COMPANY TOWN ANNEX

BellSouth Contemplates Bigger Role in Paramount Bid: Although the final bids have been submitted for Paramount Communications Inc., QVC Network Inc.’s backers are continuing to explore ways they might prop up the value of QVC’s offer, a source confirmed. Short-term holders of Paramount stock are favoring rival Viacom Inc. because QVC refused to offer any protection against a downward spiral in the value of its shares in its cash-and-stock tender offer. Traders have been speculating that BellSouth Corp., which has already pledged $2 billion in support of the QVC bid, might promise to buy a specific amount of QVC shares within several months. “It is being explored,” one knowledgeable source said.