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 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.
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.”
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.”
“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.
