Editor's Review

  • BBC issues new rules for staff who want to participate in panels, filming at someone’s wedding, being a DJ, modelling or running promotions.

BBC has prohibited its staff members from having external engagement such as appearing on panels, working as Master of ceremonies at events like weddings or even DJing at such functions.

In a memo seen by NairobiLeo.co.ke, staff were asked to seek authorization from senior management.

"All external engagements for all staff, all over the world, need pre-approval from someone senior at the BBC. An “external engagement” is where you do some work for a company or organisation or individual which is NOT the BBC, whether you get paid or not," the write-up read.

"For example, writing an article or a blog, appearing on a panel, chairing a debate, speaking at a university, doing the filming of someone’s wedding, being a DJ, modelling or promotion," it continued.

Staff who will need to have such engagements were advised to submit certain details beforehand and cautioned that last-minute requests will not be approved.

The memo adds, "If you have an on-going commitment of this nature, rather than a one-off or short sequence of events, you need to complete a declaration of personal interest and discuss it with your line manager."

This comes barely hours after Royal Media Services also pulled the plug on their TV/Radio presenters, news anchors, and other staff members who work with advertisement companies.

RMS Managing Director Wachira Waruru noted that the use of some of the talents at the media house is affecting the business.

Media personalities who have in the past been working with brands due to their influence and a huge following on social media have now been barred from doing such advertisements.

The Memo further warned RMS workers against doing any advertisements or working on controversial ads.

RMS employees were directed to cease from such partnerships and if it is a must they will put forth a request that will be approved by their respective department's directors.