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year when network time charges, script and talent fees, promotion and advertising costs and production charges are added together. It is also our view that such a joint experimental venture for the Smithsonian essentially would be a "research and development" project in that it would help to develop "in-house" capability and resources. With the approach of the Bicentennial, the Institution must broaden its modern techniques for even wider educative activities since it is apparent that the number of Americansinterested in the Smithsonian's resources is growing month by month. A commercial television series will bring the Smithsonian to millions; it also will stimulate internal staff examination of just how, when and where the Institution should use the mass media in the diffusion of knowledge.

7. [[underlined]] Question: How did the Smithsonian choose the David L. Wolper organization as the possible producer? [[/underlined]]

[[underlined]] Answer: [[/underlined]] For nearly a year, the Institution conducted a thorough search for a means of obtaining suitable television coverage. Script control and quality of production were prime considerations since the reputation of the Institution, of course, is a prime concern. Despite continued assurances of their good will, our arrangement with  CBS News had been restrictive and disappointedly unproductive. Our investigations included discussions and proposals from more than a dozen network and independent producers and consultation with academic, advertising and media specialists. Research indicated that there are very few producers with documentary film experience capable of undertaking subjects as complex as the Smithsonian and that there is apparently only one whose general reputation with many sponsors and some networks would assure that the programs produced actually would be telecast.