Revenue earnings from TV exports increased by 22% last year -- the highest increase since 1998.
'Living with Michael Jackson', the Martin Bashir documentary, was the most popular export last year and was sold to more than 120 countries.
The BBC's most popular programmes abroad were both documentaries -- its series on prehistoric times 'Walking with Dinosaurs', which sold to 47 countries, and 'Natural World', which went to 46.
Channel 4's 'Terror in Moscow' and 'Sars: Killer Bug', were also in the top 20 export list for last year, and sold to 25 and 23 territories respectively.
ITV's football soap opera 'Footballers' Wives', which has just ended its second series, was bought by more than 20 countries.
The US accounted for 43% of exports, while there was growth in demand from Western Europe compared with a flat year in 2002.
Culture secretary Tessa Jowell said: "At its best, our TV is the envy of the world. The UK industry going from strength to strength -- producing programmes that are not only of exceptional quality but also overwhelming popularity both here and across the globe. They are a testament to the power of UK creative talent in the international arena."
If you have an opinion on this or any other issue raised on Brand Republic, join the debate in the .
_1.jpg)
.jpg)
