Why does the BBC promote MySpace?

Question

The BBC generally tries to be impartial and presenters often avoid mentioning brands, such as iPod & Playstation, using a generic term instead. Yet, particularly on their radio stations (and related websites), they consistently promote MySpace.

Considering there are many other social networking sites and MySpace is owned by Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. (who also own Fox News and Sky, major competitors to the Beeb) this seems very strange.

Surely their reputation of impartiality is more important than any potential increase in audience, especially considering they don't rely on advertising for funding.

Why would the BBC direct people to hand over personal information to News Corp which could then be used to give Sky and Fox News a commercial advantage over the BBC?

Answer 1

BBC is very heavily into branding now, marketing takes place in the background on virtually every program I watch. Even David Attenborough wears branded clothing on his excellent programs.

BBC impartiality unfortunately does not pay any bills, so it appears it is something else that they have laid to rest.