Though the institution purports to operate as a "public trust," it's clear that the public can't be trusted to know the terms of the cozy deal cooked up with Showtime. Apparently the Smithsonian's management is free to make deals cloaked in secrecy with outfits like Showtime, without disclosing the terms of their arrangement or even defining what "incidental use" might mean for documentary filmmakers like those at "War Stories." When I asked a museum official just which broadcasters would have access to the museum's collections and exhibits, I was told, "Applications will be reviewed on a case by case basis." Evidently that doesn't include "War Stories" on FOX News.
What little transparency exists in how the Smithsonian operates is revealed in hearings and reports prepared for the House Committee on Administration and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, the two Congressional entities that theoretically exercise oversight over the institution. That's how we know that Lawrence M. Small, the Smithsonian's top executive, was paid $884,733 last year -- more than twice the compensation of the president of the United States.
We also know that last year American taxpayers forked over $615 million to the Smithsonian, and that the institution's management wants more this year because it is losing money.
Since the new leaders in Congress claim that they intend to "root out waste, fraud and abuse," they ought to inquire just why the Smithsonian is in the hole. While they are at it, here are a few other questions:
How much did Viacom pay for their exclusive rights to America's treasures? Was this contract put out to bid so that others could compete for the privilege of broadcasting our nation's heritage? Were brokers involved? If so, what were they paid? How long will this arrangement remain in effect?
Every American ought to know the answers to these questions. After all, it's our history. But if America's heritage is going on the block, it would be nice to know where to start the bidding for the Library of Congress or the National Archives.