Advertising for contributors
We should only advertise for contributors to factual and factual entertainment programmes as a last resort when other research methods have been exhausted. When we do use adverts or make appeals within programmes we must word them carefully to avoid bringing the BBC into disrepute.
There are risks in advertising for contributors whether using posters or personal adverts in newspapers, specialist publications, or the internet. The people who reply are self-selecting and may seek to appear regularly as "serial guests". We need to screen out those who are unsuitable or dishonest and those prone to exaggeration.
It may be appropriate for entertainment programmes to advertise for contestants and audiences. Even then all appropriate checks should be made to screen out unsuitable or untruthful contributors.
The proposed wording of all written adverts, including those for entertainment programmes, must be referred to the relevant divisional representative or for Independents to the commissioning editor.
Any proposal to use a chat room or message board to find contributors must be referred to the relevant divisional representative or for Independents to the commissioning editor.