BSkyB circumvent Jackson trial filming ban

British television company BSkyB and an American counterpart have found a creative way around the ban on cameras for Michael Jackson’s child-sex trial - dramatic re-enactments.

E! Entertainment Television and satellite company British Sky Broadcasting are joining forces to present daily recreations of the trial, executives announced.

Given international interest in the pop star’s case and the lack of cameras, the series will “bring the trial to life”, said Ted Harbert, president and chief executive officer of E! Networks.

The partnership calls for five daily half-hour programmes to air during the course of the California trial, due to start on January 31.

Court transcripts will be used to highlight the previous day’s testimony and court events, with each network packaging the recreations with its own hosts. The versions will be produced by E! News and, in Britain, Sky News.

On E!, the series also will include commentary by legal analysts. A Saturday wrap-up show is planned.

The series also will air on E! International Network, seen in more than 50 countries.

Jackson, 46, denies molesting a boy, conspiracy and administering an intoxicating agent, alcohol, to his alleged victim.