The BBC has dismissed a £100 million attempt by the producers of "Have I Got News For You" to save BBC Three from being taken off the airwaves. Executives brushed off an offer by Hat Trick and Avalon, two of Britain’s leading independent television producers, as “bonkers” and completely unworkable, but could not stop the proposal overshadowing Tuesday's launch of a public consultation about plans for the channel. The BBC immediately ruled out any talks: “BBC Three is not for sale,” a spokesman said.