MAM
BBC probe gives clean chit on product placement allegations
MUMBAI: The BBC has completed an investigation into allegations of product placement and product prominence made in the Sunday Times in the UK.
The investigation, which was conducted by BBC’s chief adviser for editorial policy Claire Powell, began after a report in the Sunday Times last month claimed that businesses paid thousands of pounds to get their products shown on BBC TV programmes.
The investigation found that a number of people in independent production companies working for the BBC were offered an unspecified payment by an undercover Sunday Times reporter in exchange for featuring products on air and the BBC “is deeply reassured” that in every case this offer was refused. In none of the programmes investigated did anyone give guarantees that a product would be featured if it was supplied for free or at a reduced cost.
In many cases where the Sunday Times alleged that products seen in programmes had been supplied for free by companies, the investigation found that they had either in fact been paid for by the programme, or in one case was personal property lent to the programme by a member of the production team.
The investigation found that in every case where products had been sourced for free, this was done in accordance with the BBC’s guidelines. However, the investigation found that in some of the programmes reviewed there were instances of product prominence which were not fully editorially justified.
Whilst inclusion of the products was justified, the way that they were shot went beyond the minimum visibility recommended in the BBC’s guidelines. In no instance was there an inducement to feature them on air.
In addition, the investigation noted that an independent programme maker had acknowledged he had been unwise to entertain a hypothetical conversation with an undercover reporter about featuring a product in a programme in production.
However, it found evidence that the programme maker had rightly pointed out the BBC’s guidelines to the reporter and in addition in a meeting immediately following the discussion had made clear to his programme team that the offer was not to be pursued.
In any event, no product appeared on air as a result of the approach and no guarantees were ever given. The BBC will issue more comprehensive guidance to programme makers on product placement and product prominence and to heighten the awareness of programme makers in this area in the light of this investigation.
BBC Television director Jana Bennett, said, “Viewers expect realism in modern drama and entertainment and the BBC’s guidelines set out how products may appear in programmes to achieve this.
“I am satisfied that this thorough investigation has confirmed to us that production teams working for the BBC acted with integrity in dealing with offers of payment in exchange for featuring products.
“However, I expect all BBC television programmes to maintain the highest standards of compliance in relation to the BBC’s guidelines. To ensure this, constant vigilance is necessary.
“I accept the recommendation of the investigation that a programme to ensure increased awareness of the BBC’s rules on product placement and product prominence should begin immediately.
“We will also work on ensuring that where necessary programme makers are given additional support in ensuring that programmes fully comply with our rules before transmission.”
Brands
Lotus Herbals unveils HydroActivated sunscreen with high-impact campaign
Harnaaz Sandhu fronts digital push spotlighting breakthrough sun care tech
MUMBAI: Lotus Herbals has rolled out a high-decibel marketing campaign to introduce what it calls India’s first hydro-activated sunscreen, aiming to reshape how consumers think about sun protection.
At the centre of the launch is the Safe Sun HydroActivated Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++, a formulation built on a patent-pending Hydrosome Technology that activates on contact with moisture. Unlike conventional sunscreens that can weaken with sweat, this product is designed to do the opposite, boosting protection when the skin is exposed to water or perspiration.
The campaign is led by Harnaaz Sandhu and is being amplified across OTT platforms, social media and outdoor locations in key metro cities. The brand film takes a light, relatable approach to everyday sunscreen struggles such as uneven application and fading protection, while positioning the new product as a reliable, high-performance alternative for active lifestyles.
Beyond its core technology, the sunscreen features next-generation UV filters and Edelweiss Flower Extract, offering hydration alongside protection. The formula claims up to 10 hours of water resistance and even, all-round defence against sun exposure and tanning, targeting consumers who want both skincare and performance in one product.
Speaking about the launch, Lotus Herbals chairman and managing director Nitin Passi said, “We are excited to launch India’s first sunscreen with hydroactivated technology which is our most innovative product launch. This isn’t just a sunscreen; it’s a technological breakthrough that utilises a novel manufacturing process. We’ve created a product that stays invisible on the skin yet becomes a performance powerhouse when the user is most active.”
Sharing her experience, Lotus Herbals brand ambassador Harnaaz Sandhu said, “I am thrilled to be associated with Lotus Herbals Safe Sun for their new sun protection campaign. In my world, there is no room for shortcuts, and I need functional and reliable products that work as hard as I do. The hydroactivated sunscreen is a game-changer because it blends with my skin and protects me better when I’m pushing my limits.”
The campaign is being distributed across platforms including JioStar connected TV integrations and ZEE5, along with television placements such as Sa Re Ga Ma Pa in West Bengal. A large influencer push involving over a thousand creators, along with in-store branding and retail activations, is also part of the rollout.
With a blend of science-led positioning and mass-market storytelling, Lotus Herbals is betting on innovation to stand out in the crowded sun care segment, hoping its moisture-powered promise strikes the right chord with today’s always-on consumers.
