Work will include the production of corporate stationery, in-house magazines and the BBC Proms guide and programmes, among other tasks.

The tender sets out a framework to which the BBC expects to appoint four companies, one of which will be a print manager. The other three will handle the BBC's fulfilment requirements.

Currently, the corporation deals with HH Associates, imageData, ESP Colour and Linney.

The winning print management company will be expected to act as the BBC's 'Print Partner', subcontracting work out if it does not produce it in-house. It will also be expected to source paper via the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) frameworks and the aim for all work is to use a minimum of 50% recycled stock.

The print manager will also be expected to formulate an easy-to-understand rating system to assess the environmental impact of each print job, such as a traffic light scheme.

According to a spokesman, the BBC's print spend "has gone down". He cited "initiatives internally where things have gone online", such as Christmas cards, which are now often sent as e-cards.

For more information visit www.bbc.co.uk/supplying/livetenders.shtml.