BBC change rules for flagship presenters in wake of Gary Lineker row

28 September 2023 , 11:18

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Gary Lineker was taken off air by the BBC for criticising the government (Image: PA)

The BBC will allow presenters to 'express views on issues and policies' - six months after Gary Lineker was axed from Match of the Day for doing exactly that.

Lineker was taken off air by the BBC after describing the government's language about an asylum policy as 'not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s'. Outraged Tory MPs demanded an apology from the legendary footballer, but he stood his ground.

Lineker received a huge amount of support from pundits and commentators, who boycotted Match of the Day. The BBC opted to broadcast an edition of their flagship football highlights show without studio presentation or match commentary.

The BBC eventually climbed down and reinstated Lineker, as Director General Tim Davie promised an independent review of their impartiality guidelines. That review has now finished, with Lineker describing the new rules as 'all very sensible'.

Lineker took to social media to approve the amendments. As confirmed by the BBC, 'high-profile presenters' will be allowed to express their opinion - but they must stop short of 'political campaigning'.

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The BBC have told presenters they have 'a particular responsibility to respect the BBC's impartiality, because of their profile on the BBC'. Yet the new guidelines will allow them to have a 'freedom of expression'.

Presenters aren't allowed to 'attack or endorse' a political party while their show is on air. If they are involved in a series, they must also follow that rule for a two-week window before and after it airs. This rule would apply to The Apprentice's Alan Sugar, for example.

A vindicated Lineker was soon reinstated (Getty Images)

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Presenters are banned from criticising 'the character of individual politicians', and they aren't allowed to comment on a political issue during an election period. They are also not allowed to take up an official role for a political campaigning group.

The BBC have also published new guidelines on the personal use of social media for every employee. The review was completed by John Hardie, as the former TV executive spoke to more than 80 people both inside and outside of the BBC.

Hardie said: "The BBC should set a new mission to promote civility in public discourse, and insist that all those who present BBC programmes should respect diversity of opinion and exemplify the BBC's ethos of civility on social media.

"The British public expect BBC non-news presenters to maintain high standards on social media and respect an appropriate balance between impartiality and freedom of expression. It is timely for the BBC to clarify where that balance lies."

Tom Blow