Digital Classics banks on Jackson boost

THE acquittal of pop star Michael Jackson looks set to boost profits at Digital Classics, the Aim-listed programme production company.

Its as-yet-unscreened programme The Michael Jackson Story was filmed and edited in 2003 but has only been completed now the trial on child molestation charges has ended with him being found not guilty on all counts.

Digital believes the acquittal will boost the value of the programme and is in discussion with six US television channels, three of which are major networks.

The timing of the deal will have a 'material impact' on profits, boosting the current-year figure if it is signed before the financial year-end this month but leaving the group missing forecasts if it is after that.

Chief executive Chris Hunt said he will wait for the best deal, rather than push for an earlier sale to boost current-year figures. 'We will do the best deal available, whenever it comes,' he said.