BBC commercial activities to "exploit" brand

The BBC's commercial activities will be reviewed to ensure that they only "exploit and/or export BBC content and the BBC brand," BBC Director-General Mark Thompson said today.

"We have a duty to run these activities to maximise profits for the licence-payer," he continued. "However, it is not essential that all businesses are fully-owned by the BBC.

"We will actively start to explore options, including those of partnering, joint venturing or sale with the management teams of BBC Broadcast and BBC Resources, and with the market."

It was confirmed today that bids will be invited for the BBC's broadcast unit in the New Year. However, in a press release, the BBC said that it intends to remain the "long-term" owner of BBC Worldwide's TV channels, magazines and sales operations.