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A part of BBC Worldwide should be sold to create "a major global brand for distributing UK content" according to a House of Lords report into the future of the British film and television industry.
The report, published today (25th January) said: "Despite the BBC Trust's apparent intention to prevent the changes in BBC Worldwide ownership structure, we are convinced that the growth of BBC Worldwide through introduction of private capital will benefit UK content producers and UK exports."
In December 2009, the government announced its desire for the BBC to consider selling off part or all of Worldwide. It said: "The government now expects the BBC to look more widely at the options for greater financial and operational separation, including a sale or partial sale." The BBC Trust responded and said that Worldwide was not up for sale.
The report from the Lords said that they supported the government's view. It added: "We believe that such a company, with continuing links to the BBC, would be capable of becoming a major global brand for distributing UK content, producing additional profits, employment and opportunities for British production companies."
Pressure has grown on the BBC over BBC Worldwide since its acquisition of 75% of Lonely Planet in 2007.