MPs to investigate BBC commercial operations

The Commons select committee for culture, media and sport has launched an inquiry into the BBC's commercial operations, including the role of the BBC Trust in overseeing them.

The announcement comes shortly after BBC Worldwide announced record profits and revenue of £118m on £916m. Ventures such as advertising on bbc.com and Project Kangaroo, the in-development commercial online video service, have concerned rivals such as Sky and Virgin.

MPs have invited stakeholders to comment on the benefits and opportunities offered by the commercial activities; risks to the corporation, the public and others; the future of BBC Worldwide; and use of the proceeds.

The inquiry, to continue through the autumn, will also look at the "appropriateness and effectiveness of the governance framework for the BBC's commercial activities".