Smithsonian Networks Launches OTT Service

Smithsonian Networks will offer an over-the-top subscription service that will feature original nature and wildlife content, the network said Tuesday.

The new service, dubbed Smithsonian Earth, will be offered on Roku players and Apple TV players for $3.99 per month, with one percent of subscriptions sales donated to the Smithsonian Institution research and conservation initiatives, according to network officials.

Smithsonian Networks will offer new subscribers a seven-day free trial of the service, which will offer 4K content through the Roku 4 streaming player.

Smithsonian Earth will feature original nature/wildlife documentaries and short series refreshed on a weekly basis, according to network officials.

“With Smithsonian Earth we are looking to satisfy the strong consumer demand for visually stunning unique nature and wildlife programming,” said Tom Hayden, president of Smithsonian Networks in a statement. “Subscribers to this service can view the beauty and diversity of the natural world across multiple platforms and in spectacular 4K.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.