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Smithsonian turns away filmmakers

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From the Associated Press

Two filmmakers were refused access to the Smithsonian Institution’s collections for their projects but researchers generally have not been restricted so far by the Smithsonian’s semi-exclusive deal with a cable network, congressional investigators said.

The public has justifiable concerns nonetheless about the 30-year contract between the Smithsonian and Showtime Networks Inc., a cable network owned by CBS Corp., according to the Government Accountability Office.

“It is too early to determine the long-term impact of the contract,” Congress’ investigative arm said in a report Friday. “Access to the Smithsonian’s collections and staff for research purposes remains unchanged, but the direct impact on filmmakers will depend largely on how many request permission to use a substantial amount of Smithsonian content.”

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The GAO also criticized the Smithsonian for not providing enough information to the public about the contract and for assuring filmmakers that their access would not suffer.

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