Graham Norton disciplined by BBC for wearing World Aids Day ribbon

Graham Norton

has been given a warning by the BBC for wearing a World Aids Day ribbon on his chat show.

The star and his guests Sharon Osbourne, Colin Farrell, Jo Brand and Jeremy Clarkson all wore the charity ribbon on the November 29th edition of his BBC One show.

The broadcaster’s guidelines state: “The BBC must remain independent and distanced from government initiatives, campaigners, charities and their agendas, no matter how apparently worthy the cause or how much their message appears to be accepted or uncontroversial.”

The only exception is wearing poppies in support of the Royal British Legion.

BBC entertainment controller Mark Linsey said that although Norton “cares passionately about” the cause, he was “in breach of BBC guidelines”.

The issue was raised by a member of BBC staff who had been told on a training course that staff must remain impartial.

“Can you ask the powers-that-be what action has, or is, being taken as a result of this? Is it only ‘talent’ on big contracts who can flout rules if they disagree with them?” he asked, in a letter to the BBC’s in-house magazine Ariel.

In reply, Linsey explained: “The production company has been contacted and reminded that he cannot do this and Graham has accepted he was wrong to do so. The BBC has been assured it will not occur again.”

The National Aids Trust said that the incident has raised concerns over BBC policy.

Chief Executive Deborah Jack commented: “Public awareness of HIV is generally very low and HIV-related stigma persists, so celebrities wearing a red ribbon around World Aids Day sends out a really positive message.

“If someone feels passionately enough to want to wear a ribbon that should be encouraged, not penalised. We hope the BBC will now rethink their policy on their presenters wearing red ribbons.”

What do you think about the BBC’s decision to warn Graham Norton? Do you think they should change their policy, or not?