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[[underlined]] Electronic Media Developments [[/underlined]]

The Smithsonian is becoming increasingly involved in various facets of electronic communication, running the gamut from such ancient systems as radio broadcasting to state-of-the-art concepts like Compact Disc-Interactive (CD-I). Specifically, the Smithsonian is working with WETA, the Washington Public Broadcasting Service radio station, to create a weekly one-hour radio program for the Public Broadcasting Service. Present plans call for a half-hour of music and a half-hour of talk, both centering around various activities of the Institution. At the other end of the electronic spectrum, the Smithsonian Institution Press is undertaking an experiment in electronic publishing with the AIM Division of Philips Polygram. AIM plans late in 1988 to start marketing laser compact-disc players capable of bringing graphics, motion, and sound to a viewer's monitor in any desired sequence or combination. The first electronic publication designed for this system would be based on Ted Park's book, "Treasures of the Smithsonian," and is being written by Mr. Park himself.

In between these two extremes is a variety of media projects generally being overseen by the newly created Smithsonian Communications Council under the chairmanship of Adrian Malone, the executive producer of SMITHSONIAN WORLD. Having won an Emmy for outstanding informational programming last fall, that series is moving into its fourth season, which will consist of five one-hour programs. The projected air dates are October, November and December 1988; and January and February of 1989. Financing for the series includes final underwriting by the James S. McDonnell Foundation together with $1,000,000 from the sale of Years I and II of SMITHSONIAN WORLD for syndication and home video distribution by the LBS Corporation. For these purposes, the Smithsonian is reediting the first twelve programs into six two-hour specials which have begun playing on commercial stations around the country. They will be seen, one per quarter, through the middle of 1989. The executive producer is hopeful that in the future the series can be expanded to become a monthly series. This would be made possible through an international consortium of museums, each of which would contribute to financing and to story lines, and each of which would retain broadcast rights under its own name in its own country. Mr. Malone plans a trip abroad to discuss this plan early this spring.

With the Quincentenary coming ever closer, the Smithsonian is re-doubling efforts to find financing for THE BURIED MIRROR, the ten-part series on the history and culture of Latin America, to be hosted by Carlos Fuentes. Hoped-for financing from Eastman Kodak did not materialize, and other sources are now being explored. Nonetheless there remains a possibility for a relationship with Kodak in another media area. The Smithsonian is talking with Kodak Video Productions about a joint venture in the home video market. Kodak would provide up-front production money and net profits would be equally shared by the Institution and Kodak. Associated with such an agreement might be Kodak underwriting of SMITHSONIAN WORLD after 1989.

The Smithsonian is also exploring another potential area for the diffusion of knowledge: Low Power Television. Undoubtedly such an undertaking would involve a partnership with other scholarly and research institutions in the Washington area, but the operation of a low power