News and Current Affairs staff and blogging
Impartiality is a particular concern for those working in News and Current Affairs. Nothing should appear on their personal blogs which undermines the integrity or impartiality of the BBC. For example, News and Current Affairs staff should not:
- advocate support for a particular political party
- express views for or against any policy which is a matter of current party political debate
- advocate any particular position on an issue of current public controversy or debate
If News and Current Affairs staff are in doubt, they should refer immediately to their line manager.
If News and Current Affairs staff are asked to blog for commercial gain this could constitute a conflict of interest. Managers should consult the Guidance Note on Off Air Activities for Presenters and Editorial Staff in BBC News, Global News and Nations and Regions.
This Editorial Policy Guidance Note was first produced on 11 March 2008. It supersedes the Guidance Note on Employees Personal Weblogs and Websites.