Smithsonian Channel(TM) to Offer Tribute to 'Women in Science' Throughout March 2008

Smithsonian Channel(TM) to Offer Tribute to 'Women in Science' Throughout March 2008

Programming Depicts Remarkable Women Scientists Around the Globe

NEW YORK, March 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Throughout the month of March, Smithsonian Channel will pay tribute to women scientists, depicting their work with a variety of animal species around the world, in a series of documentary specials.

WOMEN IN SCIENCE showcases a variety of women -- some affiliated with Smithsonian Institution research programs -- who display keen education, rigorous inquiry, and personal courage in the pursuit of knowledge about the natural world.

David Royle, Executive Vice President of programming and production for Smithsonian Channel, said, "We believe that the work of women scientists doesn't get the attention is deserves, and that young people need to have an opportunity to witness the gutsy and cutting-edge field science being practiced by these remarkable women. Our channel is making a commitment to focusing a spotlight on their achievements and making this a regular feature."

Featured in the month's offerings are:

-- Woman Among Wolves
For the past six years, Gudrun Plueger, a former world champion
cross-country skier and long distance runner, has been studying wolves in
the wilds of Canada. In this film, she goes on an expedition in search of
the coast wolves of British Columbia our primal fears of these often
misunderstood animals are challenged when she lies down in a field and
waits for them to encircle her.

-- Batwomen of Panama
On the coast of Panama, the Smithsonian boasts an amazing research center
on the island of Barro Colorado -- home to a mind-boggling variety of
wildlife, including 72 species of bats. After sunset, a team of women
scientists known as the Batwomen of Panama set out into the jungle to
find, track and study these mysterious creatures. Among their discoveries
is the rarest and biggest bat in the tropics of the New World.

-- Flying with Condors
Englishwoman Judy Leden, a world champion hang-glider, climbs into the air
alongside giant condors, birds with a wingspan of up to four yards,
accustomed to soaring 1500 feet above sea level in the snow-covered Andes.
Heart-stopping footage serves to bring the habits and habitats of these
enormous birds into focus.

-- Ghost Cat - Saving the Clouded Leopard
SMITHSONIAN SCIENTIST DR. JoGayle Howard and a global team of scientists,
forest officials, and field researchers set out into a Southeast Asian
jungle to save one of the world's most elusive and enigmatic predators --
the Clouded Leopard. The Smithsonian is a leader in the efforts to save
this beautiful cat from extinction. The program features exclusive
footage of Clouded Leopards, as well as the trading in illegal animal
parts.

-- Wanted: Anaconda
A multi-national team searches for the largest snake in the world using
advanced technology to spot the snakes in their natural habitat with
minimal disturbances from humans. Extremely rare footage of a female
Anaconda giving birth in the wild is captured, as is a hair-raising
face-to-face encounter.

ABOUT SMITHSONIAN NETWORKS:

Smithsonian Networks (SN) is a joint venture between Showtime Networks Inc. and the Smithsonian Institution. It was formed to create new channels to showcase scientific, cultural and historical programming based largely upon the assets of the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum complex. Smithsonian Channel features original documentaries, short-subject explorations and innovative and groundbreaking programs highlighting America's historical, cultural and scientific heritage. Visit Smithsonian Networks on the internet at www.smithsonianchannel.com

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Smithsonian Networks

CONTACT: Michael Shepley, +1-212-786-9064, shepleypr@aol.com, or Jackie
Ioachim, +1-212-708-1220, Jackie.Ioachim@showtime.net, both of Showtime
Networks, Inc.

Web site:

http://www.smithsonianchannel.com/

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