Further to an earlier post...
DB at Biased BBC has followed up his spotting of a particularly biased tweet from a BBC journalist with the self-same journalist's apology:
I sincerely apologised for making partisan comments on the situation in #Gaza - it was against my employer's guidelines. Lessons learned!
— Naziru Mikail (@nazirumikailu) July 23, 2014
(He probably meant "I sincerely apologise" rather than "I sincerely apologised").
On previous occasions, DB's catches have resulted in the Head of BBC News, whether it be Helen Boaden or Mary Hockaday, sending out emails to BBC staff reminding them that they shouldn't compromise the BBC's reputation for impartiality by sounding off on social media:
Helen Boaden (2010):
Dear All,
We have had some occasions recently of BBC News staff using social networking sites to share with the world their somewhat controversial opinions on matters of public policy and the future of the BBC. Unsurprisingly, these have been picked up by the wider web and used to discredit the BBC and its impartiality. We have Editorial Guidelines which cover the personal use of the internet …which everyone should observe. We also have brains and judgement which I suggest people fully engage before rushing to communicate. Hx
Mary Hockaday (2014):
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.'
The last time this happened, I wrote, "I rather suspect that DB will have many more scoops, thanks to the 'rush to communicate' without 'brains' or 'judgement' of so many incautious BBC tweeters." And, indeed, here we are again.
Will Mary Hockaday be re-sending that email out now?
