Bermuda is to be included in an inaugural series of television programmes aimed at the insurance industry, and will be the only jurisdiction outside the US to receive the broadcasts.

The programmes are the first in the "Agent to Agent'' series produced jointly by the National Association of Insurance Agents (PIA) and the Insurance Broadcast System (IBS).

IBS is a satellite television network for the insurance industry, broadcast on VSB, Channel 4, on Sunday mornings.

The purpose of the new series of programmes is "to take insurance issues directly to the executive suites and boardrooms of carriers and industry groups in the United States and Bermuda,'' said Arthur Moll, president of the PIA.

The half-hour programmes are intended to encourage dialogue on issues of concern to professional insurance agents and the industry at large.

"PIA wants to encourage constructive dialogue in our industry. These programmes will address the tough issues that others have avoided,'' said Mr.

Moll.

The first programmes in the "Agent to Agent'' series will address: Agencies and the issues arising from Y2K; Marketing insurance products to diverse communities; Agency-company relationships today; Workers compensation issues; and Agent issues and auto choice reform.

"There is a possibility that executives from the Bermuda insurance industry will feature in the series,'' said Ted Besesparis, the PIA director of public relations. Bermuda is very much a part of their thinking, he said, adding that programme material had emanated from Bermuda in the past.

Further information is available on the World Wide Web at www.ibstv.com or from Mr. Besesparis at (703) 518-1352.

TELEVISION TV