Should Bbc Presenters Be Prevented From Wearing Red Ribbons In Recognition Of World Aids Day

[sp1814]

I'll be honest - I didn't even realise that these were BBC guidelines, and I'm not sure of the reasoning behind it...

http://www.theguardian.com/media/2013/dec/10/graham-norton-bbc-aids-ribbon-jeremy-clarkson

Although now come to think of it, I don't ever recall seeing a BBC present wearing a Marie Curie daffodil either...

[sp1814]

naomi24 - no, I understand what you mean.

Still odd that Jeremy Clatkson was allowed (ie. wasn't subsequently censured). Perhaps the difference was that he was a guest, rather than actually presenting...

[LazyGun]

I am still no wiser as to the exact guidelines/rules he is supposed to have broken.

[jomifl]

I'm a bit confused by all these different coloured ribbons., Is there an official list of what is accepted for whatever charity/ pressure group.

[naomi24]

SP, //Perhaps the difference was that he was a guest, rather than actually presenting... //

I think that is probably the difference. I imagine the same rule would apply to him when he's presenting Top Gear.

[Mamyalynne]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_awareness_ribbons

[jno]

if the programme was made by Norton himself and his company, then I don't see how the BBC can censure him. Surely their option is to screen the programme or not screen it?

[FredPuli43]

We've established one thing, I think : Graham Norton is more important to the BBC than he is to AOG, who can't stand his 'campiness'. In the meantime Mr Norton is getting £2.61 million a year for doing what he does, campiness and all. Not ,you may note, for being homosexual but for making it clear, in word and deed, that he is, which offends at least one person. There may be more to it than that.

But, to have Jeremy Clarkson, Jo Brand and others on the show supporting the same charity must surely be wrong, if the objection is that no charity should be overtly supported by those who appear on the BBC. So objecting to one person who presents by virtue of being contracted to the BBC but not the others, one of whom, Clarkson , is also contracted to the BBCto present programmes, is utterly illogical

[jomifl]

Thanks Mamya, I am amazed. couldn't find the one for SOGs though :o)

[sp1814]

FredPuli43

Yep. Seems a bit odd.

Anyway, I've now tracked down the BBC guideline (thanks to The Guardian).

Apparently, In wearing the ribbon, Norton was potentially in breach of guideline 4.4.20, which warns that the BBC "must remain independent and distanced from government initiatives, campaigners, charities and their agendas".

I suppose in this context, it can be argued that Graham's guests were free to wear the ribbon, because as guests on the show, they weren't representing the BBC in any capacity.

[andy-hughes]

sp1814 - OK, i can buy into that - as long as no-one wears a poppy next year!

[whiskeryron]

No one has mentioned the annual BBC wearing of stupid red noses, doesn't that contravene some guideline or other ?

WR.

[andy-hughes]

Not sure why they wear roses Ron - can you enlighten?

[naomi24]

Children in Need is the BBCs own corporate charity, isn't it?

[sp1814]

Yes - that's right!!!

I think the BBC needs to rethink this dictat.

[jno]

andy - noses, not roses!

[andy-hughes]

jno - that's really scary!

I saw the word 'roses' twice when I just went back and re-read Ron's post.

And, for the record, I have already been to Spec-Savers!!!

(Maybe a return visit?)

[ludwig]

I can see the BBC's difficulty here. For someone like G.Norton it seems a silly rule, because the show is named after him, and it's all about him projecting his personality. However, what about newsreaders and the like? Should they be seen to be endorsing particular organisations and causes? It's not as clear.

Also, if they allow a 'wear what you like' policy, it'd open up presenters to undue pressure..every one of them would be expected to be sporting the aids ribbon, or whatever charity day was currently happening. The ones who weren't would be asked to explain why - witness the absurd 'How dare Jon Snow not be wearing a poppy?' controversy of last year.

To get around these issues, they've adopted a blanket ban. No charity symbols on any presenter....except of course the poppy. That is a difficult one to explain.