This year, like many it seems, I was disappointed by the lack of visibility of Red Ribbons by members of the television media.  Wearing a Red Ribbon is a very little action that does so much to keep HIV/AIDS in the mindset of the wider general public.  I was particularly disappointed by the BBC which is a public body and has additional duties accordingly to society as a whole over and above commercial broadcasters. Not least as those living with HIV/AIDS pay taxes and the mandatory license fee for any television they own.

I asked the BBC for a statement in response

"Reference CAS-1144170-MVM3D1

Thanks for contacting us regarding World AIDs Day.

We understand you were unhappy very few BBC presenters were wearing the red ribbon to mark World AIDs Day. We appreciate in your view, this was extremely disrespectful and failed to make viewers aware of the occasion.

As with the wearing of a poppy, the BBC does not force any member of staff, on television or otherwise, to wear a red ribbon for this cause, or any kind of badge in support of a cause. This is entirely down to the individual presenter and what they personally choose to do.

Please be assured we appreciate your strength of feeling on this, and therefore we've registered your comments on our audience log. This is a daily report of audience feedback that's made available to many BBC staff, including members of the BBC Executive Board, channel controllers and other senior managers.

The audience logs are seen as important documents that can help shape decisions about future programming and content.

Thank you once again for taking the time to contact us.

Kind Regards

Stephanie McGuckin

BBC Complaints"