International Television Week 47 Bredin To Make 'cents' Of Tv Reform

Prime Minister Lionel Jospin appointed Socialist Parliament member Frederique Bredin to figure out a way to pay for the reforms of public TV proposed by Culture Minister Catherine Trautmann. Bredin "will examine ways of modernizing collection of the TV tax, of ensuring regular public financing of the channels and of proposing possible new resources for the public broadcast sector," a statement from Jospin's office said. Trautmann's bill calls for cutting down advertising on public TV, which could cost an estimated annual loss of $400 million in revenues.

-- Meg Bortin



MTV keeps AIDS Day 'Alive'

MTV and its global networks will air the documentary "Staying Alive" on Dec. 1 in recognition of World AIDS Day. The coordinated effort has the potential of reaching more than 1 billion people, according to Bill Roedy, president of MTV/VH1 International. George Michael hosts the film which follows the impact of HIV/AIDS on the lives of six young people from different countries.

-- John Burman



Cabanillas approved as new RTVE head

MADRID -- The Spanish cabinet approved Friday the appointment of Pio Cabanillas as general manager of pubcaster Radio Television Espanola (RTVE), to replace the controversial Fernando Lopez-Amor who was dismissed last week (HR 11/16). Cabanillas assumes the post immediately.

-- Pamela Rolfe



Shaw selling Sportscope stake

TORONTO -- Shaw Communications Inc. said it is putting up for sale a 47.85% stake in Sportscope Television Network Ltd., the operator of the Headline Sports specialty channel. The move was expected after Canada's TV regulator ruled in July that Canada's second-largest cablecaster could not hold a stake in the 24-hour Headline Sports channel because of its "dominant market position."

-- Etan Vlessing