Chris Smith, the culture secretary, has given the BBC the go-ahead
to consider funding its digital channels through sponsorship.
In an interview on Radio 4’s Today on Wednesday, Smith ruled out
advertising on BBC channels but said sponsorship was a possibility.
’Perhaps in the development of new digital channels, the BBC could look
at it,’ he said.
’With the development of the multichannel age, and the BBC developing
channels on the new digital multiplex, it could look at where the new
services could reap returns.’
Smith added: ’Any commercial activity the BBC undertakes must subsidise
the licence-fee payer, not the other way round.’ He also suggested the
BBC should make ’more commercial use of its assets’.
