U.S. fare to fight for Rose

14 American shows compete in Montreaux's 40th fest

By BEAT GLUR

ZURICH -- A record number of U.S. shows will compete for the Golden Rose at this year's light entertainment festival, which runs May 4-9, in the Swiss resort town of Montreux. A total of 14 American shows will be competing in the field of 90 entries from some 20 nations for the Golden Rose of Montreux.

NBC's "Will and Grace" and HBO's 'The Chris Rock Show" are among the U.S. comedies vying for a prize at the fest's 40th edition.

The U.K. boasts the most entries with 27 productions, while the Netherlands' Endemol is bringing the wildly popular "Big Brother," a format that has been sold worldwide.

The Golden Rose comprises six categories: comedy, variety, sitcom, music, gameshow and arts & specials; there is also a Silver and a Bronze Rose in each of these categories.

A jury will award its prize to the most innovative production, and this year's Honorary Rose goes to the European Broadcasting Union.

A total of 240 productions were submitted to the festival, of which 90 were chosen for competition.