When organising joint editorial initiatives with outside bodies, care needs to be taken to ensure that they are not compromised by any agreement for mutual promotion. From time to time, newspapers or magazines may wish to run competitions or other interactive promotions in association with BBC programmes. Such arrangements are only rarely acceptable. Any such promotions must be editorially driven and the BBC must not enter into the arrangement for financial gain. There must be no mention on air of the newspaper or magazine and associated advertising should not imply BBC endorsement of the publication.
Detailed guidelines are available from Editorial Policy.
The BBC produces a range of commercial products which arise from programmes and which support, extend and enhance the service offered to the public. BBC products must not be promoted within programmes. However there are special on-air trails for BBC publications, videos, tapes and CD Roms which complement an associated BBC programme and extend access to its subject matter. Such products need to reflect the BBC s core values and standards and must conform to the BBC s Commercial Policy Guidelines. Particular care must be taken if independent producers have rights to develop merchandise associated with programmes.