Originally Posted by Pigfarts:
“Of course it's advertising! And what's wrong with that?!
Popstars do performances on shows like the X Factor (incl. some of the acts that Simon Cowell manages), so why shouldn't musical theatre shows appear on shows like this? The whole thing is advertising for Christs sake! X Factor want's to sell the winner's CDs and Over The Rainbow etc want to sell theatre tickets!”
The difference is the BBC are supposed to be free from advertising or product placement. That's why they put tape over tins of food. You can see it's Heinz baked beans by the label, but you're not allowed to see the brand name as it may look like they are favouring that brand. When you look at some quiz shows on the BBC you'll notice that the contestants take a swig from water bottles and put them on the floor and not leave them on the desk.
It's totally ridiculous because they will then have a guest on their shows whether it's Jonathan Ross or Breakfast TV and they talk and promote their product which is of course advertising it. It is wrong but tehy have to "pretend" they don't advertise because if the do they can't say they need the licence fee to survive.
That is why this kind of complaint is always popping up aimed at the BBC. They're breaking their own rules and guidelines. The BBC can't have it their own way. Take adverts or the licence fee, but not both.
