Advertise your morals

In the March edition of BBC Science Focus,

I was surprised to discover an advertisement for Princess, a major cruise ship company, displayed on the back of the issue. As this magazine is predominantly focused on science – frequently featuring a section titled Green Papers that promotes awareness of global warming – I would assume BBC Science Focus

were more than aware of the obvious detrimental effects of cruise liners. Therefore, I found the fact that a corporation with such a negative environmental impact had been publicised a little immoral, to say the least. I was wondering why BBC Science Focus would choose to display an advert like this?

Phoebe Cullen, East Sussex

Thank you for getting in touch, Phoebe. As with many publications, advertisements published are not an endorsement of the products. To turn away adverts that are legal and truthful (as mandated by the Advertising Standards Authority) from selected advertisers on the basis that they offer foreign travel, yet accept advertising for the local UK travel industry, would be against the BBC rules on bias. Advertisements are an important revenue stream for the magazine industry, and without them many publications would be forced to close.

Emma Cooney, Immediate Media (publisher of

BBC Science Focus)