BBC Worldwide shuts phone-in firm

Director general Mark Thompson has cracked down on editorial breaches

BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of the BBC, is to close a subsidiary firm after it failed to pay £106,000 from premium-rate phone-ins to charity.

The errors were found during an audit for the BBC Trust earlier this year.

This prompted a strategic review of Audiocall, which has handled the BBC's phone-ins for 17 years. The review led to the decision to close it down.

The BBC broadcast an apology after the incident. The sums destined for charity have now been paid including interest.

"BBC Worldwide has undertaken a strategic review of the future of the business and, having considered all the options, is now proposing to close it down," said a spokesperson for BBC Worldwide.

The UK's main broadcasters have come under fire recently as a number of scandals involving premium-rate phone lines have emerged.

BBC Worldwide sells the corporation's TV shows, such as Top Gear, as well as DVDs, audiobooks and magazine titles around the world.