BBC to close charity failure phone-in firm

BBC Worldwide has decided to close its phone-in division Audiocall, which withheld £106,000 that should have been paid to charities.

Worldwide began a review of the company after an independent review discovered it was retaining funds from premium-rate calls received after lines had officially closed. The proceeds were meant to go to good causes.

"BBC Worldwide has undertaken a strategic review of the future of the business and, having considered all the options, is now proposing to close it down," said a spokesman.

Audiocall, which has handled phone-ins for the corporation for 17 years, has now paid the money with interest to the charities.