Blue Ant carries Smithsonian around world

Smithsonian Networks and Canada-based Blue Ant Media have agreed a deal to increase the distribution of Smithsonian Channel in Asia Pacific, Turkey, the Middle East and Africa.

The deal will see Blue Ant operating the network’s HD and 4K SVoD platforms, free-to-air and pay TV linear television services and branded programming blocks in the territories.

Blue Ant and Smithsonian previously worked together on the launch of Smithsonian Channel in Canada and joint venture Love Nature 4K, which offers ultra-high-definition wildlife and nature content.

Tom Hayden, president of Smithsonian Networks, said Blue Ant was “uniquely positioned to seamlessly facilitate Smithsonian Channel’s entry into new territories in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.”

Smithsonian Channel is already available in the US, Canada, Latin America, Nigeria and Singapore.