RCN Adds Smithsonian Channel(TM) to Its Expanding HD Line Up

RCN Adds Smithsonian Channel(TM) to Its Expanding HD Line Up

Smithsonian Channel Now Reaches 22.5 Million Multi Platform Households

NEW YORK and HERNDON, Va., March 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Smithsonian Channel continues to increase its distribution with the announcement today of a High Definition (HD) carriage agreement with RCN Corporation (NASDAQ:RCNI) , a broadband, facilities-based competitive telecommunications provider that delivers video, high-speed data, and voice services to residential and small-medium business customers and high-capacity data transport and voice services to large commercial customers.

With the addition of RCN, the combined reach of Smithsonian Channel affiliates continues to grow with the channel now reaching 22.5 million multi platform households.

"The demand today for more content in HD continues to grow and we're very excited for our customers to experience the great programming that Smithsonian Channel will be airing," said RCN President & CEO Peter Aquino. "As the broadband, fiber optic cable television competitor in the Smithsonian Institution's home town, we're pleased to broaden the reach of its programming."

"We welcome RCN to our growing list of new distributors," said Tom Hayden, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Smithsonian Channel. "This is great momentum for us and we look forward to more announcements in the future."

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.

About RCN Corporation

RCN is a broadband, facilities-based competitive telecommunications provider delivering video, high-speed data, and voice services primarily to residential and small-medium business customers under the brand names of RCN and RCN Business Services, respectively. In addition, RCN also delivers on-net fiber-based high-capacity data transport and voice services to large commercial customers, primarily enterprises and carriers. This commercial business unit operates under the name RCN Metro Optical Networks and targets metropolitan central business districts. RCN constructs, operates, and manages its own networks primarily in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states and the Chicago area. The main metro and suburban areas where it operates include: Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley, New York City, Boston, and Chicago.

Source: Smithsonian Channel

CONTACT: Stuart Zakim of Showtime for Smithsonian Channel,
+1-212-708-1590, stuart.zakim@showtime.net; or Richard Ramlall, SVP of
Strategic and External Affairs of RCN, +1-703-434-8430,
publicrelations@rcn.net; or Michael Houghton of Communicreate,
+1-703-799-7383, mike.houghton@rcn.net

Web site: http://www.smithsonianchannel.com/

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Profile: International Entertainment