The BBC has this morning denied reports that it is planning to float its commercial internet venture beeb.com. A spokesperson for the Corporation described a report in today’s Times as “wild speculation” ahead of the Davies Report which is examining possible new ways of funding the BBC.
The Davies Report is expected to be released in the next month or so and whilst it may give a recommendation of floatation, the event itself will certainly not occur next year as the Times report suggests, according to the BBC spokesperson. A further statement has now been made by the BBC on its news website, in which a spokesman comments: “There are no plans to float beeb.com”.
The BBC was also quick to point out that it is not just a matter for the Governors of the Corporation to consider, even if the Davies report does recommend the floatation of beeb.com. The plan would have to first receive Government approval and would then be the subject of public consultation, before then being referred back to the Government.
The issue of funding the BBC in the digital age has led to suggestions that the floatation or indeed sale of some BBC resources would be an effective way to supplement the Corporation’s income. The possibility of a digital television licence fee is also expected to be raised in the Davies report (see BSkyB Supports ITC Opposition To Digital Licence Fee).
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