BREAKING. The BBC's global commercial arm BBC Worldwide rakes in record profits.

The BBC's global commercial arm, BBC Worldwide has made a record profit of £145,2 million (R1,698 billion) in the year end ending March 2010, with revenues up 7% from the previous year.

BBC Worldwide that runs TV channels such as BBC Knowledge (DStv 251), BBC Entertainment (DStv 120), CBeebies (DStv 306) and DStv Lifestyle (DStv 180) also funds and co-produce shows like Being Erica on The Universal Channel (DStv 108).

Shows such as Doctor Who, Top Gear and Dancing with the Stars on BBC Entertainment, David Attenborough's Life and Planet Earth are huge money spinners for BBC Worldwide. ''As well as developing into a diversified global media business and extending the international visibility of the BBC brand, the company is delivering a strong financial performance,'' says John Smith, the chief executive of BBC Worldwide.