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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5 comments:

  1. David Preiser29 May 2015 at 00:57

    I can't find an email address for DB. Any suggestions that don't include posting a comment at B-BBC?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Craig29 May 2015 at 06:31

      Well, you could send me an email via the link on the 'Contributors' section and I'll reply with DB's email address. Or if you're on Twitter, you could 'direct message' him (https://twitter.com/4d2b).

      Delete
    2. Craig30 May 2015 at 23:48

      Hope you've received my reply.

      Delete
  2. Emma29 May 2015 at 15:34

    Before we start: views are my own, clearly. Not those of Peter, despite this being on the avatar.

    ***

    When I was just starting my corporate career, directors from the 'top floor' were mighty beasts, whose displeasure was not to be courted. They could make or break you.

    I recall once there was a presentation that went horribly wrong, but rather than dealing with it the guy in charge went AWOL, leaving minions to tap dance. It was a watershed moment; respect is earned, and easily lost. The big bucks are not warranted if they only stop by rather than stop at the desk of the person earning them. This director was toast and gone in a week.

    It amazes and amuses me that the mucky-mucks from the upper corridors of the BBC appear to think that any of the compelled unique public funders outside their gilded cage will respect them, when clearly none of their staff inside have, do or will. These are people, and there are many, on hundreds of thousands of pounds per annum.

    It's an amazing example of corporate weakness. The BBC simply has no accountability at any level.

    Which is why there will always be Jasmines, Stephs, Jons, Declans, etc, doing what they please, and Marys and Helens simply making neutered pleas, which will be ignored.

    Me, I just pop another popcorn and await what is going to be a very spectacular conclusion one day, as this can only go one way.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Grant29 May 2015 at 17:41

    One of the many things I loathe about Beeboids is their all-knowing arrogance. I have no brief for Tony Blair but I suspect he has more understanding of Palestinian issues than some third-rate BBC hack !

    ReplyDelete

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