BBC reveals massive cost of online services

The BBC spent more on its online content last year than any other digital service, forking out an impressive £52m.

The bill beats the amount spent on high profile new channels like News 24 and BBC Choice, as well as outstripping old favourites Radio One and Radio Two.

The broadcaster 's annual accounts were released just 48 hours after a top BBC executive caused a stir by suggesting users might have to pay for online content in future.

Director of New Media, Ashley Highfield, told the Financial Times that licence fees couldn't cover the cost of online services, and the corporation was considering limiting access or even charging users for its web facilities.

According to the annual report released today, BBC Online attracted 4.9 million users in March 2001, up by 29 per cent over the year and the highest number for any content site in Europe.

BBC News Online peaked at 120 million page impressions per month, with its revamped sports site registering nearly 49 million page impressions per month.

During the next 12 months the BBC's New Media Division will develop a number of new interactive services, and promote wider access of its news and educational services.