BBC Worldwide consider buy-out of UKTV

BBC Worldwide, the independent commercial arm of the BBC, is considering taking complete control of the UKTV network by purchasing Virgin Media Television’s 50% share. The network is already half-owned by BBC Worldwide. It is thought that in the event of a complete take-over, UKTV would switch to a free-to-air/view model, with the possibility of channels moving to Freeview or leaving Top Up TV.