BBC worldwide clocks a profit of 111.1 million pounds

Mumbai, June 29 (UNI) BBC Worldwide Limited, the commercial arm and wholly owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), posted a pre-tax profit of 111.1 million pounds for the year ended 31 March 2007.

Investment in the BBC-commissioned programmes was also up at 96.3 million pounds from 89.0 million last year.

The Chief Executive Officer of BBC Worldwide, Mr John Smith said, ''BBC Worldwide has achieved a three-fold increase in profits in the last three years. We have exceeded expectations in most of our businesses over the past 12 months, reflecting healthy returns from our new Channels business.'' BBC Worldwide is the main commercial arm and wholly owned subsidiary of BBC. It operates global channels, global TV sales, content&production, magazines, home entertainment and digital media. Through its own operations and via partnerships and joint ventures, BBC Worldwide seeks to drive commercial benefit from rights and content on behalf of BBC and other UK rights holders.

UNI