BBC slammed over dressed down, jeans-wearing journalists

The days of BBC newsreaders wearing dinner suits to present the TV news belong to Lord Reith's long-gone golden reign.

But while few would demand the legendary director general's standards of formality, the dress sense of those delivering the news appears to have reached a new low.

After controversy about women newsreaders' rising hemlines, male reporters have been criticised for an increasing tendency to appear on camera in jeans.

Critics claim the BBC should show more respect for its audiences and make its reporters dress appropriately to appear in the nation's living rooms.

Others claim the increasingly scruffy appearance of BBC reporters meant they looked like they had "just stepped off the beach".

This could distract from the gravitas of the news operation.

The latest criticism comes as BBC newsreader Sophie Raworth appeared to raise the bar on the hemline battle yesterday.

She presented the lunchtime news in a purple summer dress well above the knee.

Viewers had already complained after presenter Emily Maitlis flashed her legs on a Ten o'Clock News trailer and Fiona Bruce showed a glimpse of thigh while presenting Crimewatch.

The show was instantly nicknamed ThighWatch.

BBC reporters Richard Watson and David Shukman are among the male contingent being criticised for being too casual on camera.

Mr Watson appeared on BBC2's Newsnight on Wednesday filing a report about extremist Islamic literature being available in public libraries.

He sported designer stubble, turned-up jeans and brown loafers.

Mr Shukman, the BBC's science correspondent, appeared in a tieless shirt and jeans combination when reporting on the Pirbright foot and mouth outbreak a few weeks ago.

Conservative MP David Davies criticised the BBC's informally dressed reporters, claiming casual wear did not befit serious news and current affairs programmes.

"I certainly wouldn't turn up to a broadcaster looking like I have come off a beach," he said.

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"T-shirts and jeans would be fine if they were on Blue Peter but these are programmes that pride themselves as the country's top current affairs and news programmes.

"A suit would be more appropriate.

"I was brought up in the Seventies - but personally I think you have got to dress for the occasion and that means smart clothes for TV."

He speculated whether reporters would soon be seen reporting on royal occasions "wearing tracksuits, bling and a baseball cap".

John Beyer, director of pressure group Mediawatch UK, said: "I think it shows respect for the audience if the presenter looks well presented.

"But equally it is not what they wear, it is what they say.

"It is the quality of the news and the current affairs and the unbiased nature of it.

"At the same time I do think newscasters and presenters ought to have respect for audiences and dress accordingly."

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The latest criticism follows an outcry after appearances by Miss Maitlis and Miss Bruce led to a debate about dress sense on the BBC about two weeks ago.

Miss Maitlis, 36, provoked viewer complaints after she perched casually on the edge of her circular desk, and swung one toned leg over the other.

One viewer had complained: "Let's hope it doesn't become a permanent feature. I don't remember Sophie Raworth ever indulging in this conduct."

But yesterday Miss Raworth got in on the act in her short purple shift.

A BBC spokesman said: "We don't have a formal dress code but it is important that what people wear doesn't distract viewers."