As predicted....
Reference CAS-1038878-SWNTCT
Thanks for contacting us regarding BBC Radio 2.
I understand that you were unhappy with the content of both the 'Jeremy
Vine' show on the 6 October, and the 'Chris Evans' programme on the 10 and 11
October, as you felt they were advertising commercial products. I note you were
unhappy with the segment on Steve Jobs and apple on 'Jeremy Vine' and mentions
of Red Bull on 'Chris Evans'.
Whilst I appreciate your concerns, the BBC is prohibited from the terms
of its Charter from advertising. Specifically we are not permitted to accept
income or benefit financially by promoting the goods of outside companies, which
we did not do for either of the instances you have raised. In both cases, the
commercial products were mentioned as part of news stories, relating to the
death of Steve Jobs and Red Bull Racing.
Steve Jobs is hailed as an innovator, as co-founder and former chief
executive of US technology giant Apple. It is natural that any discussion on his
death would include references to Apple and their impact on the world of
technology.
On the 'Chris Evans' show, the references to Red Bull were made while
discussing Red Bull Racing/Red Bull-Renault, who have won the constructors
championship, as well as having their team member Sebastian Vettel winning the
drivers championship. It would be impractical to discuss either Red-Bull or
Apple in both these cases without giving their commercial name.
Indeed, the BBC Editorial Guidelines explain that the BBC needs to be
“able to reflect the real world and this will involve referring to commercial
products, organisations and services in our output”. It must be recognised that
the world in which we now live contains brands and logos which can be seen
generally, for example logos or brand names on electronic equipment or shop
fronts in any high street.
Nevertheless, we’re guided by the feedback we receive and I can assure
you I've registered your complaint on our audience log. This is a daily report
of audience feedback that's made available to all BBC staff, including members
of the BBC Executive Board, channel controllers and other senior managers.
The audience logs are seen as important documents that can help shape
decisions about future programming and content.
Thanks for taking the time to contact us.
Kind Regards
Mxxx Rxxxxxx
BBC Complaints
1 comment:
I actually think that, for once, this is a reasonable reply. I'm not saying that I actually believe it but it is at least credible. For some reason I am reminded of old Blue Peter shows where Kellogs Cornflake packets were shown with the Kellogs logo painted out. Everyone knew it was a Kellogs packet so the blanking of the logo was completely pointless. The statement that the Beeb are not allowed to advertise is demonstrably false though, they are not allowed to accept money for advertising but they do advertise all the time. One good example is Steve Wright having guests who have just written a book.
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