Matthew Blank, Showtime Networks (US)

Showtime Networks ceo Matthew Blank raised the ire of the documentary community in March when he inked a deal with the publicly funded Smithsonian Institute to form Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture that will develop branded original content for distribution. But as cultural institutions ache for funding and commercial broadcasters look to cut costs, quicken production timelines and build promotional partnerships, could similar collaborations be far behind?

June 1, 2006

Showtime Networks ceo Matthew Blank raised the ire of the documentary community in March when he inked a deal with the publicly funded Smithsonian Institute to form Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture that will develop branded original content for distribution. But as cultural institutions ache for funding and commercial broadcasters look to cut costs, quicken production timelines and build promotional partnerships, could similar collaborations be far behind?