Smithsonian Channel enters Brazil

US-based Smithsonian Channel has continued its international expansion by launching in Brazil.

The network, which started out in the US but has been expanding its footprint in territories around the world, has now made both its linear and VoD services available on NET in Brazil. NET is the largest cable TV operator in Latin America.

This latest deal follows Smithsonian Channel’s launch in the UK and Ireland in February. The network, which focuses on science, nature, travel, pop culture, history and aviation programming, is also available elsewhere in Latin America, as well as in Canada and Singapore.

Tom Hayden, president of Smithsonian Networks, said the channel was commissioning new Brazilian programming. Programmes already commissioned from its US slate include Million Dollar American Princesses, America’s Secret Space Heroes, Mummies Alive and Epic Yellowstone.

As part of the deal, Smithsonian Channel has partnered with media company Grupo Bandeirantes de Comunicacao, which will handle operations management, scheduling, ad sales, affiliate sales and marketing advisory for the network in Brazil.

Originally launched as a US cablenet in 2007, the network is a joint venture between CBS’s Showtime Networks and the Smithsonian Institute.