BBC World News (DStv 400 / TopTV 400) has broadcast inappropriately sponsored content on the global 24 hour channel, with several programmes shown that were actually a conflict of interest. BBC World News is taking steps to prevent a re-occurence.
The BBC Trust that governs the BBC and channels such as BBC World News, says more than a dozen shows were broadcast that broke the channel's editorial guidelines. BBC World News will no longer buy or show any programmes that contain sponsored or commercial messages and has changed its acquisition policy.
''We have found that several programmes shown on the BBC's World News channel had been inappropriately sponsored,'' says Richard Ayre from the BBC Trust.
''BBC World News will not acquire programmes for a low or nominal cost and it will no longer accept sponsorship from non-commercial organisations.''
