Newspapers’ Celebrity References

References to a living person in advertisements by newspapers are permissible without that individual’s permission, provided that the individual would have no reason to object, and  references aren’t defamatory or denigratory.

In cases where Radiocentre and the advertiser disagree over whether the relevant person is likely to object, Radiocentre may ask the advertiser to obtain the permission of the person(s) concerned or, in the case of potentially defamatory references, to obtain a legal opinion. General phrases (e.g. ‘we investigate allegations about X’ and ‘we tell the story of Y’) are more likely to be approved than specific accusations which could be challenged.