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Smithsonian Channel: Growing quickly in LatAm

January 30, 2020

Maribel Ramos-Weiner

David Royle Natpe 20

David Royle, EVP and Programming director at Smithsonian Channel, expressed that they are very satisfied with the channel`s growth in the last year. “We have consolidated ourselves as a leading channel for non-fiction entertainment at DIRECTV, we have been chosen on Apple TV Channels, we are in Brazil, and are somehow breaking the trend.”

Royle stated that they are growing at a very quick rhythm in the region and have discovered that the audience is also very interested in non-fiction contents, where they additional verify all the information that is presented, to make sure it is truly documentary. “That, in a age of false news is important. I think people feel relieved to find a channel like us.”

The plans in Latin America continue growing. The channel announced on Wednesday 22 the launch of its new series Las Cantinas de Cornelio, that will be aired in Latin America during the first quarter of this year. It is an original production of Mexicanal, hosted by Cornelio García, that will take viewers to the most historical and popular canteens in Mexico. Smithsonian assured they maintain the commitment to continue airing programs created by local producers that celebrate the region`s culture.

Royle announced that they additionally have a film festival planned in Santiago, a new project together with an Argentinean company, other projects in Brazil and are in conversations for other productions in Colombia and Chile. “We believe we are here to stay and we want to make a real contribution to the region”.