Tag Archives: Smithsonian Channel

Smithsonian lands at Extreme Airport Africa

Factual series Extreme Airport Africa

Smithsonian Channel in the US is gearing up to launch another series focusing on high-octane aviation stories in early 2024 with Rare Television’s Extreme Airport Africa.

The 8×60′ series will launch on January 7 and follows the action at Johannesburg’s two biggest international airports, as well as urban helicopter crews flying life-or-death medivac missions and aviation teams in Botswana and Madagascar protecting and serving humans and animals.

To make the series, London-based independent documentary, factual and formats producer Rare TV secured access to the region’s busiest airline, private wildlife reserves and national park anti-poaching teams, marking its first foray into wildlife programming.

The series follows Smithsonian Channel’s series Ice Airport Alaska, which also comes from Rare TV and is now filming its fifth season.

Rare TV’s VP of US development Christian Broadhurst, who executive produced Extreme Airport Africa, said: “Southern Africa is one of the most beautiful and extreme places on earth. The region relies on aviation, not just for tourism but for protecting its incredible wildlife from poaching and habitat loss.

“Aircraft big and small, alongside a vast fleet of helicopters, makes this aviation series a thrilling watch and we feel privileged to have worked with so many passionate individuals, institutions and government bodies who are all trying to protect the region’s stunning biodiversity for future generations.”

Rare TV’s US showrunner Greg Chivers also executive produced the series and added: “The series is a jaw-dropping showcase for Southern Africa and African aviation. These flights are white-knuckle thrill rides through epic landscapes. The action is authentic and the stakes are as high they come.”

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Blue Ant sends Smithsonian to Africa

Big Cat Country: part of Love Nature’s Africa offering

US cablenet Smithsonian Channel and natural history broadcaster Love Nature are set for an African launch following a deal between Beijing-based pay TV operator StarTimes and Canada’s Blue Ant Media (BAM).

The licensing deal is part of BAM’s ongoing expansion in Africa and will see both channels broadcast throughout a number of Sub-Saharan territories via StarTimes’ platforms.

Upon its launch, Love Nature will include titles such as Big Cat Country (6×60’), Dogs with Extraordinary Jobs (5×60’), Great Blue Wild (4×60’) and Monkey Island (3×60’).

Smithsonian will feature series including Apollo’s Moon Shot (6×60’), First Ladies Revealed (4×60’) and stand-alone doc Asian Tsunami: The Deadliest Wave (1×60’) on its initial slate.

Both channels will be launching via StarTimes in HD, and viewers will have access to Smithsonian in English and Love Nature in English and Portuguese.

Ward Platt, CEO of global networks and kids at Blue Ant Media, said: “These new licensing deals significantly grow Blue Ant Media’s footprint across Africa. Bringing the channels to new platforms allows us to share our broad portfolio of stunning natural history and factual programming with more viewers in Africa.”

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