BBC offers to share resources with PSBs

The BBC is expected to offer to share its technology and regional news resources with commercial broadcasters.

The corporation, responding to Ofcom's consultation on the future of public service broadcasting, will reject proposals that some of its funds be redistributed directly.

Director general Mark Thompson, giving examples, said the BBC could share regional news footage and the technology to aid the replacement of videotape. The corporation could also help others sell their programmes internationally, he said.

Thompson told The Times he thought the industry and the regulator were exaggerating the problems faced by commercial broadcasters, however.

"The picture painted by Ofcom is too pessimistic," he said. "Look at the quality of the output across British television." ITV, Channel 4 and Five say the quality of programmes will suffer without relaxed regulations or new funding being put in place quickly.

The BBC executive, following a programme of internal consultation, debate and research, will formally submit its position on the future of PSB to the regulator this week.