BOGOF

It's a tricky balance, but I have noticed the BBC often seems to have become an additional commercial arm of the retail trade.

You kind of expect and allow that some author or film star (who are simply business persons in another industry) get to flog their wares to a rapt presenter, but watching the morning news 'business' section it's really getting beyond a joke.

I just watched M&S's Sir Stuart Rose breeze over a few possibly reasonable areas of business interest (giving folk recyclable bags is 'popular'. Well, D'Uh. What the enviROI of all that is I don't know. Plus where the 5p charge for the new plastic bags you'll need, if and when you forget to bring the other version subsequently, goes where?) to get to the real point: a screed of PR speak on how the new stores will be lovely with great stuff, etc, etc. He even grabbed a pair of knickers of the rail to squeeze in a 'shop now for Xmas, plea'.

Really Aunty. I have just one word for you: BOGOF - Bringing On Gents Obviously Flogging

ADDENDUM - A few days on, and I am treated to an extended commercial for Tesco. This time it is its attempts at cracking the US market with Fresh 'n Easy. I guess I can just about see how this can happen in a 'business' section.

However, there was a certain irony with it being in sequence with a slot on a restaurant who has got into the Guinness Book of Records by offering up (for all who visit and pay) the world's most expensive dessert. This is by the simple expedient of serving it in a gaudy ton of precious metals on the outside, and pouring more of the same into it.

Obviously a good way to get any media who are tired of moderation or reduced consumerism slots to aid the cause of MWCC I guess.