Circumspection required

Here's a bet::  BBC News will re-issue rules on staff blogging, Twittering, etc by the end of the day, thanks to Biased-BBC, Guido Fawkes and Rachel Kennedy.  Rachel is a strand editor on the News Channel (nee News 24).  On Twitter, her brief bio is "TV News Ed, Responsible Tourism MSc student, travel addict, trip planner and disorganised mum".    Sadly, no disclaimer saying "views expressed are my own, not of my employer".

She does express views. Here's a fairly harmless one from yesterday "Just seen George Alagiah arriving at TVC in his Smart Car * respect".  Others have a clearer view on life.  Perhaps Rachel can put it down to ill-health.

1650 Wednesday update: Email from Director of News, Helen Boaden, to staff (as reported by Mr Plunkett's Media Monkey)

Dear All, 

We have had some occasions recently of BBC News staff using social networking sites to share with the world their somewhat controversial opinions on matters of public policy and the future of the BBC. Unsurprisingly, these have been picked up by the wider web and used to discredit the BBC and its impartiality. We have Editorial Guidelines which cover the personal use of the internet ...which everyone should observe. We also have brains and judgement which I suggest people fully engage before rushing to communicate.

Hx