Video service for U.K. expatriates

Press, 1 March 1989, Page 19

Video service for U.K. expatriates

From TONY VERDON, London correspondent Isolated expatriate Britons will soon be able to see such familiar 8.8. C. Television faces as Del Boy and award-winning British drama, wherever they are in the world. When the sun goes down over the yardarm and the pink gins are running out, they will be able to console themselves with the best of 8.8. C. Television. In collaboration with Lloyds of London Press, 8.8. C. Enterprises has launched a fortnightly tape compilation, “Video World,” designed for the estimated two million British expatriates now dotted around the globe. The recordings will contain news analysis, sport, features, drama and light entertainment chosen from current 8.8. C. TV transmissions.

Subscription will cost $504 for six months, $826

for one year, and $1638 for two years. 8.8. C. Enterprises hopes the service will sell to 50,000 subscribers within three years, which would provide annual revenue of SS6M to the 8.8. C.

In a dummy edition, programmes include “Only Fools and Horses,” and an episode of Alan Bennett’s acclaimed drama series “Talking Heads” starring Julie Walters.

A spokesman for 8.8. C. Enterprises said there could be some problems involving certain programmes because of agreements. with the talent unions.

“We have thoroughly researched the project with discussion groups and an extensive mailing and most Britons abroad own video recorders and are desperate to keep in touch with home,” he said.