The BBC has been criticised over the commercial packages it offers firms for sponsorship of such programmes as Children in Need.

Critics, which include presenter Melvyn Bragg say that the arrangement represents the “creeping commercialism of the BBC” and that this is in breach of the BBC’s charter, on which it charges licence fees, going against the spirit of the “no advertising” rule.

Details of the BBC’s earner were originally posted on a website for potential advertisers but it is understood this has now been shut down.