[London, ENGLAND] They are claiming it as a "world's first" -- an international, round-the-clock TV quiz show that lets everyone participate.

Quizpeople.com's show is hosted by 34-year-old Mads Jorgensen, a man who differs from the typical TV quizmaster in holding degrees in philosophy and modern culture and in being able to speak five languages. He is one of Quizpeople's 85 employees and was chosen, the company says, from its own ranks rather than being specially hired for the job.

The new quiz show appears to be yet another example of the way in which European producers are injecting new life into old forms of entertainment. The two most successful TV concepts to come from Europe recently -- both of which have gone on to make fortunes for people on both sides of the Atlantic -- have been "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" and "Big Brother."

Will Quizpeople.com be the next mega-success?

It is too early to tell, although it is doubtful if participating via the Internet can generate the same excitement as TV with a live audience -- at least, not until everyone has broadband access.

The brainchild of Dorthe Nornberg, head of interactive TV at Quizpeople, the show is being coordinated by the company's Internet Strategist Christian Johannesen.

Quizpeople was founded in May 1999 by Directors Per Sunesen and Claus Hyldgaard. From its base in Denmark it has expanded to North America and the Far East. This year it is offering a grand prize of a private island, from which, presumably, the new owner will be able to continue participating in the quizzes via a satellite connection to the Internet.


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