BBC outlines new rules for presenters after Gary Lineker row
The BBC has outlined new rules for its flagship presenters following a row over Gary Lineker’s social media posts.
The BBC report says that high-profile BBC presenters should be allowed to express their views on issues and policies but stop short of political campaigning.
It comes after a review into BBC social media guidelines was published by former ITN boss John Hardie.
The flagship programmes include Match of the Day, which Lineker presents, plus The Apprentice with Alan Sugar. There will be “a particular responsibility to respect the BBC’s impartiality, because of their profile on the BBC”.
The new guidance recognises the importance of freedom of expression but says that while a programme is on air and for a two-week window before and after the series, presenters on flagship shows must not endorse or attack a political party.
They must also not criticise the character of individual politicians in the UK, or comment on any issue of political debate during an election period, or take up an official role for a campaigning group.
The other flagship shows include Antiques Roadshow, Dragon’s Den, The One Show, major sporting events, Masterchef, Top Gear and Strictly Come Dancing.
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