Company Town

Television: Los Angeles-based Ticketmaster has agreed in principal to buy a 50% stake in Video Jukebox Network’s British division. The interactive cable channel allows viewers to select their own music videos from a rotating list of about 200 songs and be billed for them on their telephone bills. Ticketmaster, which is said to be paying somewhere in the low seven figures for its stake in “The Box,” will be the managing partner in Britain. Sources say Ticketmaster plans to use the channel to sell merchandise through its computerized telephone ticketing system. Video Jukebox Network was founded eight years ago. The companies are expected to announce the deal Monday.

* Music: The House of Blues is making good on its pledge to financially support local social programs. The club is co-sponsoring “Countdown to Eternity: A Civil Rights Festival Benefit” from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 10950 S. Central Ave. in Watts. Richard Pryor will host. Music acts include Fishbone and War.