High-Profile BBC Presenters Banned From Attacking Political Parties

The new BBC guidelines come after a row over a presenter’s social media post that compared UK asylum policy to 1930s Germany.

"Match of the Day" host Gary Lineker leaves his home following reports that the BBC is to have a "frank conversation" with the ex-England striker after Home Secretary Suella Braverman branded as "irresponsible" the TV presenter's comments in which he compared the language used to launch the government's new asylum policy to 1930s Germany, in London, on March 9, 2023. PA Media

Flagship presenters are free to express their views on social media but should stop short of endorsing or attacking political parties, according to new BBC guidelines.

The broadcaster has published a guide on individual use of social media, outlining rules for high-profile presenters and those working across all news divisions.

The new rulebook comes after a row over Gary Lineker’s social media posts. In March, the “Match of the Day” presenter wrote a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, criticising the government for its policy on illegal immigrants crossing the English Channel.

The BBC decided to take Mr. Lineker off air after the post, only to reinstate him after he was backed by pundits Alan Shearer and Ian Wright, who refused to appear on the show.

The review of the social media guidelines was conducted by former ITN boss John Hardie to eliminate “the potential confusion caused by the grey areas” and was welcomed by Mr. Lineker at the time.

Responding to the new guide, Mr. Lineker said in an X post that it was “all very sensible.”

Dos and Don’ts

The new guidelines stipulate that flagship presenters, which include Mr. Lineker, are not allowed to endorse or attack a political party, criticise the character of UK politicians, and comment on any political issue during general elections.

Presenters are also banned from taking up an official role in campaigning groups.

While the BBC said it acknowledged “the importance of freedom of expression,” it stressed the employees’ obligation to stay clear of undermining the broadcaster’s reputation and impartiality.

This extends to flagship presenters who use social media when their programmes are on air and two weeks before and after the series.

Among programmes affected are “The Apprentice” with Lord Alan Sugar, “Strictly Come Dancing” with Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, as well as “Dragon’s Den” with Evan Davis.

The impartiality requirements on social media do not apply to actors, dramatists, comedians, musicians, and pundits who work for the BBC. They cover shows like “Top Gear,” which is currently not in production, and radio shows presented by Greg James, Zoe Ball, Vernon Kay, and Scott Mills.

BBC Director-General Tim Davie thanked Mr. Hardie for a “thorough, clear, and considered report.”

“We all have a responsibility to treat people with civility and respect, particularly at a time when public debate and discussion, both on and offline, can be so polarised,” Mr. Davie said.

He said that the new guide was “proportionate and fair.”

Those found in breach of the guidance may face disciplinary action and possible termination of employment. The broadcaster said it may consider a potential employee’s social media activity if it “brings individuals or the BBC into disrepute.”

Good Name

Mr. Lineker’s social media post that brought on the review compared the government’s policy on illegal immigrants to that used by Germany in 1930s. The post triggered a reaction from the Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.

Mr. Cleverly did not name the “Match of the Day” presenter but said that those who are “desperate to gain attention by using deeply offensive and inappropriate language” should “use their history books a little bit more carefully.”

In its new guide, the BBC said that “in a world of polarised debate the core value of impartiality is more pronounced than it has ever been.” The BBC considers a reputation for impartiality as a “huge benefit” and an “obligation.”

The broadcaster’s impartiality was questioned earlier this year during a session of the Culture, Media, and Sport Committee, when Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said that the BBC is biased on occasion.

“I’m not going to give any specific examples of the examples of bias, but I think there are often complaints about the BBC, some of which have been taken up by Ofcom, which have been shown to be biased,” Ms. Frazer told the committee.

The BBC was dealt a blow to its reputation when it was revealed that its former Chairman Richard Sharp helped former Prime Minister Boris Johnson secure an £800,000 loan facility. Following Mr. Sharp’s resignation, the Commissioner of Public Appointments launched an inquiry into the appointment process for the chair of the BBC Board.

The deadline for applicants to replace Mr. Sharp passed last Monday.

PA Media contributed to this report.