UPDATE: A BBC spokesman claims the ads were run “in error” and have been blocked following Heat Street’s story.
A statement said: “This advert appeared outside the UK as the result of a third party error and was blocked as soon as we were alerted to it. We are investigating how this happened and we are taking steps to prevent this happening in the future.”
Marketing content that is inappropriate for the BBC is meant to be filtered. The BBC did not do this.
Questions must be asked over whether or not the BBC has abused its unique position as our public service broadcaster, argues Peter Thompson
The image above is a screen capture of the BBC Politics page at 1:00 am Central European Summer Time on Saturday 14th May and is targeting the two million Brits who live in Europe.
More: Jess Phillips MP on the Case For Remain – By a Patriot
The official EU referendum campaign ‘Stronger In’ has placed adverts on BBC’s international services with the obvious intent to influence the outcome of the Brexit debate. This is paid advertising rather than editorial content so its legitimacy is not as clear-cut. Had it been editorial it would be inconsistent with BBC guidelines, which I quote verbatim below.
“Impartiality lies at the heart of public service and is the core of the BBC’s commitment to its audiences. It applies to all our output and services – television, radio, online, and in our international services and commercial magazines. “
When it comes to paid content the issue becomes more opaque. BBC Advertising and sponsorship guidelines state, “Political advertising is not allowed on any UK commercial service. In other territories, political advertising is only allowed where approval has been given by the Advertising Governance Committee.”
The rules also state that advertising must not jeopardise the good reputation of the BBC or the value of the BBC Brand. It should:
- Be suitable for the target audience
- Meet consumer expectations of the BBC brand
- Not bring the BBC into disrepute
- Not give rise to doubts about the editorial integrity and independence or impartiality of the BBC
We ask the following questions:
- Did the Advertising Governance Committee approve these adverts?
- Who makes up this committee?
- What was the basis of their consideration given the sensitivity of the campaign?
- These adverts would not be allowed on any BBC UK commercial service. Given the intent of the advert is to influence the outcome of a UK referendum should the same spirit apply?
- Could these adverts give rise to doubts about the editorial integrity and independence or impartiality of the BBC
Many of the expats in mainland Europe are transient workers with voting rights in the UK or second homeowners who are also eligible to vote so it is important that these questions are addressed.
