Conflicts of interest
Conflicts of interest can arise for anyone who appears on air or has responsibility for the content of a programme or service. There must never be any suggestion that personal, commercial, business, financial or other interests have influenced the BBC's editorial or financial decisions.
Presenters, reporters, producers, editors, researchers and managers are all affected. The higher someone's level of editorial responsibility, the greater the need to avoid any possible conflicts of interest. There may be particular sensitivities concerning the activities of on air talent.
Conflicts of Interest Guidelines are available on this Editorial Guidelines website. For most people there is a BBC contractual requirement to comply with these guidelines which include advice on:
- non-BBC writing commitments
- public speaking/public appearances
- media training
- connections to charities and campaigning organisations
- political activities
- hospitality and personal benefits
- financial and business interests
- on air talent and commercial advertising
- independent production companies owned by talent or their agents.
Production and editorial staff are required to declare any personal interest or relationships which may affect their work. They should discuss any possible conflicts of interest with their line manager.
Freelance presenters, reporters, producers and researchers are normally contractually required to declare any personal interests or relationships which may affect their work with the BBC.
There are particular constraints on those involved in financial journalism. If a financial or consumer advice programme or website makes a direct recommendation by a BBC person to buy a particular financial product or service it is essential that the item is produced in accordance with the BBC Financial Journalism Guidelines. It will be necessary to make clear on air or on the website that these guidelines have been followed and where our audience can refer to them.