Overdrawn BBC to sell £1bn assets

The BBC is looking at selling £1billion worth of commercial assets in an effort to balance its books.

The corporation, close to its £200million borrowing limit, is seriously considering selling its commercial wing BBC Worldwide in a move masterminded by new director-general Mark Thompson.

At present, BBC Worldwide sells programmes such as The Blue Planet and Teletubbies around the world. It also sells programme merchandise which last year helped it make £141 million. Other areas being considered for sale include the section which manages the corporation's studio facilities.

Six thousand of the BBC's 28,000 employees work in its four sections dealing with various commercial activities and managers have already agreed to sell its technology division to Siemens.