182
Lost Doctor Who episodes found – but owner is reluctant to hand them to BBC
(www.theguardian.com)
A good old fashioned Doctor Who Community
The article states what they are worried about
I wonder how many episodes would miraculously show up if the BBC made a public statement that they wouldn't hold it against them
This sounds less like a recording of a broadcast and instead physical media that never was supposed to be removed from the BBC in the first place.
That's more like dumpster diving. I wouldn't exactly consider that theft
You're not a corporate entity trying to maintain a stranglehold on an IP. I don't think there's any depth they are unwilling to plumb to protect and enhance their profits.
P.S. Yes I know the BBC is publicly funded by the British people but it is also a corporate entity that makes money on its unique IPs just like any other... cough Disney cough