BBC keeps studios in Resources sale

The BBC is to keep its studios business at Television Centre as part of a plan to sell its Resources division off in parts.

The corporation announced today that its Outside Broadcasts unit, which operates as part of Resources alongside Studios and Post Production, will likely be sold "in the near future" to Satellite Information Services after it was named as preferred bidder.

BBC Outside Broadcasts handles a range of productions ranging from major state occasions to sporting events including Wimbledon and the Olympics.

"SIS offered the BBC a good deal and best value for licence fee payers; they have shown a real desire to grow the business and have committed to a long-term relationship with the Corporation, securing the future for some of the most vital services supporting BBC output," said Andy Thornton, project director for the BBC.

The corporation added that SIS has "given assurances on pensions, and terms and conditions for staff in the Outside Broadcasts business".

Discussions regarding the sale of BBC Post Production are "continuing".