MSNBC plugs into Europe

A European version of Microsoft and NBC joint-venture MSNBC is gearing up for showtime by the end of this year. The cable and online news services will generate country-specific general news, from several European countries including the UK.

Microsoft is currently hiring staff and making a huge domestic investment, according to MSN UK director, Judy Gibbons. The online wing will be part of a larger global news service, allowing users to view domestic news from other countries. "The interesting thing will be that you could see a story about Japan in the UK, then click to Japan to get another angle on it," said Gibbons.

Microsoft can be contacted by telephone on 01734-270001.