The Radio Times magazine could be sold as part of the BBC's plans to find a partner for the magazine division of BBC Worldwide.
BBC Worldwide has appointed KPMG to help it find a partner for the division. An information memorandum on the part of the business for sale is due to be issued in the next two weeks.
The value of a 50 per cent share in the division has been estimated at £80m-£90m.
The portfolio includes the Gardener's World, Top Gear and Doctor Who titles. Radio Times, which faces being sold off completely, was launched in 1923 by Lord Reith.
Its plans could also see tie-ups with some rival publishers for some of BBC's magazines, which would be licensed to the publishers.
The BBC would retain a strong editorial presence over the publications however. It is particularly protective of the magazines showing its brand name.
For last year BBC Worldwide reported operating profits of £11.5m, down by 31 per cent on the year before, while sales had increased slightly by 2.4 per cent to £182.2m. It sells about 85 million magazines per month.
