http://channels.isp.netscape.com/news/story.jsp?floc=FF-APO-1401&idq=/ff/story/0001%2F20061216%2F1327536472.htm&sc=1401WASHINGTON (AP) - Two filmmakers were refused access to the Smithsonian Institution's collections for their projects but researchers generally have not been restricted so far by the Smithsonian's semi-exclusive deal with a cable network, congressional investigators say.
The public has justifiable concerns nonetheless about the 30-year contract between the Smithsonian and Showtime Networks Inc., a cable network owned by CBS Corp., according to the Government Accountability Office.
``It is too early to determine the long-term impact of the contract,'' Congress' investigative arm said in a report Friday. ``Access to the Smithsonian's collections and staff for research purposes remains unchanged, but the direct impact on filmmakers will depend largely on how many request permission to use a substantial amount of Smithsonian content.''