Wednesday, April 05, 2006

Smithsonian deal with Showtime draws fire

From Ars Technica: Smithsonian deal with Showtime draws fire

With the new partnership between Showtime and the Smithsonian, it's probable that much of the Smithsonian's extensive archives will be locked down, meaning that documentary and educational filmmakers will lose out. By extension, the public will too. Coming up with creative ways to fund government institutions such as the Smithsonian sounds good in the abstract. Unfortunately, the reality involves putting a lock on the door to the nation's attic and handing the key to a private entity.
Does every damned thing have to be for sale?

No comments: