Leaked BBC email reveals strict dresscode for newsreaders - including avoid M&S
TUNING in to see Fiona Bruce read the news clad in a black skin tight PVC top might be a bit of a distraction for viewers, but you would think a good old M&S cardi would be all right.
BBC editor Sam Smith has urged newsreaders like Fiona Bruce to step up their style choices on TV
But a bossy BBC edict on dress codes for presenters has put the middle England store’s range Per Una at the top of a list of what not to wear on screen.
The leaked memo, from senior BBC editor Sam Smith, implores her team to “up our game” in the style stakes.
Alongside a lengthy list of don’ts - including fur, PVC and flip flops - Ms Smith, editor of BBC’s Inside Out South West current affairs show, has singled out Per Una for a special mention.
“No cardies,” she sniffed.
“Even the very nicest ones in real life look too casual on TV. Avoid Per Una.”
The line has become a major success for Marks & Spencer since it was launched in 2001. But it doesn’t cut the mustard with Ms Smith, who lives in Plymouth with her partner Peter and their two children.
Ms Smith put clothing store Per Una at the top of the list of clothes to avoid wearing
TV is entirely artificial. Things that look great in real life can easily look distinctly odd on the telly.
She opened her missive with a modest reminder of her authority on the subject of on-screen style.
She wrote: “The below is my view based on long experience of getting it wrong and very occasionally right both reporting and presenting… this is a starting point for a conversation so pitch in with your own thoughts. This is a minefield of PC pitfalls."
But naming no names, she went on to trash the choices of presenters, both male and female.
She opined: “Women - the starting point is a smart jacket. You need at least one black for sombre stories.
Sam insisted her staff should also avoid wearing clothes from M&S
"Skirts should reach to somewhere around your knees - controversial, maybe - but I honestly believe anywhere else is distracting.
"Hair - I wore mine below shoulder length for years. It was a nightmare and required a ridiculous level of attention. Shoulder length and above is easier to cope with.”
For men, she states: “Jeans and chinos - generally no. Chinos went out on-screen with [1980s pop group] Haircut 100.”
She finished: “TV is entirely artificial. Things that look great in real life can easily look distinctly odd… on the telly.”
Sam insisted women should wear knee length skirts to avoid distracting viewers
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It is not known whether any BBC staff have taken Ms Smith’s tips on board.
A BBC spokesman said: “This informal advice was shared with a small number who appear on-screen about what does and doesn’t work on camera or under TV lighting.”
SAM SMITH'S STYLE TIPS
Do
Block colour clothes
Well-fitted suits
Simple make-up
Shoulder-length hair (for women)
Knee-length skirts
Smart jackets
Don’t
Per Una
Patterned clothes
Jewellery
Sunglasses
Trainers – unless the story involves running
Leather, mock-leather
Fur
PVC
Flip-flops – unless worn on a beach
Jeans
Chinos
Shorts
Sandals
Logos
Elaborate make-up
Boldly coloured or patterned tights