The BBC has issued a formal warning to presenter Gethin Jones after he repeatedly broke strict on-air rules by promoting a watch brand for which he is a paid ambassador. The 48-year-old, a familiar face on the broadcaster for decades, was spotted wearing numerous timepieces from the high-end company Clogau while hosting the BBC morning show Morning Live alongside Helen Skelton and Michelle Ackerley.
BBC Guidelines Breached
BBC guidelines clearly state that presenters "must not appear on-air wearing clothing or using products or services which they have been contracted to promote." A BBC Studios spokesperson told The Mail on Sunday: "We have clear guidelines around presenters' commercial activities, and Gethin has been reminded of these."
Jones, who began his BBC career on Blue Peter and later appeared on The One Show, has been an ambassador for Clogau for more than a decade. He has worn several watches from the brand in recent months, including one valued at £550 and another retailing at £420. According to reports, he has worn one particular black bezel watch more than 30 times on air.
Lack of Monitoring?
A source told the outlet: "It is completely unacceptable. Stars are blatantly flouting the rules. Clearly, there is not adequate monitoring. Gethin has worn these pieces for months now, unnoticed by producers and line managers." Jones also boasts nearly 200,000 followers on Instagram, where he regularly posts sponsored images promoting Clogau jewellery.
Not the First Offender
Jones is the latest BBC star to be reprimanded for breaching commercial guidelines. Earlier, Monty Don, 70, appeared in a £300 Barbour jacket while filming Gardeners' World, shortly after featuring in an ad campaign for the brand. The BBC responded similarly at the time: "We have clear guidelines around presenters' commercial activities while working with the BBC, and Monty has been reminded of these guidelines."
The incidents highlight ongoing challenges in enforcing the BBC's strict impartiality and commercial independence rules, which aim to prevent any perception of bias or product endorsement on its programmes.
