FOUR HUNDRED LOCAL JOBS COULD BE LOST

An ambitious attempt to establish the world's first broadband television service in Chiswick has ended in failure. Trans World International, a subsidiary of the International Management Group, will no longer be producing original English language programmes for Network of the World.

Hong Kong owned Network of the World is attempting to cut costs after an overambitious expansion of internet activities. The holding company PCCW was quoted in the Financial Times as saying that the move could result in the loss of a significant number of the 400 jobs at the studio.

Trans World will continue to supply services related to the broadcast of sports and on-line games with the focus being on Asian sporting events including the forthcoming World Cup finals. A core group will be retained at the Chiswick to develop online games services.

January 2002