Thursday, 28 May 2015

"Don't be seduced by the informality of social media into bringing the BBC into disrepute"


Like Sue, things are proving a bit hectic this week - so apologies for the lack of posts.

I'd just like to point out that we forgot to mark the first anniversary of BBC Head of Newroom Mary Hockaday's email to BBC staff (echoing an email sent out just a few years earlier from her predecessor, Helen Boaden):
Social media is now a vital part of our work, allowing us to get our journalism to new audiences, connect with people, and gather news as it happens.
But the guidance is clear when it comes to personal activity: 'As a BBC member of staff – and especially as someone who works in News – there are particular considerations to bear in mind. They can all be summarised as: 'Don't do anything stupid.'
"I'd also specifically draw your attention to the following section: 'You shouldn't state your political preferences or say anything that compromises your impartiality. Don't sound off about things in an openly partisan way. Don't be seduced by the informality of social media into bringing the BBC into disrepute.'
Of course, many BBC members of staff have carried on regardless.

Here's a quick trip around some of the latest tweets from BBC journalists who have featured here at ITBB before.

Do any of them state political preferences, say anything that compromises their impartiality, or sound off about things in an openly partisan way?
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