the regents would review the "issues you have raised regarding reasonable access to collections and staff." He argued that the television deal would bring the Smithsonian to many more people than are able to visit the Mall. "The venture provides an unprecedented opportunity for the Smithsonian to expand exponentially its ability to reach the public with information about our collections and activities, at no cost to us," he wrote. The panel is currently considering a $644.4 million appropriation for fiscal 2007. The Smithsonian receives about 70 percent of its funds from the government.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/28/AR200604...
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