The Beeb aims to make Web profit

The BBC will announce eight Web channels next week vowing to set the pace in UK profit-driven consumer Internet sites. That means the corporation will carry advertising for the first time in its history.

Developed alongside ICL, the Beeb, as the site will be called, will consist of a number of channels including The Score - a sports site, a Top Gear site and a Radio Times-branded film and TV guide.

Other sites will follow during the year, with comedy sites expected in September, a science fiction site expected in October and an edutainment site expected in November.

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