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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report: January 22, 1997
Date of Earliest Event Reported: December 9, 1996
TELE-COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
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(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
State of Delaware
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(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
0-20421 84-1260157
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(Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
5619 DTC Parkway
Englewood, Colorado 80111
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (303) 267-5500
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Item 5. Other Events.
C. Lamont Smith, et al. v. Mile Hi Cable Partners, et al.
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On December 9, 1996, C. Lamont Smith and The Black Movie
Channel, LLC filed suit in the District Court for the City
and County of Denver against subsidiaries of Tele-
Communications, Inc. (TCI Communications, Inc.; Mile Hi
Cable Partners, LP; Liberty Media Corporation and Encore
Media Corporation); Black Entertainment Television; Steve
Santamaria; Media Management Group, Inc. and Virginia
Butler. Plaintiffs assert, in part, that the defendants
misappropriated plaintiffs' concept for the development of a
24 hours a day, seven days a week, cable or satellite
premium channel which would broadcast movies made by or
featuring African Americans, as well as educational
programming and community oriented programming of interest
to both the Hispanic and Black communities. Plaintiffs
claim anticipated annual net profits from such a network
would exceed $600 million. Plaintiffs also assert that the
franchise agreement with the City and County of Denver has
been breached for alleged implied covenants of good faith
and fair dealing under the Denver franchise; promissory
estoppel and breach of implied contract; misappropriation of
confidential information and trade secrets; breach of
confidence; breach of fiduciary duty; as well as unjust
enrichment; fraud; negligent misrepresentation; non-
disclosure and concealment; civil conspiracy; and violation
of the Colorado Antitrust Act of 1992. Plaintiffs seek an
award of consequential, special and restitutionary damages
in an unspecified amount as well as exemplary damages,
prejudgment interest, expert witness fees, attorneys fees
and costs. Tele-Communications, Inc. believes the claims
are without merit and intends to defend such claims
vigorously.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Date: January 22, 1997
TELE-COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
(Registrant)
By:/s/ Stephen M. Brett
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Stephen M. Brett
Executive Vice President
