BBC Worldwide agree Australian export deal

The forthcoming BBC period drama 'The Hound of the Baskervilles' will be screened in Australia, following a 'significant' new agreement between BBC Worldwide and national broadcaster ABC.
The package deal, struck on the eve of Mipcom 2002, includes the landmark natural history series 'Life of Mammals' as well as 'Walking with Cavemen', Michael Palin's 'Sahara', BBC Children's production 'Ace Lightning' and several BBC Wildlife Specials.
Julie Dowding, BBC Worldwide's Head of Sales for Australasia, said: "The programmes licensed to ABC are some of the highest quality productions coming from the BBC this year. This line-up is testament to ABC's commitment to bringing their Australian audience the best and widest variety of programming available."
BBC Worldwide, the oldest of the BBC's commercial subsidiaries, generates income to support the UK licence fee by marketing programme-related products and services around the world.
In 2001/02, BBC Worldwide generated £106 million for the BBC, but its stated ambition is to quadruple its contribution during the current Charter period.
BBC Worldwide is financially separate from the rest of the BBC and receives no public funding.
(GB)