MUMBAI: After negotiating a deal to buy jackets at a discount of 45 per cent from Berghaus clothing, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has been accused of allowing its presenters to advertise for the manufacturers of reliable outdoor clothing by the back door.

The back door advertising came to light after BBC’s presenters such as its news anchor George Alagiah and diplomatic correspondent Peter Hunt were seen in the jackets bearing Berghaus’ red and blue logo along with its name.

Similar was the case with the Corporation’s regional reporters Jon Kay, Alex Bushill and Fiona Trott, science host Professor Brian Cox and Coast presenter Neil Oliver. Regional reporters have also appeared in the firm’s clothing, as has the BBC’s diplomatic and royal correspondent, Peter Hunt.

It may be noted that guidelines of BBC’s editorial state that staff should adhere to a set of strict rules banning them from the on-screen promotion of products or brands.